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Pernes Les Fontaines
A city of art and water in Provence
Pernes-les-Fontaines is a charming Provençal town known for its rich historical heritage, monumental fountains, and typically southern atmosphere. Water flows everywhere: more than 40 public fountains punctuate the town’s streets, hence its evocative name. This abundance of water, rare in the region, has shaped the identity of Pernes since antiquity.
A little bit of history
Inhabited since Antiquity, Pernes-les-Fontaines reached its peak during the Middle Ages. The abundance of water, a rarity in Provence, allowed for the development of an exceptional hydraulic network. The birthplace of the illustrious Louis Giraud, creator of the Carpentras Canal, Pernes-les-Fontaines is crossed by this waterway as well as by the Nesque River, which flows down from the slopes of Mont Ventoux through magnificent gorges (see below). The public fountains then became a symbol of prosperity and ingenuity for the town. Even today, they constitute a strong part of the town’s identity. Some date back to the 16th century, such as the famous Fontaine du Gigot (Lamb Leg Fountain), and form a veritable open-air museum.
Iconic fountains: Gigot Fountain, Reboul Fountain, Cormorant Fountain, Hospital Fountain (see Fountain Trail below)
Historical heritage: Ferrande Tower (12th century) and its medieval frescoes, Notre-Dame Gate, remains of the ramparts, Notre-Dame-de-la-Rose Chapel (17th century), Comtadin Cycling Museum, unique in Provence
A day in Pernes-les-Fontaines
Take the time to stroll on foot, to stroll through the cobbled streets. Discover the shaded squares, the mansions and the many fountains. You will also find excellent tables.
Tourist circuit
Stroll through the streets of Pernes-les-Fontaines and discover the many fountains that each tell a story and undeniably contribute to the charm of the city. Throughout the route, you will also be able to observe the different monuments such as the Porte Notre-Dame, emblematic rampart gate, the Clock Tower or even the Cormoran Square.
From your smartphone, you can log in to the interactive map of the tourist office (paper version available on site).
Circuit of arts workshops
Pernes-les-Fontaines is labeled “Ville et Métiers d’Art”, a label that promotes the excellence of craftsmanship, contemporary creation and traditional crafts in the heart of Provence.
The city gathers a rich community of artisans and artists, gathered notably within Les Ateliers de Pernes, a course of workshops installed in the historic center.
This route, materialized by a route of the “suns” on the ground, allows to discover more than 25 art workshops throughout the city: potters, painters, glassmakers, jewelers, seamstresses, sculptors, instrument makers and much more.
To visit nearby
The Venice Comtadine is only a few kilometers away. By car, or better, by bike along the Carpentras Canal (part of circuit no. 11).
See our page dedicated to Isle sur la Sorgue
Joining Gordes via the Col de Mûrs remains one of our favorite routes. Stop at the hilltop village of Vénasque, an ancient medieval city clinging to its rock and ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
Then continue to:
This should be a must-do during your stay! Whether on foot or by bike for the more athletic, or by car to reach Sault and its lavender fields, the landscape is breathtaking.
Gorges de la Nesque
A spot for cyclists
Whether you are a weekend cyclist or a dedicated rider, Pernes-Les-Fontaines offers something for everyone.
For addicts, L’Officina will delight you. It is the Vauclusien specialist in Italian racing bikes. Mont Ventoux had better watch out!
https://www.lofficinabici.com/
For rentals in Pernes:
Vel’eau Loc ( Cycle One ) – https://www.veleauloc.com/
603 Av Charles de Gaulle 84210 Pernes les Fontaines
Mail: veleauloc.contact@gmail.com Tel : 04 90 62 18 14
We also recommend our guest house’s rental partner. Based in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, they can deliver on request (for a small additional fee).
TRUJI BIKE : http://truji-cycle.fr/
17 Chemin du Bosquet, 84800 L’Isle sur la Sorgue
Contact : trujibikeluberon@gmail.com ; Phone : 04 86 65 26 42
The most courageous (and fit) will set off to conquer Mont Ventoux, the Nesque Gorges, or the Col de Murs (see above).
For those who enjoy a family outing, the Via Venaissia, created on the old railway line of the Comtat Venaissin, is perfect. This greenway connects Orange to Velleron, passing through Pernes-les-Fontaines.
Useful addresses
Place Gabriel Moutte
84120 Pernes-les-Fontaines
Tel : 04 90 61 31 04
The Town Hall website presents an accurate agenda of festivities, exhibitions, markets, …. month by month:
Markets & Food store
For doing your shopping every day (except on Monday), there’s a market hall with a greengrocer, wine merchant, cheesemonger, butcher, fishmonger, and even places to grab a snack. We love it!
Where : 217 avenue de la Gare 84210 Pernes-Les-Fontaines
The farmers’ market takes place every Wednesday evening from April to October in Place Frédéric Mistral.
The weekly market in Pernes-les-Fontaines is held year-round on Saturday mornings in Place Gabriel Moutte and along Quai de Verdun.
To discover other charming markets, see our dedicated page.
Where to eat ?
Pernes Les Fontaines
A classic, home-style brasserie atmosphere, excellent food. The new terrace is fantastic, very large, perhaps too large (there might be a wait, but you’re on holiday, right?).
TEL : +33 (0)4 90 61 32 80
A former grocery store with vintage and comfortable decor offering inventive cuisine based on local products.
Where : 73 Place Louis Giraud, 84210 Pernes-Les-Fontaines
TEL : +33 (0)4 90 30 09 48
We love this cuisine that has a smile! Inventive and seasonal, reduced menu but which changes often. Beautiful outdoor courtyard in summer.
Where : 174 avenue Jean Jaures 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines
Tel : 09 81 98 69 51
“One day a chef told me, ‘Take a little bit from all the chefs you’ve worked with and make it your own cuisine.'” This is the gastronomic experience that Charlène Estevão offers in her restaurant. Book well in advance.
Where : 5 Quai de Verdun 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines
Tél : +33622482543
Despite its name, this is a Provençal brasserie in the former Pernes-les-Fontaines train station. A place with soul, and the food has that too.
Along the Via Venessia, cyclists love to stop at the Quai du Bistrot, an annex of the Bistrot, a tapas bar open during the summer season.
Where : 339 avenue de la Gare 84210 Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Tel : 04 90 61 81 92
In season, to eat outside a good grillade or salad.
Where : 221 Quai de Verdun, 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines, France
TEL : +33 (0)4 90 60 10 89
Because sometimes we like to try different cuisines, and we’re looking for something convenient to take away. The portions are generous.
In the surroundings
Where to drink a beer?
To recapture (a little) of the atmosphere of an Irish pub. With around fifteen beers on tap and live music.
Where : 603 Avenue Charles de Gaulle 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines
To enjoy the house made beer from “Brasserie La Déjantée”, located on the same site. Light refreshments available.
Where : 53 rue Porte Notre Dame 84210 Pernes-Les-Fontaines
I’m going!
Distance from Côté Provence : 12 km
Driving time : 15 mn
Directions to take (from Côté Provence’s gate) : right / right / left /left
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