This part of Provence has an amazing history dating back to the 12th century when the Knights Templar made it an important garrison, and by the 14th century when it was acquired by the Popes of Avignon and it became a part of the Papal State. Although these villages lie geographically within the "Départment" of the Drôme, when the "Départments" system was established after the French Revolution, the inhabitants of Valreas, Visan, Richeranches and Grillon, decided by referendum, to remain a part of the Départment of the Vaucluse and thus became known as an "Enclave" within the Départment of the Drôme.
A small medieval village that is well know for two reasons: (1) its rich history as the Keep of the Knights Templar from 1136 – this command center of the Knights Templar in this region is very well preserved and is open to the public; and (2) it is the Truffle Capital of Provence and the center of t…
The northernmost village of the Papal Enclave, two towers dominate the massive ramparts of Grillon. The Vialle district was the founding site for the village and is very typical of feudal town planning. At the foot of the town walls which encircle the old village is the Place de la Bourgade, shady a…
Since 1344 Visan had been a part of the Papal State and today is still a fortified stronghold flanked on both sides by hills. The winding streets show off fine village houses from the 17th and 18th centuries which still today are beautifully presented. The old village is accessed through old embossed…
This town is dominated by the 12th century tower of the Château Ripert and the imposing Romanesque Eglise de Notre Dame de Nazareth. The Château de Simiane with its 17th century frescoes is now the city hall. Other monuments such as the rope maker's tower, the two chapels of white penitents…