Malaucène, commune in Vaucluse, France
Malaucène is a small town in the Vaucluse area of southern France, nestled in a green valley and surrounded by mountains. It retains its medieval character with remaining town walls, narrow cobblestone streets, a 14th century church with a tall bell tower, and fountains and wash-houses that speak to everyday life in earlier times.
Malaucène emerged as a fortified settlement in the Middle Ages and first appears in written records around the 10th century, though archaeological finds show the area was inhabited since ancient times. In the 14th century Pope Clement V visited the town as a summer residence, and later the settlement suffered attacks and damage during the religious conflicts of the 16th century.
The Wednesday market in Cours des Isnards has brought locals together for over seven hundred years and remains central to how the town lives today. Visitors can taste and buy fresh cherries, apricots, asparagus, and other regional products directly from local growers who have farmed the surrounding area for generations.
The town is easily reached by bus with connections running between Carpentras and Vaison-la-Romaine, linking to larger cities like Avignon. The narrow old streets are best explored on foot, while hiking trails like the GR4 and the climb up Mont Ventoux are recommended for those seeking outdoor activities.
The Calvaire hill in the center of the village once held a 12th century castle that was later dismantled, but today three crosses mark the spot and offer views over the town's rooftops. Another unexpected discovery is a remarkably long stone bench inside the Saint Michel church, considered among the longest in France.
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