Mondragon
Domaine de la Guicharde ***
The Uchaux massif and Aygues Ouvèze,
in the footsteps of Jean-Henri Fabre
Located between fragrant garrigues, sunny vineyards, and panoramic views of the Rhône, the Uchaux massif, Mornas, Bollène, and the surrounding Aygues and Ouvèze rivers are the hidden gems of Northern Vaucluse. This region, where uncultivated nature meets a rich historical heritage, is an invitation for visitors to escape through walking trips, cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation.
Provence on the Rhône river
From Piolenc to Lapalud, passing through Bollène, this territory stretches the length of the Rhône to open up into Provence. Here the first lavender fields colour the landscape in June, and the countryside is bordered by vineyards.
Whether you arrive in Bollène by train, by bike via the Via Rhôna, or on foot via the Grande Randonnée (GR®4) route leading from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, this destination will act as a true gateway to the rest of the Vaucluse region.
Did you know?
In the 1980s, Lapalud became known as the “broomstick capital” thanks to an influx of holidaymakers on the National 7 road that led to around 30 stalls selling brooms, baskets and other typical handicrafts.
Today, the town still hosts a Broom festival every year in June.
A fortress that dominates the Rhône
Perched high on a cliff, the Mornas fortress, dating back to the 12th century, dominates the Rhône valley. Its imposing silhouette is impossible to miss from the road, even from several miles away. With such a view, there can be no doubt that the fortress was an effective line of defence for the town of Mornas.
Open from Easter to the beginning of November, the fortress hosts “visites animées”, interactive tours where knights and lords will introduce you to life in the Middle Ages.
The land of Jean-Henri Fabre
In Aygues & Ouvèze
Jean-Henri Fabre’s Harmas
Located in Sérignan-du-Comtat, the Harmas museum was once the house of celebrated entomologist and passionate observer of insect life Jean-Henri Fabre, acting as an open-air laboratory for the scientist. Today, in addition to housing to a biodiverse collection of preserved specimens, the museum also allows visitors to view Fabre’s study, collections and manuscripts.
The Naturoptère
Just a few steps away from the Harmas, the Naturoptère is an interactive museum dedicated to nature and the sciences. Across a series of exhibitions and workshops, it invites visitors both young and old to explore the mysteries of insect life, plants and ecosystems. Here scientific curiosity meets the poetry of life, in the spirit of Jean-Henri Fabre.
Practicalities of visiting Bollène and the Uchaux massif
Wondering where to find more information about visiting Bollène and its surroundings?
Provence Côté Rhône Tourisme website (fr)
How to get there, and how to get around?
By train: from Lyon Pare Dieu (2h15) and from Avignon (30 minutes)
> View the SNCF website (fr)
By bus: the Zou! bus network connects the town with the rest of the region via lines 901, 903 and 904
Via the city bus network
Three city bus routes (fr) serve the various neighbourhoods of Bollène
Single journey fare: €1
Où se garer ?
Zone intra-muros :
Place des Récollets et les 5 places situées rue Frédéric Mistral (jusqu’à l’intersection avec la rue Voltaire)
Square Gaby Pont
Rue Alexandre Blanc
Place Pierre Fontaine
Espace Pierre Millet
Zone extra-muros “est”
Boulevard Gambetta (côté numéros impairs)
Avenue Pasteur
Place Félix Charpentier
Zone extra-muros “ouest”
Cours de la République
Boulevard Victor Hugo
Voir le plan de stationnement
Tarif : payant du lundi au vendredi de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 18h (sauf le vendredi matin).1 heure gratuite
