Caumont-sur-Durance, the Roman Garden and Bonpas Charterhouse

Between Avignon and the Luberon, Caumont-sur-Durance brings together a hillside village, an impressive ancient ornamental pool and the historic buildings of Bonpas beside the Durance. Each reveals a different part of the area’s past.

Caumont-sur-Durance lies between Avignon, Cavaillon and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Its old centre rises above the Durance plain. The Roman Garden recalls an ancient villa, while Bonpas, a separate site beside the river, became a Carthusian monastery in 1318.

The old village of Caumont-sur-Durance

The old village of Caumont, built on the hillside, was protected from the flash floods of the capricious Durance. The church that dominates it preserves the tomb of Cardinal Philippe de Cabassole (1305-1372), Petrarch's great friend. The village has kept its old aspect and has some remarkable monuments.

The village with its narrow streets has kept its picturesque Provençal aspect. There are still important remains of 14th century ramparts, including the Porte Neuve (New Gate), which is more recent and dates from the 18th century. The parish church and its bell tower that points above the village date from the end of the 18th century.

Climbing the hill allows you to enjoy a wonderful panorama, the plain of the Sorgues region, the Vaucluse mountains, then the Luberon massif stands out clearly, separated from the Alpilles by the Durance valley, a very important communication route.

The village has, with the Saint-Symphorien chapel, built in the middle of the 12th century, a beautiful example of the second Provençal Romanesque period. Below it, a Roman garden was renovated in 2006, near a rich Gallo-Roman villa on which it was once an outbuilding.

Agricultural activity is predominant around Caumont, the vines on the hill produce grapes for the Côtes du Rhône, the orchards cover the plain of the Durance.

The Roman Garden

During prospecting work in the village of Caumont, archaeologists discovered the basin of a rich Gallo-Roman villa 65 m long, 3.20 m wide and 1.20 m deep, it is a major archaeological discovery. It is the largest ornamental pool discovered in Gaul.

Through a landscape design, the designers of the Roman Garden of Caumont wanted to evoke the luxurious Gallo-Roman villa and its opulent garden that was located on this site 2000 years ago.

We are near Via Domitia, the road that linked Italy to Spain via Provence. In Caumont was built a real rural palace, a rich villa with a lush garden and a magnificent view of the Luberon.

Created in 2006, the garden evokes ancient Roman planting through areas dedicated to different gods. Before planning a visit, check current access arrangements with the municipality; the landscaped garden and any indoor archaeological displays may have different opening arrangements.

Bonpas Charterhouse

The fortified buildings of Bonpas overlook a historic crossing of the Durance. The medieval religious establishment predates the arrival of the Carthusians: Pope John XXII entrusted it to them in 1318.

Legend has it that the place, then called "Maupas" (bad passage) was infested with robbers. A pious man, Sibertius settled here with some soldiers and built a chapel. He chased away the bandits and the secure ford was renamed "Bonpas".

Pope John XXII of Avignon transferred the building to the Carthusian monks in 1318. Over time, the monastery prospered and acquired many surrounding lands. In the 17th century it was an important local economic player.

The buildings and terraces recall the development of the monastery and its agricultural estate. A French-style garden overlooks the Durance valley. The photographs on this page record a visit; they do not guarantee that the same route or rooms remain open today.

In 2003, the Boisset wine group acquired the site. Bonpas remains associated with the wines of the southern Rhône Valley. For any visit or tasting, contact Bonpas directly before travelling.

Accommodation

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Caumont-sur-Durance website : caumont-sur-durance.fr

Sights and activities

• The old village partially surrounded by 14th century ramparts
• The parish church of Saint-Symphorien
• The Saint-Symphorien chapel, 12th century Romanesque chapel
• The Chapel of the White Penitents
• Roman Garden: check access with the municipality.
• La Chartreuse de Bonpas: bonpas.fr
• The Caumont wine terroir produces wine from the Côtes-du-Rhône
• Botanical path of Garance, 2 km long on the Piecaud hill overlooking the village
• Weekly market on Thursday mornings all year round
• Local events: check the municipality’s current programme.

Getting to Caumont-sur-Durance

GPS coordinates N 43°53'34'' - E 4°56'43''

 

Situation : altitude 45 metres, 4600 inhabitants, 6 km from Le Thor, 10 km from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 17 km from Orgon, 20 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 24 km from Oppede, 24 km from Gordes, 25 km from Avignon