Pernes-les-Fontaines, its fountains and Ferrande Tower

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Between Carpentras and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Pernes can be explored through its fountains, medieval gateways and lanes. Ferrande Tower and the painted church at Les Valayans offer further discoveries, subject to their visiting arrangements.

Pernes-les-Fontaines

Pernes les Fontaines, nicknamed "Pearl of the Comtat", is a pretty Provençal town located at the foot of the Monts du Vaucluse facing Mont Ventoux, between Carpentras and Isle sur la Sorgue. It is crossed by the Nesque, a river with an irregular flow from the Vaucluse plateau through a spectacular canyon that flows through the Sorgues region.

Pernes was the capital of the Comtat Venaissin in the Middle Ages, from 1274 to 1320 before this status was transferred to Carpentras. In 1936, Pernes extended its name to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Springs abound in the surroundings, and since the 17th century fountains, then an external sign of wealth, have multiplied in the city. There are nearly 40 public fountains throughout the town, and around 120 fountains in total when private fountains are included.

A small, active Provençal town, Pernes-les-Fontaines would nevertheless gladly be called a large village, as it keeps alive the art of living of Provence in its aspect and its remarkable heritage. Three well preserved medieval gates allowed the entrance to the old town of Pernes. The Porte de Villeneuve flanked by two large round towers with machicolations is the most massive, but the most admirable is the Porte Notre-Dame flanked by two half-round turrets, and a 17th century bridge - formerly a drawbridge - over the Nesque. The ramparts were built only in the 14th century and left the parish church of Our Lady of Nazareth outside their perimeter, which is located opposite the gate on the other bank of the Nesque. It dates from the 12th century but was reworked in the 14th century probably damaged after a siege.

The narrow and winding streets of the old town, the ochre facades, the elaborate doors are typical of the atmosphere of the villages of Provence. The tourist office offers a walking tour, the "Circuit des Fontaines", which allows you to discover the city. The fountains with their curious mascarons brighten up the walk in the old town. It is strongly recommended to climb the calade and stairs that lead to the Clock Tower (Tour de l'Horloge), a square keep topped by an elegant wrought-iron bell tower. It is the keep of the castle of the Counts of Toulouse, built in the 11th century. The green plain of the Comtat Venaissin stretches from Pernes to Carpentras, bounded on the horizon by the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux.

The "Pernois", as the inhabitants of Pernes les Fontaines are known, make a remarkable effort to enhance their history and heritage. The Ferrande Tower houses superb medieval frescos. The Maison Fléchier was the birthplace of Esprit Fléchier, a renowned orator and preacher at the court of Louis XIV and a member of the Académie française. This 17th century mansion houses a museum of Comtadine traditions. In a draper’s shop, preserved in its original state since the beginning of the 20th century, the Pernois exhibit the traditional clothes worn by their grandparents.

The Ferrande Tower

The Ferrande Toweris a medieval tower in the old town of Pernes les Fontaines. On the third and last floor, 13th century frescoes cover the walls of the room. They are of great beauty and have come to us in an exceptional state of conservation. It is a real comic strip that illustrates the conquest of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily by the Count of Provence Charles of Anjou. With the support of the Pope, Charles, brother of Saint Louis, established Angevin rule through his victories in Italy and the Mediterranean.

The ochre colours remain vivid and the battle scenes are rich in detail. The painted narrative unfolds from one scene to the next like an illustrated chronicle. To see the frescoes inside the tower, check the tourist office’s guided-tour programme and book when required.

The Church Notre-Dame des Valayans

Les Valayans is a hamlet located in the commune of Pernes in the Comtat plain. Once a marshy and unhealthy territory, in the 17th century the first occupants undertook to dig canals to drain water, thus generating a rich and fertile land on which farmers built farms. With the cultivation of madder in the 19th century, the hamlet became prosperous, so much so that the inhabitants decided to contribute to build a church dedicated in 1855 to Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception. In 1875, the inhabitants commissioned the painter Charles Barbantan to decorate the interior of their church. Today it is a heritage treasure that really deserves a visit, listed in the inventory of historical monuments, its painted interior is remarkable.

Visit Pernes-les-Fontaines in photos : slideshow

Planning your visit

The fountain trail follows the town’s streets. Ferrande Tower, museums and the church at Les Valayans have separate visiting arrangements. Events listed below illustrate local traditions; check the current year’s programme for dates and confirmation.

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Sights and events

Tourist office website : porteduventoux.com

• Fountains tour
• Medieval fortified gates : Porte Notre-Dame, Porte Saint-Gilles, Porte de Villeneuve
• The Ferrande Tower : medieval tower and 13th century frescos
• Covered halls (17th century)
• Church of Our Lady of Nazareth
• Maison Fléchier: museum of Comtadine traditions

Coming to Pernes-les-Fontaines

GPS coordinates : N 43°59'50'' - E 5°03'28''

Pernes location : 10 400 inhabitants, altitude 80 metres , 7 km from Velleron, 8 km from Carpentras, 10 km from Venasque, 12 km from Isle sur la Sorgue, 16 km from Méthamis, 24 km from Gordes, 25 km from Avignon