5 reasons to visit the Vaucluse in Provence during autumn

In the heart of Provence during autumn, the Vaucluse enjoys a very pleasant climate: temperatures are truly enjoyable, ranging between 20 and 25°C during the day.

Mornings are cool, making them perfect for sports activities (hiking, cycling, horseback riding, jogging...), while afternoons are still warm enough to enjoy terraces or go sightseeing. Gone are the summer heatwaves! This is the perfect time to explore without suffering from the heat and to enjoy the beautiful golden light of autumn that enhances our fantastic landscapes.

The second reason to visit Provence in autumn:
fewer tourists and more tranquility!

In summer, the roads, picturesque villages, and most popular natural sites are often crowded. However, the peak tourist season comes to an end in September.
By staying here in autumn, you'll enjoy a quieter Vaucluse, away from the summer crowds.

You will savor the tranquility of the area, no matter what your current desires are:

- Discover some renowned perched villages of the Luberon: Gordes, Roussillon, Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes, Lourmarin, Lacoste...
- Visit important historical and cultural sites: Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, Ancient Theatre of Orange, Synagogue of Carpentras...
- Stroll through the charming streets of small towns in Vaucluse: Avignon, the papal city, Carpentras, the capital of Comtat Venaissin, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, our neighbor, nicknamed the Comtadine Venice...
- Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty: Mont Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail, Colorado Provençal, Alpilles...
- Simply relax on the banks of the local rivers: the Sorgue, Ouvèze, Toulourenc, Nesque...

You can find plenty of information about these in the following article: Top 5 rivers near L'Oréliane, our guesthouse.

The third reason to visit Provence in autumn: 
a stunning seasonal natural setting
and outdoor activities still available!

At this time of year, here in Provence, as everywhere in France, the landscapes shift from the vibrant green of summer to a warm, golden palette rich in varied colors typical of autumn.

Although we have already mentioned it in an old blog post dedicated to autumn, we can’t resist bringing this quote from Camus to light again (an autumn light, for the occasion): “Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.”

Just look at the vineyards surrounding us to be convinced: the vines are adorned with golden, red, and orange hues. These landscapes are particularly breathtaking in the Dentelles de Montmirail, around Mont Ventoux, and... here with us in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, a wine village since time immemorial (or almost!).

Read the article we dedicated to our village on this topic: The Vineyards of Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne.


The oak, pine, and beech forests take on shades of rust, ochre, and brown, beautifully contrasting with the limestone peaks nearby, starting with the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. The trees shed their leaves, creating lovely golden carpets that crunch under the feet of hikers. Nature walks are quite enjoyable in the gentle autumn light.

Vaucluse is truly an ideal playground if, like us, you are an outdoor enthusiast. There’s a choice of activities: hiking, cycling, horseback riding, various explorations, mushroom picking, climbing routes, or treetop adventures... There’s clearly plenty to do. Cross my heart and hope to die, if we’re lying, we’ll go to hell!

The fourth reason to visit Provence in autumn: 
 a remarkable seasonal gastronomic wealth!

Autumn in our Vaucluse is marked by a wonderful array of cultural and gastronomic events that showcase our art of living and local products.

Grape harvest festivals, festivals, farmers' markets... These are great opportunities to discover local products, such as truffles, honey, grapes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and many more!

The grape harvest is also in full swing during this season: the perfect occasion to explore the famous wines of the region (Côtes-du-Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vaqueyras, Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, Ventoux wines, Luberon wines...) Wherever you go around L'Oréliane, our guesthouse, you will find vineyards and fine wine! Many estates open their doors for tastings, guided tours, and sometimes even to participate in the harvest. These are convivial and authentic moments not to be missed.

Even though the peak tourist season has passed, the Vaucluse remains vibrant and offers numerous events in autumn. In a more relaxed atmosphere, these are great excuses to discover our region and the warm-hearted people who live here.

Here’s a small selection, but feel free to explore the calendars of the various tourist offices in the area; you’ll see the offerings are extensive and varied!

- The Brin de Culture Festival, here in Gadagne, at the Château de Fontségune on October 5 and 11. From wine culture to art photography: find more information here. 
- The Ventoux Saveurs Festival, running until the end of October, which highlights local products with botanical walks and culinary workshops.

- The Pumpkin Festival in Pernes-les-Fontaines, an original celebration with producer stands, culinary demonstrations, and activities for children.

- The Fascinant Week-End, from October 19 to 22, a festival centered around wine with gourmet walks, tastings, and workshops in the heart of the Ventoux vineyards.

And to conclude our selection... A MUST-DO AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFE:

- The Deer Rut! A unique experience around Mont Ventoux, to listen to the roaring of the deer for a night in a forest cabin.