Discovering Vaucluse (Department 84)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Vaucluse (department 84) is one of the most recognisable parts of southern France, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Known for its lavender fields, vineyards, historic villages, Roman heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle, it attracts people from around the world looking for sunshine, culture and an excellent quality of life.
Whether you are considering moving to Vaucluse, retiring in southern France, buying a holiday home or running a business, the department offers an appealing balance between vibrant towns, peaceful countryside and excellent transport links. While some areas are popular with tourists, much of Vaucluse remains authentically Provençal, making it an attractive choice for those wanting to enjoy everyday life rather than simply visit.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur |
Historic name | Comtat Venaissin (much of the department) |
Department number | 84 |
Department capital | Avignon |
Largest towns | Avignon, Carpentras, Orange, Cavaillon, Pertuis, Apt, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue |
Population | Approximately 570,000 |
Area | 3,567 km² |
Climate | Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, second-home owners, entrepreneurs, remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside major towns |
English-speaking community | Well established, especially around the Luberon and Avignon |
Lifestyle summary | Relaxed Provençal living with excellent food, culture, sunshine and varied landscapes |
Why Choose Vaucluse?
Vaucluse consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in southern France. Its appeal goes far beyond the famous lavender fields and picturesque villages.
Lifestyle
Life revolves around local markets, cafés, vineyards, outdoor dining and enjoying the Mediterranean climate. Even larger towns maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
Community
There is a sizeable international community alongside welcoming local residents. English speakers are well represented, particularly around Gordes, Bonnieux, Lourmarin and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, although learning French will greatly enhance daily life.
Scenery
The landscapes are remarkably diverse:
Lavender fields
Vineyards
Olive groves
The Luberon mountains
Dentelles de Montmirail
Mont Ventoux
River valleys
Historic hilltop villages
Each season offers a different character, from spring blossoms to autumn vineyards.
Accessibility
Vaucluse is exceptionally well connected.
TGV services from Avignon
Marseille Provence Airport within easy reach
Excellent motorway network
Easy access to Italy, Spain and the Alps
This makes travelling around France and Europe straightforward.
Food
Food lovers are particularly well served.
Local produce includes:
Truffles
Olive oil
Cherries
Melons
Goat's cheese
Seasonal vegetables
World-famous Rhône wines
Weekly markets are central to everyday life.
Culture
The department is rich in history.
Highlights include:
Roman monuments
Medieval villages
Papal history
Art galleries
Music festivals
Theatre
Traditional Provençal celebrations
The annual Festival d'Avignon is internationally recognised.
Property
Property ranges from city apartments to restored farmhouses, village houses and luxury estates.
The most famous villages command premium prices, but good value can still be found in less publicised areas.
Pace of Life
While Avignon offers city energy, most of the department enjoys a slower rhythm focused on outdoor living, community events and local traditions.
Vaucluse Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Comments |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent climate, healthcare and lifestyle. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good schools and outdoor lifestyle, though rural transport can be limiting. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of France's most desirable holiday home locations. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Strong tourism, food, wine and service sectors create opportunities. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Reliable internet in most areas and inspiring surroundings. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Walking, cycling, climbing and nature are all on the doorstep. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Avignon provides urban amenities, but the department is largely rural. |
Popular Places to Live
Avignon
Description
A historic city famous for the Palais des Papes and vibrant cultural life.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Remote workers
History lovers
Advantages
Excellent transport
Large range of services
Universities
Healthcare
Cultural events
Things to consider
Summer tourism can be extremely busy.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Description
Often called the "Venice of Provence", known for canals and antique shops.
Ideal for
Retirees
Second-home owners
Artists
Advantages
Beautiful setting
Weekly market
Strong café culture
Things to consider
Property demand keeps prices relatively high.
Gordes
Description
One of France's most photographed hilltop villages.
Ideal for
Luxury buyers and holiday homeowners.
Advantages
Outstanding scenery
Prestigious location
Beautiful architecture
Things to consider
Property prices are among the highest in the department.
Apt
Description
A lively market town in the heart of the Luberon.
Ideal for
Families, retirees and year-round residents.
Advantages
Excellent market
Good services
Access to countryside
Things to consider
Tourism increases significantly during summer.
Carpentras
Description
A traditional Provençal town with authentic local character.
Ideal for
Permanent residents looking for good value.
Advantages
More affordable housing
Strong local economy
Excellent food markets
Things to consider
Less internationally known than neighbouring towns.
Orange
Description
A historic town with impressive Roman heritage.
Ideal for
History enthusiasts and commuters.
Advantages
Excellent motorway access
Roman theatre
Good shopping
Things to consider
Busy road network around parts of the town.
Pertuis
Description
Located in the southern part of the department near Aix-en-Provence.
Ideal for
Professionals working across both departments.
Advantages
Good transport
Growing economy
Convenient location
Things to consider
Can experience commuter traffic.
Cost of Living
Compared with much of southern France, Vaucluse offers a wide range of property options.
Property affordability
Premium villages command high prices.
Traditional towns often offer much better value.
Rural properties generally provide more space for the money.
Shopping
Supermarkets are widely available alongside independent food shops and traditional weekly markets.
Utilities
Utility costs are similar to much of France, although summer air conditioning and winter heating should be considered depending on the property.
Eating out
There are options for every budget, from simple village cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Value for money
Although some areas are expensive, many residents find Vaucluse offers excellent value thanks to its climate, quality of life and local produce.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is excellent throughout the department.
Main hospitals include:
Centre Hospitalier d'Avignon
Centre Hospitalier de Carpentras
Centre Hospitalier Louis Giorgi in Orange
Hospital facilities in Cavaillon
Residents also benefit from:
Numerous local medical centres
Specialist clinics
Private healthcare facilities
Pharmacies in virtually every town
Some rural areas may experience longer waiting times for GP appointments, reflecting national trends.
Education
Families relocating to Vaucluse have access to:
Public primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges (lycées)
Vocational training
Higher education is available in Avignon, including the University of Avignon.
Several bilingual and international education options can be found nearby, particularly towards Aix-en-Provence and the wider Provence region.
Private French language schools are available in Avignon, Apt and several other towns.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Marseille Provence Airport
Nîmes Airport
Montpellier Airport
Rail
Avignon TGV provides high-speed services to:
Paris
Lyon
Marseille
Nice
Brussels (seasonal)
Regional TER trains connect towns across Provence.
Roads
Major routes include:
A7 Autoroute
A9 nearby
Well-maintained departmental roads
Public transport
Bus services connect towns, although frequencies vary considerably in rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes.
A car is highly recommended outside Avignon and the larger towns, allowing easy access to villages, healthcare, shopping and countryside.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Avignon | Saturday |
Carpentras | Friday |
Apt | Saturday |
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | Sunday |
Orange | Thursday |
Cavaillon | Monday |
Gordes | Tuesday |
Pertuis | Friday |
Local Food & Drink
Vaucluse is one of France's outstanding food destinations.
Local specialities include:
Black truffles
Olive oil
Lavender honey
Melons from Cavaillon
Cherries
Goat's cheese
Ratatouille
Daube Provençale
Tapenade
Herbes de Provence
Wine lovers can enjoy renowned appellations including:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Ventoux
Côtes du Rhône
Local rosé, white and red wines are widely available directly from producers.
Things to Do
Historic sites
Palais des Papes
Pont Saint-Bénézet
Roman Theatre of Orange
Ancient villages
Medieval churches
Outdoor activities
Cycling on Mont Ventoux
Hiking in the Luberon
Rock climbing
Canoeing
Horse riding
Museums
Art museums
Lavender museums
Wine museums
Local history collections
Festivals
Festival d'Avignon
Wine festivals
Lavender celebrations
Christmas markets
Village fêtes
Nature
Luberon Regional Natural Park
Dentelles de Montmirail
Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve
Sorgue River
Family attractions
Wildlife parks
Adventure parks
Cycling routes
River activities
Seasonal events
Good to Know Before You Move
Before moving to Vaucluse, it is worth considering several practical points.
Language
French remains essential for integrating into local life, although English is commonly heard in popular expatriate areas.
Rural living
Many villages have limited services, making a car almost essential.
Internet
High-speed broadband and fibre continue to expand, making remote working increasingly practical.
Seasonal tourism
Tourist numbers increase considerably during spring and summer, especially in the Luberon and Avignon.
Climate
Expect hot, dry summers, mild winters and occasional strong Mistral winds.
Community life
Joining local clubs, markets, sports groups and associations is one of the best ways to settle into the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
Find Properties for Sale, Rent, Winter and Summer Holiday Accommodation
Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
Comments