Private Driver to Vaison-la-Romaine, Between Roman Ruins and a Medieval Town

What to see

• Puymin site: large Roman villas, the Roman theatre set into the hillside, and the archaeological museum with statues and mosaics found on site.
• La Villasse site: an ancient street lined with shops, baths and grand houses.
• The Roman bridge: built nearly 2,000 years ago, it still spans the Ouvèze river and is still in use.
• The medieval upper town: cobbled lanes and the castle of the Counts of Toulouse, with views of Mont Ventoux.
• The Tuesday morning market, one of the biggest in Provence.

Our options

• Avignon ↔ Vaison-la-Romaine (about 50 min): from 151 €
• "Roman Provence" day: Orange + Vaison-la-Romaine: on request
• Day tour Vaison-la-Romaine + Mont Ventoux: on request

Tip: one ticket usually covers both sites and the museum. Allow half a day.

Can you combine Vaison-la-Romaine and Mont Ventoux in one day?

Yes, easily: Malaucène, one of the starting villages for the Ventoux road, is only about fifteen minutes from Vaison. The best plan is to explore the Roman sites in the cool of the morning, drive up to the summit via Malaucène after lunch, and come down through Bédoin or Sault on the way back to Avignon. In winter the summit road is closed, so we swap that leg for the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Planning your visit to the Roman sites

Where to start

The Puymin site, with its theatre and museum, takes the longest, so begin there. La Villasse, just across the road, is quicker to visit. Your driver drops you at the entrance and meets you at an agreed spot afterwards.

Up to the medieval town

From the lower town, cross the Roman bridge and walk up the cobbled lanes to the Haute-Ville. The climb is short but steep, so wear comfortable shoes. At the top you will find medieval streets, fountains and the castle ruins, with wide views over the Ouvèze valley. If walking is difficult for someone in your party, your driver can drop you closer to the top.

A bridge that held

During the Ouvèze flood of September 1992, water poured over the Roman bridge, yet it stood firm while newer structures were swept away. It is a striking reminder of how well the Romans built.

When is the best time to visit Vaison-la-Romaine?

• Spring and autumn: mild weather, ideal for walking around the ruins, which offer little shade.
• Summer: go early in the morning. In July, the Vaison Danses festival takes place in the Roman theatre; an evening performance on the ancient stone seats is a good reason to book a late return with a driver.
• Tuesdays: market day. The town is very lively and parking is hard to find, which is one more reason to be dropped off.

What to see near Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison sits at the heart of an area full of villages and vineyards:

• Séguret, a hilltop village listed among the most beautiful in France, about ten minutes away;
• Crestet, a small medieval village overlooking the valley;
• The Dentelles de Montmirail, with Gigondas and Sablet for wine tasting;
• Nyons, in the Drôme Provençale, known for its olives and olive oil;
• Orange, about 30 minutes away, to complete a Roman Provence day trip with its Roman theatre.

Who is it for?

• Families: walking down a real Roman street brings history to life for children; child seats on request.
• Cyclists: Vaison is a handy base for Ventoux, and our 7-seat van carries bikes depending on the volume. See our Mont Ventoux page.
• Groups and visitors staying in holiday rentals in northern Vaucluse.
• Rail travellers: a direct transfer from Avignon TGV station takes about 50 minutes.

Tell us what you have in mind, whether Vaison alone or combined with Orange or Mont Ventoux, and we will confirm a fixed price per vehicle.

Get a quote

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to visit the Roman sites?

Half a day for both sites and the museum.

When is the market?

Tuesday morning.

How long from Avignon?

About 50 minutes.