Journey to the heart of history with Puymin, La Villasse and the ancient theater
In Vaison-la-Romaine, the past never really sleeps… It still whispers through the stones, columns, mosaics and vestiges of a flamboyant era. For here, Romanity is more than just a word: it’s everywhere, alive, vibrant, in the open air.
Puymin and La Villasse: two ancient districts unique in France
Vaison-la-Romaine boasts one of the most extensive archaeological sites in France, and is an incredible opportunity for the curious, history buffs or simply those who like to stroll around with the impression of traveling back in time.
👉 The shady, peaceful site of Puymin offers an immersion into the daily life of a wealthy Roman city. Sumptuous villas, thermal baths, temple, basilica, archaeological museum: every step reveals a detail, a two-thousand-year-old scene of life. The Théo Desplans Museum, at the heart of the site, brings together magnificent statues, objects and models to help you better understand the city’s grandeur.
👉 A few steps away, the La Villasse district plunges you into a different, more commercial atmosphere. Here, the remains of stores, cobbled streets, fountains and rich mansions bear witness to the intense economic activity of Vasio Vocontiorum, Vaison’s former name under the Roman Empire.
The ancient theater: a living jewel
Built in the 1st century, Vaison-la-Romaine’s ancient theater is one of the town’s most emblematic monuments. Perfectly restored, it can now accommodate up to 6,000 spectators! And far from being just a vestige, it’s still alive with numerous shows, concerts and festivals, including the famous Vaison Danses Festival in summer and the Vaison Festival, which attracts a host of artists.
Attending a show in this setting is a magical experience: imagine the tiers bathed in golden light, with Mont Ventoux as a backdrop, and the breath of history accompanying every note, every word, every movement…
A city that embodies the Roman way of life
In Vaison-la-Romaine, Romanity is not limited to the stones. It infuses the art of living, the importance of markets, baths, theater and dialogue between cultures. It’s a precious heritage that the town keeps alive with passion. You can also admire the busts, including that of Claudius, and the frescoes, notably of Sabine and Hadrian. Hadrian’s was painted on the silo opposite our Moulin de César residence.
So, whether you’re staying with us at Escapade Vacances – Le Moulin de César, or just passing through our beautiful city, take the time to explore these incredible sites. You’ll discover much more than just a historic setting: a soul, an identity, an age-old art of living.
To stay as close as possible to the sites, consider booking at our establishment le Moulin de César
This vacation residence offers rooms set in a large park planted with flowers and trees, where calm and serenity reign supreme.
