www.vaison-ventoux-tourisme.com. Far enough off the autoroute to escape casual tourists, Vaison offers a remarkable selection of historic sites. Above the 18thC New Town, two areas of the ancient Cité Gallo-Romain have been uncovered. Roman shoppers once strolled the Quartier la Villasse, and were entertained at the Théâtre in the Quartier de Puymin, www.vaison-la-romaine.com.

A Roman bridge crosses the Ouvèze to the picturesque medieval Haute Ville on the opposite bank. Clamber up the dark streets, past Renaissance houses, sunny squares and trickling fountains to the ruined Château for a marvellous view across town and to Mont Ventoux.