Gîtes in Pernes-les-Fontaines

Three iconic sites to discover in Pernes-les-Fontaines

Pernes-les-Fontaines reveals its medieval identity through three major architectural landmarks. These monuments embody several centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the Classical period, and reflect the prestige the town once enjoyed as the capital of the Comtat Venaissin. A stay in a holiday cottage offers the chance to wander amongst these ruins, to study their façades and to understand the former splendour of this town in the Vaucluse.

1. Tour Ferrande

The Tour Ferrande stands in the heart of the town, a remarkable 13th-century building that has been saved from oblivion thanks to its frescoes. These murals are among the oldest preserved in France and provide a rare insight into medieval wall art. One of them depicts Charles I of Anjou, a major political figure of the time, alongside other motifs that reveal the aristocratic status of its owners. Listed as a historic monument, the tower alone is worth a thorough visit. The weathered colours of the frescoes, though darkened by time, retain an intensity that transports the visitor six hundred years back in time.

2. Notre-Dame Gate and belfry

The Porte Notre-Dame is the visual emblem of Pernes-les-Fontaines: a Gothic fortified structure spanning the Nesque Canal and marking the entrance to the old town. Its belfry, flanking the arch, serves as a reminder of the defensive and administrative functions of this major entrance. This gate symbolises the power that Pernes wielded when it was the seat of the count’s government. Upon passing through it, one realises just how strategic and prestigious this passageway was. Its imposing proportions, its distinctive Gothic architecture and its position overlooking the waterway combine to form a structure whose architectural grandeur endures despite the alterations made over the centuries.

3. The Cormorant Fountain

The Cormoran Fountain, built in the 17th century, embodies the abundance of water for which Pernes was renowned. Its main ornament, a bronze cormorant, was chosen for its elegance and its connection to water. This fountain is just one of the forty fountains that have given the town its name: an extraordinary network of springs and water distribution systems that sustained life in both medieval and modern times. Through the ages, these fountains have symbolised prosperity and local expertise in water management. The Cormorant Fountain, with its refined sculpture and its setting within the townscape, epitomises this pride in the town’s aquatic heritage.

These three monuments form a memorable journey through the history of Pernes. The holiday cottages in Pernes-les-Fontaines provide an ideal base for exploring these historic sites on foot, stopping to admire them and soak up the atmosphere of a town that has successfully preserved its medieval identity.

The ideal season to rent a holiday cottage in Pernes-les-Fontaines

Each season brings a different colour to Pernes-les-Fontaines and its Provençal surroundings. When to visit depends on what you fancy: enjoying the mild spring weather, savouring the intensity of the Mediterranean, or preferring the tranquillity of the cooler months.

Spring transforms the region into a canvas of colours. The almond and cherry trees are in bloom, temperatures are gradually rising, and the days are getting longer. It’s the perfect season for walks through the surrounding villages and visiting Provençal markets brimming with fresh fruit and vegetables. The gîtes welcome those seeking to escape the summer crowds whilst enjoying a pleasant climate, ideal for exploring the monumental fountains of Pernes and the walking trails in the surrounding hills.

Summer arrives with heat and dazzling light. The days are long, the nights balmy. This is the peak tourist season, when the atmosphere in Provençal villages buzzes with energy. Visitors enjoy the shaded terraces, swimming in the nearby Luberon, and the local festivals. A summer stay in a gîte offers an air-conditioned retreat after a day of exploring in the sunshine.

Autumn brings a special kind of mildness. Temperatures remain pleasant, the grape harvest brings the surrounding vineyard landscapes to life, and the low-angled light gilds the façades of the old buildings. Less crowded than in summer, this is the time for those seeking a more peaceful Provence, with perfect conditions for walks and heritage tours without the oppressive summer heat.

Winter is generally mild in Provence, with sunny days and cool temperatures. Frosts are rare, and snowfall is exceptional. It’s the season for meals by the fireside in holiday cottages with open fireplaces, for winter walks without the fatigue caused by the heat, and for discovering a region that moves at a slower pace.

Renting a holiday cottage remains the most flexible option: it adapts to your seasonal preferences, your schedule, and the pace you wish to set for your holiday in Provence.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Pernes-les-Fontaines

Pernes-les-Fontaines reveals its treasures as you wander through its streets, taking in its architectural heritage and Provençal landscapes. Here are three experiences that capture the essence of the place and turn a stay in a holiday cottage into a memorable adventure.

1. Explore the 40 historic fountains of the old town

The old town of Pernes-les-Fontaines certainly lives up to its name: forty fountains adorn its narrow streets, bearing witness to centuries of local history. Each one tells a different story, from Renaissance fountains to 19th-century creations. As you wander on foot, you’ll come across monumental fountains, unobtrusive basins and water jets nestled beneath vaulted arches. It’s a meditative stroll that engages all the senses: the sound of the water, the coolness of the inner courtyards, the stone of the ancient façades. Children love searching for the little hidden fountains, whilst adults are captivated by the architectural details.

Address: 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines.

2. Walk along the River Nesque and across the Vaucluse plateau

Beyond the village, the landscape opens up onto a variety of accessible walking trails. The Nesque winds its way through white limestone and Mediterranean vegetation, offering sweeping views of the Vaucluse plateau. The routes are suitable for walkers of all abilities, ranging from short strolls to more challenging loops. The plateau offers unobstructed views, ideal for breathing in the fresh air and observing the local wildlife. These walks embody the spirit of rural Provence, far from the hustle and bustle, accompanied only by the song of the cicadas and the rustling of the pine forests.

Address: 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines.

3. Côtes du Ventoux wine tasting at local cellars

The wine cellars of Pernes-les-Fontaines open their doors to curious visitors. The Côtes du Ventoux appellation produces full-bodied reds and crisp whites, reflecting the local terroir. A tasting at the winery offers the chance to understand the winemaker’s craft, chat directly with the producers and sample vintages not available elsewhere. These moments of interaction remain etched in the memory long after your stay.

Address: 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday cottage in Pernes-les-Fontaines

When choosing a holiday cottage in Pernes-les-Fontaines, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its proximity to the fountains and the historic centre. Travellers know that, when well-equipped, a holiday home becomes a real haven where everyone feels at home. That’s why practical amenities top the list when making a booking.

• Air conditioning: in Provence, this is a valuable asset during the hot months. It turns summers into a truly relaxing experience.
• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking your own meals allows you to discover local produce and invite family or friends round for a meal at no extra cost.
• Wi-Fi and broadband connection: essential for staying in touch or catching up on a few tasks, without sacrificing your holiday.
• Washing machine and tumble dryer: essential for longer stays or family holidays, so you can manage your laundry without having to rely on a launderette.
• Private terrace or garden: for enjoying breakfast in the sunshine or reading in peace, away from prying eyes.
• Proper heating: for spring or autumn getaways, when the nights turn chilly in Provence.
• Parking or parking space: in Pernes-les-Fontaines, having a reserved space makes getting into the village much easier and stress-free.
• Bright living area: a living room opening onto the outdoors or featuring large bay windows creates a welcoming atmosphere.
• A good-quality bed and comfortable bedding: after exploring the village’s heritage and narrow streets, you’ll appreciate a restful night’s sleep.
• Reversible air conditioning: it heats in winter and cools in summer – a rare and much-appreciated dual benefit.

A well-designed holiday cottage in Pernes-les-Fontaines adapts to your stay, whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, a family holiday for four or six, or a get-together with a larger group of friends. With a range of basic facilities and little extras, there’s something for everyone, whatever your budget or expectations.

What is the average price of a holiday cottage in Pernes-les-Fontaines?

Prices for holiday cottages in Pernes-les-Fontaines vary depending on the layout and standard of the accommodation. For a small cottage accommodating two to four people, you can generally expect to pay between 450 and 700 euros per week. Family holiday cottages, designed for five to eight guests, tend to cost between 700 and 1,100 euros a week. Larger holiday cottages or those offering high-end comfort can exceed 1,200 euros a week.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to the village centre, access to specific facilities (swimming pool, grounds, views of the Luberon mountains) and how recently the property was renovated all affect the pricing. The length of stay also has an impact: owners often offer sliding-scale rates on a weekly or monthly basis, making the daily cost more affordable for longer stays. Short stays (three to four nights) are charged at the full rate per night.

Seasonal variations also affect prices. Summer and school holiday periods remain the most expensive, whilst autumn and winter offer more affordable rates. To budget your stay effectively, check several listings, read previous guests’ reviews carefully and don’t hesitate to compare what’s included in the price: linen, heating, Wi-Fi and parking. Booking in advance often ensures you get the best rates.