Built like an eagle's nest and perched on the northern flank of Mont Ventoux, at an altitude of 600 m, the village of Brantes, suspended above the Toulourenc valley, offers a breathtaking view of the Vaucluse department. Its architecture evokes the very authenticity of Provence.
Brantes is a very old village, with Neolithic remains having been found on the site.
Heritage...
Ruled as a co-seigneury from the 11th century onwards by the Vinces Causans and Baux families, Brantes, formerly fortified, now has 80 inhabitants and still houses the ruins of its feudal castle, which offer a magnificent panorama of Mont Ventoux, also known as the “Giant of Provence.”
Nearby, the wash house is another vestige of a bygone era. The wash house is located at the bottom of the village. People gathered there every week to wash their clothes, as running water was not installed in homes until 1958.
Brantes is renowned for its narrow cobbled streets, vaulted passageways and tightly packed stone houses.
Several fountains flow in the village. Since 1976, the homes of Brantes have been supplied by the Fontnouvelle spring, which flows from the slopes of the Geine mountain.
The old 13th-century bridge known as the “Roman Bridge” spans the Toulourenc with a single arch.
With its books and photographs hanging on the walls, sometimes as part of temporary exhibitions, the Chapel of the White Penitents, built in 1705, is well worth a visit, as are the 17th-century Church of Saint Sidoine and the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist, which are also little gems.
Craftsmanship...
Over the years, Brantes has welcomed several artisans with genuine Provençal expertise. Visitors can enjoy pottery workshops, decorative and culinary objects, santons linked to the history of the village and Provence, wood carvings, and local product tastings.
Every December, the village offers a nighttime stroll through its narrow streets. Called “Brantes under the stars,” the evening offers an in-depth discovery of the village, while artisans open their doors and invite you to discover their creations.
Finally, Brantes is crossed by several long-distance hiking trails, such as the GR9 and GR 91 trails, and is close to lavender fields.
Brantes Town Hall
84390 Brantes
Tel.: +33 (0)6 04 75 28 09 46
mairie.brantes@orange.fr
https://www.vaison-ventoux-provence.com/
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