Althen-des-Paluds

3 km from Entraigues sur la Sorgue, 6 km from Monteux, Saint Saturnin lès Avignon, 8 km from Bédarrides, 9 km from Sarrians, Sorgues, Loriol du Comtat, 11 km from Pernes les fontaines, 17 km from Avignon

GPS : Longitude : 4.957778 E - Latitude : 44.004444 N
Altitude : 31 m
Population : 2410

Founded in 1845, this small village owes its name to Jean Althen who first introduced the idea of cultivating madder in this very fertile plain. The plant made the region rich and during the 19th century over 50 mills were dedicated to the manufacture of the famous red colourant. Althen des Paluds is an excellent base from where to explore both Provence and Languedoc.

What to see and visit: chapel from the late 18th century (currently the town hall with a campanile), the mill of La Roque (an old paper manufacturing factory) - hotel-restaurant; parish church from 1863; 2 oratories; Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, 20th century The Papal city of Avignon, the Mont-Ventoux, Carpentras, the Dentelles de Montmirail…
Recommended activities: walking, swimming, pétanque, mountain biking.

Festivities : Commercial fair during May; Carnival in February / March. Votive festival on the Sunday following the 14th of July (over four days). Christmas market in early December.