Le Pontet is a town in the Vaucluse, in the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur region.
With a population of more than 17,000, the city was created in 1925 only: it was previously a neighborhood of Avignon which it now borders.
Le Pontet takes advantage of its proximity to the ancient city of the popes, while being turned towards the countryside. Except for a few estates belonging to rich families, Le Pontet had a territory formed for the most part of swamps, and it was in the middle of the nineteenth century that drainage works were undertaken which allowed the establishment of industries.
This development was accentuated during the 20th century with the development of the river port then of commercial zones.
The city nevertheless preserved some rich testimonies of its past of neighbor of the ancient papal city in term of architectural patrimony.
For the visitor, Le Pontet is the first opportunity to discover the domain of Fargues, which included a castle (now transformed into cultural space) and a mansion (which now houses the town hall of the city).
The castle dates from the 14th century, erected by a nephew of the first pope of Avignon, Clement V. Enlarged in the 15th, it is however looted and burned in the 16th century during the wars between Francis I and Charles V. Restored by a family of Florentine origin, the castle of Fargues must nevertheless face the outrages of time before a new renovation at the end of the eighteenth. At the beginning of the 1980s, new restoration works were initiated by the city, which destined this space for culture. A school of music, dance and theater is installed there, showrooms and concert halls are set up there, and the most remarkable sections that had subsisted from the old castle are highlighted.
The remarkable park of the domain has also been redesigned. The whole is classified and can be visited. Information on +33 4 90 22 38 69.
Also worth noting is the estate of Roberty, which was the property of the industrialists who drained the marshlands and set up industrial units there. A hippodrome was built in the 19th century and remains active. For the program of the races and a visit of the stables and installations, information in +33 6 70 58 53 09.
For the program of the shows offered at the Pontet (which benefits from its proximity to Avignon, capital of the theater during the festival in July but which hosts many troops throughout the year), or information on hiking from The commune or the including, contact the +33 4 90 22 38 69.
Also note that the local pool has two 25 m pools, one of which is accessible in summer. Contact us on +33 (0) 4 90 03 15 76.
No stay in the region without discovering the charms of a Provencal market: the Pontet is held every Thursday from 8am to 1pm.
Other festivities mark the calendar. The carnival in mid-March, the spring festival in mid-April, the spring of amateurs (exhibitions and artistic animations) in May. Also note a Christmas market (with santons!) In mid-December.
However, the two highlights remain the votive festival (end of June), with carnival rides, balls and pyrotechnic shows, and medieval festivals (around 14 July), with shows and parades in costumes. Information on +33 4 90 31 66 71.
