Vaucluse Petrarch Sorgue  

‘Mr Loudon made an excursion to the celebrated fountain of Vaucluse. It is a morning's ride from Avignon and claims the notice of everyone who has heard the name of Petrarch. He was the first man ever to climb a mountain purely for pleasure.’ € This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

Discovering the Beauty and History of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

The Petrarch Fountain in the French village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, holds historical and geographical significance for garden enthusiasts. Built in the 14th century, the fountain is named after the Italian poet Petrarch, who immortalised its beauty and the surrounding Sorgue River in his sonnets. The centrepiece is a moss-covered grotto adorned with sculptures, where water from the Sorgue, one of France's shortest rivers, emerges and cascades down. There is a statue of Petrarch in the Jardin de Petrarque in the village.

Petrarch's Inspiration: A Fountain of Poetry and Beauty

Beyond its literary connection, the Source de la Sorgue boasts historical significance for garden design. The 14th-century construction of the fountain showcases an early approach to incorporating natural elements into landscape design. The interplay between water, rock formations, and vegetation reflects principles that continue to inspire garden designers today. The nearby Jardin de Petrarque, featuring a statue of the poet himself, further strengthens the connection between this location and its literary heritage. Visiting the Source de la Sorgue offers a unique opportunity to step into a landscape that has captivated poets and served as a muse for garden design for centuries.