Reilhanette

At first you might not see Reilhanette when you come from Vaison-la-Romaine via the D72. That’s because it’s well hidden behind a hill, in order to protect its habitants from enemies to see them coming from the west, back in the 12^th century. ‘La place forte’ was in that time protecting the west entrance of the valley.

But once you’ve passed Reilhanette, just where the Toulourenc valley ends, you’ll see that the little medieval village is not hidden at all and looks down to a plain connecting with the village of Montbrun-les-Bains. Coming from this direction (via the D542) you’ll see it at its best; the open landscape with its cornfields at the foot of the village and in the back impressive forest mountains dominated by the Mont Ventoux give Reilhanette, situated on a hill with its stonework houses and on the top the ruins of a 12^th century castle, a magic appearance.

Especially in the night it gets a fairytale look when the medieval castle, the church and the houses softly enlighten the village. The contours of the surrounding mountains with a beautiful clear sky filled with a countless number of stars and the moon shining on the landscape gives you an image you’ll remember for a long time. Together with the village of Montbrun-les-Bains with its castle ruin, this is, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful landscapes of France.

The castle, or at least its remaining ruin, dates from the 12^th century and has been destroyed by royal troupes in 1560, like many castles who were systematically destroyed in the Provence in that period. The paved little streets, in French called ‘the calades’, typical for the Provence, have been restored lately and lead to the castle’s square which is arranged as a picturesque space from where you have an exceptional view on the mountains around Montbrun-Reilhanette and the Mont Ventoux.

The church of Reilhanette, build in roman style, also dates from the 12^th century and is dedicated to Saint-Michel. It has been pretty well conserved and only a few changes have been made like the three baroque altars. Opposite from the entrance you’ll find the Saint Eutrope altar, Saint of the ‘estropiés’ (the disabled), equipped with a relic box that, as people say, made happen a lot of miracles. These miracles were registered since 1698; the latest miracles have been perceived in 1856.