Vaucluse Spring — Attraction in Avignon

I have been to the cave from which the Sorgue River emerges a number of times over the last 15 years, in the Spring when the cave disappeared under a pool of crystal water, in Fall when the breathtaking expanse of the cave is clearly visible. Of the many incredible sights in Provence, it is a standout. Now in my mid-70's and severely arthritic, walking with support, it was an effort to take the uphill trail, Knowing it could be my last visit, I was determined to get there. So, when I made the walk only to find the trail closed meters before it was possible to see the cave, I was both shocked and extremely disappointed.

The tourist websites I consulted read as if the cave is still visible to visitors. Did I miss signs in the village saying the trail was closed???? Yes, the village is still lovely, the path up the river is truly glorious, but I was so disappointed that the ultimate goal, the geological wonder, the magnificent cave from which a river flows, was out of sight. Apparently, it has been closed for some months. Couldn't signs be placed (and notices on "official" websites) notifying visitors that this was...

The carst spring is a natural wonder. During our visit in May 2023, the pool at the head of the spring was non-existent. The walk up to the headwaters was very pleasant and shady on a hot, sunny day. The glaces stands were plentiful. The little town would have been a nice spot for a meal but we had brought our own picnic lunch.

We were passing through the area which is stunningly beautiful. I am glad we made the brief diversion as we were nearby, but wouldn't go too far out of your way otherwise...

Ah Fontaine de Vaucluse, son gouffre, sa source et ses petits commerces provençaux... malheureusement il semblerait que les impôts locaux des restos qui tournent à plein régime et du stationnement hors de prix, servent davantage à engraisser des élus et installer des barrières absurdes pour parquer les touristes, plutôt qu'à sécuriser le site. Car oui, après avoir engrangé un "pognon de dingue" depuis des décennies, et après avoir empêché l'accès à la source depuis de nombreuses années, nouveauté de 2024, l'accès visuel au gouffre est également interdit pour cause de "chutes de pierres". Comprenez, le message de la municipalité de ce piège à touristes est très clair : venez lâcher vos billets et cassez-vous, on ne veux plus de vous ici. Car le mot piège n'est pas usurpé : laisser les touristes faire X km de route jusqu'au village, les inciter à consommer dans les commerces, pour leur interdire l'accès à la curiosité principale de la commune, est bien un piège : on se moque de vous sans vergogne. Et pour les téméraires qui souhaiteraient se soustraire à ces interdictions, une amende de 38 € est à la clé : à croire que les ASVP qui scrutent votre plaque d'immatriculation dès que vous stationnez, ne rapportent pas assez. Bref, Fontaine de Vaucluse s'ajoute à la longue liste des sites remarquables de France qui ont perdu tout intérêt, gangrenés par la soif d'argent facile et la lâcheté...