Pernes-les-Fontaines

Pernes-les-Fontaines is located between Carpentras and l'Isle-sur-Sorgue by the river Nesque. As the name suggests, Pernes is the village of fountains. Since the second half of the 18th century, 40 have been built.
The first mention of Pernes dates back to 994 under the name Paternis Villa. It consisted of a few houses around a church, set in the fields.
In the 11th century, the population moved to the hill on the left bank of the Nesque, and the village was built as a fortress.
During the last plague epidemic of 1720, Pernes also contributed to the construction of the "mur de la Peste". By taking sufficient precautions (securing the city and setting up a quarantine building), only 122 people died of the black death in Pernes. Other villages in the area saw their populations halved.
Mossy, sculpted, colossal, modest fountains… You can find them here in all sizes and shapes. The most famous are "la fontaine du Gigot" by the Ferrande tower and "la fontaine du Cormoran" next to the covered hall.
A walk along these 40 artworks, accompanied by the babbling water, is a great way to explore the heritage of Pernes.

Wim Willems