The Middle Ages reimagined from the 19th century in Cavaillon

The reimagined 19th century Middle Ages in ^a nutshell

Rediscover the architecture of Cavaillon

As part of the ^43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, the Heritage, Museums and Municipal Archives services are offering a program around the theme: Heritage in danger: Reviving, Resisting, Reimagining.

^{This visit invites you to observe how the 19th century re-read, transformed and sometimes reinvented medieval architecture in Cavaillon.}

Two appointments are offered on Saturday and Sunday: at the cathedral, then at Les Vignères, between Romanesque chapel and neo-Gothic church.

Two places, two perspectives on the reinvented Middle Ages

Between restoration, imagination and transformation

In the 19th ^century, Cavaillon experienced profound changes. Both the cathedral district and the hamlet of Les Vignères were transformed according to the needs, tastes and representations of the time.

Place Cabassole was remodelled and the old cathedral, marked by time, was given a new look with new medieval-inspired decorations.

In Les Vignères, the Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame was transformed while the hamlet was equipped with a neo-Gothic church, testifying to a dreamed and reinterpreted Middle Ages.

Follow in the footsteps of characters and architectural choices

^{Between a romantic vision, pastiche and ideal reproduction, these visits allow us to understand how the 19th century rebuilt its own imaginary of the Middle Ages.}

The discovery will lead visitors on the trail of outstanding characters, such as Abbé Terris or the Virebent brothers, associated with this heritage adventure.

A visit to question how a city revives, resists and reimagines its heritage over the centuries.

Discover more

See the full programme for the 2026 European Heritage Days in Cavaillon and create your own itinerary from the different guided tours on offer.