Valréas

The area around Valréas has been settled since Gallo-Roman times, as evi- denced by fragments of sculptures and the remains of tombs found nearby. Valréas was founded in the 9th century, just as Charlemagne was ascending the throne. A winegrower named Valère planted a wine estate on the banks of the Couronne where the town now stands. In time, his sizeable estate was joined to the neighbouring priory dedicated to St Vincent, patron saint of vines, to create the first village.

Pope John XXII bought the estate from Humbert de Montauban in 1317. Legend has it that Pope John XXII, returning from Lyon after his election and feeling very weary, took a glass of Valréas wine and was restored to full health. He annexed the land that had produced this miraculous wine, so he would have permanent access; he later also took possession of Richerenches and Visan. This became the Papal Enclave, and Valréas remained the capital until the French Revolution. The vineyards were awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas status in 1967.