Musée-bibliothèque François Pétrarque
Museum-library on the banks of the Sorgue, devoted to the poet François Pétrarque and to René Char, with a garden and audioguides.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Musée-bibliothèque François Pétrarque stands on the left bank of the Sorgue, on the presumed site of the poet's house in the 14th century. Pétrarque discovered Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at the age of nine, later stayed there several times and found a great source of inspiration there. Over the centuries, writers from the Renaissance to the 19th century came to visit the site.
The museum was founded in 1927 for the 600th anniversary of the poet's meeting with Laure, and opened in 1928. Its first collections, made up of old editions, incunabula and drawings, came largely from the University of Aix-en-Provence. The Vaucluse département bought the museum in 1968. In the 1980s, under the impetus of Jean Garcin and the poet René Char, the museum opened up to contemporary poetry. In 2009, a contemporary art space was set up on the top floor and the library was redesigned.
In 2026, a first overhaul of the permanent display began: the ground floor now houses the temporary exhibitions, and René Char's works have been moved to the third floor. The museum holds the Musée de France label and belongs to the networks of the Maisons d'écrivains and the Maisons des Illustres.
Highlights
- Incunabula, rare editions and drawings on Pétrarque
- Collection of manuscripts, editions and works linked to René Char
- Library designed on the model of Pétrarque's house in Italy
- Garden on the banks of the Sorgue with Pétrarque's laurel tree
- Free audioguides in four languages
Permanent exhibitions
- Parcours permanent Pétrarque – Incunabula, rare editions, drawings, prints and paintings on Pétrarque and his work.
- Fonds René Char – Manuscripts, editions and artworks linked to René Char, presented on the third floor since 2026.
- Founded
- 1927
- Operated by
- Département de Vaucluse
- Visitors per year
- approx. 5,769
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Seniors aged 65 and over, students, vocational training trainees, Service Civique volunteers, groups of more than ten people, adults accompanied by a young person under 18, holders of partner cards |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free for under-18s. |
| Seniors | €4Reduced rate from age 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree for people with disabilities, upon proof. |
| Students & apprentices | €4 |
| Groups (11+ people) | €4 per personReduced rate for groups of more than ten people. |
| Families | €4Reduced rate for any adult accompanied by a young person under 18. |
| Combined ticket with the 1939–1945 history museum: L'Appel de la Liberté | €9Reduced rate: €5. |
Free admission: The first Sunday of the month from April to September, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings during the Matinales de l'été
Free admission upon proof, in particular for residents of Vaucluse, job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits, teachers, journalists, holders of the Pass Culture and of the annual Vauclusemusées card, museum and tourism professionals, and civilian and military disabled veterans.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Seat canes are lent at the reception desk. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted into the collection areas.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
| Family ticket | €4 · Reduced rate for any adult accompanied by a young person under 18. |
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus Zou ! 914 from the SNCF station at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking near the museum.
The museum is on the left bank of the Sorgue, near the centre of the village. Nearest SNCF station: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Fontaine-de-Vaucluse; motorway exits A7 Avignon Sud and Cavaillon.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Shop at reception; luggage, large bags and umbrellas must be left at reception. Rest area in the garden; no picnicking in this area. Restaurants in the village, in the immediate vicinity.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (FR, EN, IT, DE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photos and videos are allowed for private use, without flash; some works may be off limits, as indicated on the wall label. |
| Good to know | The visit with the audioguide lasts about one hour; audioguides are free. Groups and schools by reservation: self-guided visit, guided tour, or a visit followed by an educational workshop. Camera tripods and lighting are left at reception. |
