Cavaillon (French pronunciation: [kavajɔ̃]; Occitan: Cavalhon) is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France.[3] It is situated in the Durance Valley, at the foot of the Luberon mountains.
Cavaillon was already a city in the Gallo-Roman period, and has several minor relics from that era, including a 1st century triumphal arch.[4] Other minor relics of the Roman period have been found to the south of the town, on the site of the ancient Cabellio.[5] It was the seat of the bishops of Cavaillon from the 4th century[6] until the French Revolution.[5] Saint Veran was bishop here in the 6th century,[citation needed] and the 12th-century cathedral is dedicated to him. In the Middle Ages Cavaillon was part of the Comtat Venaissin.[5]
Cavaillon is part of the Regional and Natural Park of Luberon (parc naturel régional du Luberon) in the French Department of Vaucluse.
The Calavon, a tributary of the Durance locally called Coulon, flows westward through the middle of the commune.
The Durance forms the commune's south-western border.
Cavaillon is famous for its melons, as well as other early fruits and vegetables.[5]