Located in the northern part of the Vaucluse department south of the Enclave des Papes, Vaison-la-Romaine is only about six miles (10 km) from the foot of Mont Ventoux visible in the background. The city of almost 6,000 inhabitants, surrounded by seven hills like Rome and built on the banks of the Ouvèze, a tributary of the Rhône, enjoys a remarkably sunny Mediterranean climate tempered by the mistral. Its territory of 6,670 acres (2,700 ha) terraced between 511 and 1,617 ft (156 and 493 m) above sea level constitutes a privileged ground for nature and hiking enthusiasts.