Visit the Perrier Source, museum and grounds

Just 5 minutes from the house, you can visit the birthplace of one of France’s most famous brands: Perrier. Hidden amongst the trees and gardens at Vergèze, the Source Perrier is where the iconic sparkling water has bubbled up naturally from the ground for more than 160 years. The story began in the 19th century, when local doctor Louis Perrier recognised the unique qualities of the spring. In 1903, an English entrepreneur, St John Harmsworth, bought the site, renamed it “Source Perrier” and transformed it into the internationally famous brand we know today, often described as “the champagne of mineral water.” A visit today combines history, nature and industry. At Perrier Source and Museum you can explore the museum, which tells the fascinating story of the brand through vintage posters, historic bottles, old advertising campaigns and interactive displays. The famous green bottle, the bold artwork and the glamorous image of Perrier through the decades are all brought to life. Guided tours also take you to the original spring itself and, for those choosing the full visit, along an elevated gallery overlooking the production facility where millions of bottles are still filled each year. The scale of the operation is remarkable, yet the source remains in the same peaceful setting amongst century-old trees and elegant grounds. Allow around two hours to enjoy the museum, parkland and perhaps a tasting of the different Perrier flavours afterwards, a wonderfully French outing, right on your doorstep.