Between the Luberon, the Ventoux and the Alpilles, about twenty kilometres from Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a charming town known for its canals, its antique dealers and its Provencal market. This labyrinth of narrow streets with their picturesque charms attracts a host of tourists, both connoisseurs and the curious. What to do and see in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue? Follow the guide!
Stroll along the quays of the Sorgue
It is impossible to miss the canals of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which have earned it the nickname of "Venice of Provence". The canals that cross the town offer a peaceful and romantic setting for strolling and relaxing. The quays of the Sorgue are lined with restaurants and cafés, where you can enjoy Provencal specialities while taking in the view of the water. A pedestrian itinerary runs along the banks of the Venise Comtadine, discovering the mills and paddle wheels, vestiges of the textile industry that ensured the prosperity of the city in the 18th century.
Hunting in the second-hand shops and antique dealers
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned for its second-hand dealers and antique shops, which have made the town one of the second-hand capital of Europe. Shops and art galleries line the streets of the town, offering all kinds of art, decorative and collectible objects. If you like to hunt for treasures, or simply stroll around, you have come to the right place! The International Art & You Antiques Fair, which takes place at Easter and on 15 August. The event brings together nearly 100,000 visitors, including many foreign visitors, and nearly 500 exhibitors from France and Europe. You might just find that rare gem you've been looking for.
Explore the old town
Once surrounded by ramparts, the historic centre of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has retained the charm of medieval towns, with its cobbled streets and Gothic and Renaissance facades. The emblematic building of the Venice of Comtadine, the Tour d'Argent, concentrates all the medieval history of the town, built in the 13th century by the Counts of Toulouse. Further on, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges is a real feast for the eyes, considered to be the most beautiful baroque ensemble in the south of France. Don't forget to include a visit to the Donadeï de Campredon hotel in your programme. This beautiful 18th century mansion hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art all year round.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Provencal market
The market in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the oldest and most famous in Provence. On Thursday and Sunday mornings, nearly 200 stallholders take over the narrow streets of the town centre and the banks of the Sorgue. The stalls are overflowing with local produce: candied fruit from the Luberon, melon from Cavaillon, strawberries from Carpentras, Muscat from the Ventoux, black truffles from the Vaucluse... With the second-hand dealers and antique dealers who come to the area, you can really find everything.
Where to stay near L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue?
If you are looking for a place to rest after a busy day in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, our Verbéla Village campsite is located in Noves, just 20km south of the 'Venice of the Vaucluse'. In a magnificent green setting, we offer you comfortable chalets to rent, real little cocoons with a personalised decoration. For your relaxation, a swimming pool, a petanque ground, a ping-pong table and a fitness area.
