© _SeeProvence
© _SeeProvence
© _SeeProvence
© _SeeProvence
© _SeeProvence
© _SeeProvence
Famous for its truffle festival
A busy market town of 30,000 inhabitants, Carpentras sits on the fertile plain of Comtat Venassin that is protected from the elements - in particular from the Mistral wind.
It has a prime location just to the north east of Avignon, looking over to Mont Ventoux and within easy reach of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards.
The Provençal market is held on Friday mornings. Local produce includes strawberries (very famous!), melon, cherries, and wine (AOC Côtes du Ventoux). There is an additional Farmer's Market held on Tuesdays from 16:30 to 19:30 in the carpark by Hotel Dieu. Go in April and May for the strawberries, and in May for cherries.
There is an antique market on Friday mornings by the town hall and on Sundays at the car park of Jean Jaures.
Carpentras is however, best known for its truffles, and between November and March, you can expect to find these delicacies at the market first thing. There is also a festival dedicated to the 'black diamonds' at the beginning of February.
The main fair of the town is St Siffrein, which takes place at the end of November. It's an agricultural fair, with a truffle market, street vendors, a horse fair, exhibitions and street entertainers. Not to be missed!
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
The Romans and the Greeks were both early settlers here (planting vines and olives respectively) but it was the Popes, who ruled from here before moving to Avignon in the 14th century, whose influence was the greatest. Carpentras became the administrative capital for the Papal States. The Popes allowed Jews to settle in the area which in turn brought lenders, traders and other professionals to Carpentras, and hence, wealth.
This industriousness continued into the 19th century with paper mills, textile factories and the production of water-driven power. Gypsum, stone, clay and ochre have been quarryed for, and industries related to agriculture flourished in the 20th century.
You'll find a range of historical architectural influences in the Carpentras, from Romanesque, Gothic, classical, renaissance and baroque. The impressive Hotel Dieu was built in the 18th century for the Bishop of Carpentras and holds an impressive collection of art donated by wealthy patrons of the time. It has become a cultural centre and you can take tours, visiting the pharmacy, a baroque chapel, polentiful marble decorations and library.
Other museums in Carpentras include Musée Sobirats (decorative arts) and Musée Comtadin - Duplessis (collection of art and local artefacts).
The Cathédrale Saint Siffrein is Gothic in style and dates back to the 15th century. The interior is as lavish as you may expect from a Papal seat with valuable paintings, stained glass from the 15th century, gilded wood carvings and wonderful iron work. The Palais de Justice sits on the same main square and dates from the 17th century.
A Roman arch can be found on the north side of the Cathedral and depicts two prisoners to commemorate Rome's victory over the barbarians. The 14th century Synagogue is the oldest in France and is still active. Its rather plain façade hides a decadent interior. Ancient city walls from that time are mostly gone, although you will find a tower - La Porte d'Orange - to the north of the old town.
Thanks to it's Papal connection and the wealth it created, Carpentras has a plentiful water supply brought from rivers to the north east via aqueducts. The aqueduct that exists today was built in the 18th century and consists of 48 arches with a height of 23m. This water carrying system also allowed for beautiful fountains and wash basins in Carpentras.
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
Grenache offers plates of cold cuts, Antipasti, Tapas and cheese with a large selection of wines of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc Roussiillon, Provence, Burgundy, Loire, Bordeaux, South West.
Nestled into the breath-taking country side of Provence France is a city called Carpentras. This is where the dream began for one young couple who had a vision, Serge and Sophie Ghoukassian.
Located at the Mont Ventoux foothills, main mountain in Provence, the estate is implanted in the old capital of the Comtat Venaissin: Pernes Les Fontaines.
Enjoy a peaceful place, customer parking, terrace ready to provide sixty covered seats, greenery all over and a safe place for children to play.
With innovative presentations and recipes, this restaurant offers seasonal produce combined in creative dishes that mix traditional cuisine with an innovative flair. It is part of the Safari Hotel.
Carpentras is home to a thriving arts and crafts industry with artesans of all types having workshops in the town. You'll find sculpture, stained glass, musical instruments, marble, ironwork and woodwork - these shops can be found to the north of the city just off Avenue de la Sante once you cross the River Auzon.
If you do decide to stay in Carpentras, you won't be far away from wonderful nature and the ability to enjoy hiking, cycling, horse riding and rock climbing. For something slightly less active, you can indulge in wine tours, visiting the perched villages of the area, or the largest mountain in the area, Mont Ventoux.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
An exceptional holiday rental - Villa Perchée
A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse to rent for your holiday.
Close to the Isle sur la Sorgue, superb renovated contemporary property composed of 5 suites, one of which is on the ground floor, is available for holiday rental. Inside, the concrete gives a lot of character to the space and the choice of furniture and accessories make it a perfect complement.
Farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Provence for your dream holiday, a former 17th century post house in Le Thor, close to L’Isle sur la Sorge.
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
An exceptional holiday rental - Villa Perchée
A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse to rent for your holiday.
Farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Provence for your dream holiday, a former 17th century post house in Le Thor, close to L’Isle sur la Sorge.
There are a good number of accommodation options in and around Carpentras.
La Maison sur la Sorgue is a small boutique hotel in the heart of the village of the same name, renowned for it's antiques stores and markets. The lovely and generously sized rooms are decorated in a chic Provencal tone and feature antique furniture and modern touches. Wifi is available in the public areas and breakfast is served on the terrace by the pool. There isn't a restaurant, but there are plenty to choose from in the pretty town.
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
With only five (spacious) rooms, this small chateau has a great deal of character and offers wonderful views over the Vaucluse. The restaurant serves dinner and features Provencal cuisine and local wines. The castle has terraced gardens and there is a swimming pool with loungers that provides the same great views over the Rhone valley.
Chateau Talaud offers an exclusive and luxurious bed and breakfast in Provence.
Château de Tourreau stands out as one of, if not the most, beautiful châteaux in Provence.
The Chateau was built in 1720, during France’s early Regency Period and was home to the notorious Marquis de Sade.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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