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.
Carpentras
Famous for its truffle festival
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.
Events in Carpentras
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!
Events in Carpentras
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Carpentras
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.
Sights & Attractions in Carpentras
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.
Sights in Carpentras
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The oldest synagogue in France, still in use today
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras 
Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras
A southern gothic style cathedral built on the remains of a Romanesque church
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
Dining in Carpentras
Restaurants in Carpentras
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Camille Restaurant, Carpentras
Restaurant located away from the city in a pleasant countryside
Enjoy a peaceful place, customer parking, terrace ready to provide sixty covered seats, greenery all over and a safe place for children to play.
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Le Grenache Restaurant, Carpentras
The first wine bar in the town of Carpentras
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.
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Domaine de la Camarette Restaurant, Pernes les Fontaines
A 17th century Provence style farm
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.
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Hibiscus Restaurant, Carpentras
Adventurous creative cuisine in Carpentras
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.
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Chez Serge Restaurant, Carpentras
Classic provence food in the town of Carpentras
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.
Nightlife in Carpentras
Bars & Clubs in Carpentras
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue 
Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Popular riverside spot for a drink and a bite to eat
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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Bokao's Nighclub
For dance, electro and retro sounds and a non-stop party atmosphere
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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Ajmi Jazz Club 
Ajmi Jazz Club
One of France's top Jazz venues playing live music in the heart if the city
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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La Cave des Pas Sages 
La Cave des Pas Sages
Popular wine bar with live music, 15 mins form the Palais des Papes
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Wine and champagne bar with a terrace
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar 
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
Things to do in Carpentras
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.
Things To Do in Carpentras
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Le JardiTrain, Carpentras
Family amusement & leisure park in Saint Didier near Carpentras
Within the Jardi Train park you will find around twenty model trains circulating on more than 650m of track in a miniature universe.
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Public swimming pool 
Public swimming pool
Municipal outdoor swimming pool
This outdoor pool is located next to the Gendermerie near the market place in Beaumes de Venise.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux 
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
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Karting de Monteux, Monteux
Outdoor go-karting for all ages & groups, close to Avignon
Karting circuit for beginners or the experienced. Kids can start from age 7 (or 1m 30cm), or small kids can use a bi-kite with an adult. Modified karts are available for disabled customers.
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La Foret Enchantee, Venasque
Family leisure park in a forest full of elves, goblins & witches
A wonderful walk through the land of fairies, elves, sprites and goblins. Plus plenty of games to keep the entire family entertained throughout.
Watersports in Carpentras
Watersports in Carpentras
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
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.
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Kayak Vert, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Canoe along the green coloured rivers of the Sorgue
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
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Canoe Evasion, near Isle sur la Sorgue
Canoe trips between Fontaine de Vaucluse & Isle sur la Sorgue
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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Caminaterra Activity Company, Vedene
Adventure tourism company with a wide range of activities
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
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Raille Lake Watersports 
Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
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.
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Exo 84 Watersports, Lamotte-du-Rhône
A centre dedicated to wake-boarding and waterskiing
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.
Holiday Rentals in Carpentras
Holiday Rentals in Carpentras
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La Colline Villa
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.
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment
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.
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Perchée Villa, Crillon-le-Brave
An exceptional holiday rental - Villa Perchée
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La Garance Villa, Le Thor
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.
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Le Mas Des Cigales Villa, Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse to rent for your holiday.
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Le Domaine Du Vallon Des Sources Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.
Read more about Le Domaine Du Vallon Des Sources Villa, Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Hotels in Carpentras
There are a good number of accommodation options in and around Carpentras.
Hotels in Carpentras
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La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur la Sorgue
Shabby chic bed and breakfast, ideal for antique lovers
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.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Boutique hotel nestled on a hillside with beautiful views in the centre of Provence
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.
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Le Mas des Aromes B&B, Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue
A sweetness of life in a quiet and refined house & atmosphere
Set in the heart of Provence near Avignon, this authentic 19th century Provencal farmhouse carefully renovated and maintained features 5 charming bedrooms tastefully decorated.
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Chateau Talaud B&B, Carpentras
Glorious country mansion with it's own vineyard
Chateau Talaud offers an exclusive and luxurious bed and breakfast in Provence.
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La Nesquiere B&B, Pernes les Fontaines
Beautiful 18th century stone Provencal house
This Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful 18th century stone Provencal country house, located 20 kilometres from Avignon which provides relaxing peace in a warm, family ambiance.
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Le Clos Saint Saourde B&B, Beaumes de Venise
Stylishly traditional guest house with a magical setting amongst the muscat vineyards
This is a very special guest house situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux. The original farmhouse was built into the rocks and so each of the four bedrooms has natural stone walls which makes it incredibley atmospheric.
Read more about Le Clos Saint Saourde B&B, Beaumes de Venise
How to get to Carpentras
Transfers for Provence
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in Carpentras
Property for Sale in Carpentras
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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Villa for Sale | VAL240033
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
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Villa for Sale | VAL250082
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
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Villa for Sale | val260153
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
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Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
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Villa for Sale | STZ250285
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
