Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com

© Seeprovence.com
Wonderful town with streams and waterwheels, most famous for its antiques markets
L'Isle sur la Sorgue is a small Provencal town that sits on the edge of the Luberon and to the east of Avignon. It is most famous for its antiques markets and arcades which draw thousands of visitors every year.
The river Sorgue runs through this pretty town, some of which is diverted into canals that add a great deal of character to the place. The river encircles the inner town and little tributaries pop up from nowhere amongst the charming lanes. Waterwheels adorn the river and canals - a throwback to the 16th to 19th centuries when the town was a centre for silk, wool and paper manufacturing.
The local produce market here is on Thursdays and Sundays. The market starts early (06:00) and runs until 14:00. Saturday mornings see an organic produce market in the Petit Palais. On the first Sunday of August, you might want to experience the 'floating market' where the traders dress in traditional costume and sell their produce from the river Sorgue - a reconstruction of times gone by.
There are two international antique fairs every year - one at Easter and one in August - where over 500 dealers (and thousands of antique lovers) come to L'Isle sur la Sorgue.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
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 Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
The town is probably best known for it's important role in the antiques industry. On Sunday mornings, the permanent antique shops and arcades are joined by antique stalls along the canals, and literally thousands of day trippers take the opportunity to seek out a piece of treasure. The arcades hold the most valuable items whereas the stalls hold a wider range of 'ready-to-wear-antiques'... Great for browsing, you could easily pick up some quirky one-off items, but you'll have to haggle hard to get a bargain.
Assurances of quality are guaranteed by the French Company of Antique Experts, who are available during the markets and fairs to give advice and their opinion to visitors and dealers alike - free of charge.
The old town is ringed by the river and canal system which makes it very easy to walk around and explore. You'll find narrow winding lanes and hidden waterways, along with Renaissance mansions and a Medieval tower, the Tour d'Argent. This tower was originally built as a defence keep in the 13th century, and has since had many uses, including a cinema and theatre during the last century. There are now plans to restore it completely and use it as a culture space.
One way or another you'll end up at the central square which is home to the old granary, now the tourist office, and a rather impressive church, the Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges. This Baroque styled church may look rather austere from the outside, but the interior is more lavishly decorated with grand paintings, murals, sculpture and of course, 222 angel statues who accompany the Virgin to heaven. The tourist office offers guided walks and tours if you'd like to find out a bit more about the history of L'Isle sur la Sorgue.
The Campredon Art Centre is an 18th century mansion that shows contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year (closed on Sundays July - September, and Mondays and Sundays from October - June). There are also two museums - one is an old-fashioned school museum, the other an antique doll and toy museum (only open during the school holidays).
Throughout the town there are art galleries, antique shops and gift shops. Many cafes and restaurants offer terraces overlooking the rivers, making it a fine spot for lunch or dinner.
The building itself has been protected as a historic monument since 1979 and is worth the journey just for that, let alone the art works inside.
Originally built in 1222 this church was renovated and extended in the Italian Baroque style in the 17th century and was consecrated in 1672 by the Bishop of Cavaillon.
There are a multitude of places to eat here, many of them either traditional Provencal style or more modern with a quirky twist on the traditional. With the Provencal markets in the area being such a draw it is of no surprise that most of the produce is locally grown and purchased and you can be sure of the freshest of ingredients.
This small restaurant is located in the outskirts of the small village of Le Thor, in a business park. It features a large terrace in their garden.
Umami is a small restaurant tucked away on rue Carnot in delightful Isle sur la Sorgue.
In a beautiful setting of the river Sorgue, Fabienne and Elodie invite you to discover the secret of true home cooking.
A gourmet restaurant in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Café Fleurs Au Jardin d’Aubanel welcomes you for a delicious gourmet experience to be enjoyed in a peaceful waterside setting.
Located in the heart of the historic centre of the Isle sur la Sorgue, Ghislaine and Lawrence are pleased to welcome you in the Islo dining room or terrace.
In a friendly atmosphere with a contemporary decor, Benjamin and Sophie Fabre are pleased to welcome you.
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.
This is an area for exploring and there is no better way to do that than by bike. Hiring a bike and enjoying the quiet lanes and small hamlets surrounding L'Isle sur la Sorgue is the perfect way to spend a day or just an afternoon.
Or if you fancy something a little more structured, there are several golf courses where you can enjoy taking a swing whilst soaking up the sunshine and landscapes of Provence.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Close to Isle sur la Sorgue in the Vaucluse region of Provence lies the 18-hole golf course of Provence Country Club.
Clip yourself in for adventures in the treetops! Children from two years have their own special course, and there are additional routes for four year olds, and one for over nines.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
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.
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
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.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Authentic farmhouse of 320m² to rent for your holidays and located on a large plot of land with a beautiful heated swimming pool.
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse for rent with swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday
Superb farmhouse for rent in Provence in the Luberon for 2 to 4 people. It enjoys a heated swimming pool, a beautiful interior courtyard and a large covered terrace with a magnificent summer kitchen.
This charming house of 160m2, ideally located in the heart of the village of Robion, is perfect for a nice summer holiday.
Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool for rent for a dream holiday in Gordes, in the heart of the Luberon in the Vaucluse.
Everything is there to satisfy your expectations: an authentic farmhouse, a refined decoration, a breathtaking view of the charming village of Oppède and the Luberon, 6 air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a heated swimming pool with an equipped pool house and a tennis court. Without a doubt one of their favourite holiday destinations!
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.
Le Clos Jasmin is a traditional stone house located in the heart of the village, close to all amenities.
Superb vacation rental in Gordes in the Luberon
Come and spend your holidays in a quiet haven in the very heart of Provence - Mas Formiga
Authentic farmhouse in Cabrières d'Avignon, in the Vaucluse, with views of the Luberon Mountains and beautiful swimming pool.
Very beautiful mas (stone house) to rent for the holidays in Gordes, decorated with exclusive and tasteful materials, all modern comfort.
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.
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.
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
In the heart of the Provence between Avignon, Alpilles and Luberon, the hotel is located in 20 acres of lovely country side landscapes.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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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