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.
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.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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.
Chef Daniel Hebet, awarded a Michelin star when working in Avignon in 1999, offers a daily set lunch and dinner menu based on the Provençal produce available at the market.
In a beautiful setting of the river Sorgue, Fabienne and Elodie invite you to discover the secret of true home cooking.
In a friendly atmosphere with a contemporary decor, Benjamin and Sophie Fabre are pleased to welcome you.
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.
This charming restaurant is in an ideal location, in the centre of the town, just behind the church and right on the river, literally!
Rising in the centre of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Patisserie Leyris offers a wide variety of breads, pastries, cakes, savoury products, cheesecakes, brightly coloured cupcakes and a wide selection of fine chocolates.
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.
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 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.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
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!
Authentic provencal house to rent in the heart of Luberon. It has recently been renovated. The pool is safe for children as it is secured by a barrier.
A charming farmhouse available for holiday lets, set in a peaceful area in the Provence and enjoying an exceptional view.
Superb vacation rental in Gordes in the Luberon
This amazing dry stone property is located 1,2km away from Gordes, recently voted the most beautiful village in the world*!
Charming holiday house with pool in the Luberon to go for with your family or friends.
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.
Farmhouse with pool for rent in Provence with lovely surroundings
Authentic farmhouse of 320m² to rent for your holidays and located on a large plot of land with a beautiful heated swimming pool.
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.
Villa in Provence to rent for your holidays in Oppède, in the heart of the Luberon.
Close to the village of Cabrières d'Avignon, magnificent farmhouse with a living area of approximately 330 m2 spread over two levels.
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.
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.
Located between Avignon and l'Isle sur la Sorgue in Pernes-les-Fontaines, this old restored 17th century mill has kept all of its authenticity.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
A beautifully renovated 16th century bastide with panoramic views.
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
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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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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