L'Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
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History & Culture in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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.
Sights & Attractions in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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.
Sights in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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Campredon Centre d'Art, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
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La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
Dining in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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.
Restaurants in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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Tendance Bistrot Restaurant, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
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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La Prevote Restaurant, Isle sur la Sorgue
This charming restaurant is in an ideal location, in the centre of the town, just behind the church and right on the river, literally!
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Patisserie Leyris, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
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Le Mas de Cure Bourse Restaurant, Isle sur la Sorgue
Located in Le Mas de Cure Bourse Hotel, this restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Provençal cuisine in a beautiful setting.
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Le Jardin du Quai Restaurant, Isle sur la Sorgue
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.
Events in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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.
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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Arelate Festival
Relive the Roman days in Arles during the Arelate Festival, with daily shows that will transport you back into the days of gladiator battles and horse races.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon
As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
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.
Things to do in L’Isle-sur-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.
Things To Do in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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Golf Course de Saumane, Isle sur la Sorgue
Close to Isle sur la Sorgue in the Vaucluse region of Provence lies the 18-hole golf course of Provence Country Club.
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Canoe Evasion, near 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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Passerelles des Cimes Treetop Adventure, Fontaine de Vaucluse
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.
Hotels in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Hotels in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
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.
Price: €3,710
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La Bastide de Gordes Hotel & Spa, Gordes
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
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Auberge de Cassagne Spa Hotel
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.
Price: €2,058
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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La Maison sur la Sorgue Hotel, Isle dur la Sorgue
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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Hotel Le Jas de Gordes, Gordes
It is in this wonderful setting that Hotel Le Mas de Gordes welcomes you, nestled in a 1.5 hectares wooded park full of the aroma of lavender, thyme and rosemary.
How to get to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Transfers for Provence
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & 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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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.