Synagogue de Cavaillon
The oldest synagogue in France with its own museum
The synagogue in Cavaillon is no longer used as a place of worship, but it's on many people's "must visit" lists if you're in the area, thanks to its ornate decoration and fascinating history.
Bearing witness to the life of the Jewish community during the 17th century, Cavaillon was a place of refuge just like the other French cities of Avignon, Carpentras and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and the life of the city revolved around the synagogue.
It was rebuilt in the 18th century (1772-1774), showing Provençal and Jewish cultures living together, as befitting one of the few Jewish communities to be tolerated. The lower hall, the former assembly hall for women, now houses the collections of the Judeo-Comtadin Museum.
Prayer books and old religious documents make up most of the displays in the museum. You can visit by guided tour only.
