An attractive city in the south of France
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a charming town in the Vaucluse in Provence, is best known for its antique shops, markets, and fairs. Located on the banks of the river Sorgue, it is a historic town where antiques fill the small shops located in old industrial buildings. Makes for a wonderful day or weekend break from the nearby southern French cities of Avignon, Orange, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.
General information
- In the department of Vaucluse
- In provence
- Population 18,100
Tourist Office
Place de la Liberté
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 04 78
Website
Antiques
This is the main reason why most people visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The tourist office has a list of antique shops. But unless you have a specialty store or dealer in mind, it’s best to just stroll the streets and visit the ones you like best.
There are also a variety of old towns along the main road in the old mills and factories. Le Village des Antiquaires de la Gare (2 bis av. De l’Egalite, tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 04 57) is one of the largest. It houses around 110 merchants in a former weaving factory and is open from Saturday to Monday.
Old Fairs
The two main antiques fairs a year, one during the Easter weekend and the second in mid-August, are famous both in France and in much of the rest of Europe. There is also a regular antique market on Sundays and two brocante markets on Saturday and Sunday.
Historia of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue developed in the 12th century as a fishing town. Built on stilts over a swamp, water played an important role in what has inevitably been called the ‘Venice of Provence’. In the 18th century, 70 huge water wheels lined the canals, powering the major paper and silk-making industries.
Attractions
It is a city for strolling, people watching, and of course for buying antiques. There are some small museums, including the Museum of Santon (holy men are Christmas figures of clay, made in Provence) and old tools (Saint-Antoine, tel. 00 33 (0) 6 63 00 87 27) , and the Museum of puppets and toys , a collection of dolls from 1880 to 1920 (26 rue Carnot, tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 20 97 31).
The Notre-Dames-des-Anges church was rebuilt in the 17th century; Don’t miss the clock that shows the time, date and phases of the moon and its ornate interior. The 18th century Hospital (pl des Freres Brun, tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 21 34 00), has a grand staircase, a chapel and a pharmacy, as well as a charming garden with an old fountain. Ask to see at the reception.
Where to stay
- The Prévôté
41 rue JJ Rousseau
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 57 29
Hidden behind the church, this restaurant with rooms is housed in a restored Provencal house. The rooms are of a good size, simply decorated with light coming through the windows. On the first and second floors (no elevator), all rooms have a good view. Breakfast is made of local regional products.
Read guest reviews, compare prices and book this hotel on TripAdvisor. - Best Western Domaine de la Petite Isle
Route d’Apt
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 40 00
Set on spacious grounds, this pretty hotel has better-than-average rooms, all with air conditioning and all the modern touches, including free Wi-Fi. Comfortable beds and good views. Read guest reviews, compare prices and book the Best Western Domaine on TripAdvisor.
- Read guest reviews, check prices and book other hotels in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with TripAdvisor.
Where to eat
- The Prévôté
41 rue JJ Rousseau
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 57 29
Website
With stone walls, an outside terrace and good food, this is the best place for a quiet meal. Using local seasonal and regional ingredients, dishes like herb crusted lamb or fish dishes like grilled scallops with cinnamon butter. There is a good wine list and menus from 26 to 44 euros. The wine bar has some serious wines and a good light snack menu. - Jardin du Quai
91 av Julien-Guigue
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 20 14 98
Eat in a beautiful room filled with antique furniture and objects, or in the charming garden. Try the red mullet with baby spinach, roast lamb, and chocolate tart. The cuisine is excellent and the cellar has good local wines. Menus range from 35 to 43 euros.
- Le Vivier
800 cours Fernande-Peyre
Tel.: 00 (0) 4 90 38 52 80
Website
If contemporary is your taste, book here. A modern decor is the setting for the classics with a new touch of light. Foie gras comes in a terrine with smoked eel and sherry sauce; beef fillet with marrow, parsley and garlic. The wine list is serious; Lovely service. - Le Carré d’Herbes
13 ave Quatre Outages
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 4 90 38 23 97
Website
Eat on the patio of this restaurant nestled among the ancient villages. Local produce and Provençal cuisine produce dishes such as duck breast and irresistible desserts. There is an excellent daily three course lunch menu for less than 20 euros.
-
How to get there
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is about 800 kilometers (498 miles) from Paris, 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Lyon, 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Marseille, 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Aix-en- Provence and 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Avignon.
By highway
From Lyon or Marseille: take the A7 motorway (Autoroute du soleil) and then exit 23. Follow the D6 south and then take the N100 towards L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
From Avignon: Take the N100 signposted towards L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
from Aix-en-Provence: take the D7 north signposted to Avignon, then join the A7 at exit 26 to exit 23. Follow the D6 south and follow the N100 to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
By train: The high-speed TGV runs to Avignon TGV train station, 19 kilometers (13 miles) away.
From Avignon station there are around 10 buses a day on Ligne 6 to the city. The trip takes about an hour and costs 2 euros. There is an infrequent service on Sundays.
For transfers from Avignon airport or Marseille Provence, go to Sun Transfers.
By Plane: The closest airport is Avignon, Marseille Provence Airport is 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.
CityJet flies from London City Airport directly to Avignon. Other scheduled airlines range from major UK airports.
