Isle sur la Sorgue
Little Venice of Provence in Vaucluse
L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of Provence’s must-visit towns, known as “Little Venice of Provence”.
If you’re a “bargain hunter”, a lover of fine objects, second-hand goods and art galleries, you’re in for a treat: there are almost 300 antique dealers in this small town! You’re sure to find what you’re looking for…
Colored by green and water, this island town at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau, in the Comtat Venaissin plain, is criss-crossed by several canals fed by the Sorgue river, giving this Provencal village a special charm.
The river stretches its two long arms around the city, as if to embrace it. You’ll appreciate all its charm as you stroll along the canals that weave their way through the narrow, ancient streets. You’ll pass over small bridges and follow the work of the great mossy paddlewheels driven by the Sorgue. An atypical atmosphere where life is good.
Don’t miss the spectacle of the “Partage des eaux”, 1 km upstream from the town, where the river splits in two to form a shady stretch of water reflected in plane trees and lush greenery… In days gone by, the town’s inhabitants made their living from fishing (up to 15,000 crayfish a day!), and the large paddlewheels served as “engines” for numerous silk factories in the 18th century, and paper mills in the 19th century. Some wheels are still in operation, but only for the pleasure of passers-by…
A city of art and antique dealers steeped in history
L’Isle sur la Sorgue’s historic heritage illustrates the town’s importance within the Comtat Venaissin in the 14th century. The Collegiate Church of ND des Anges, with its Baroque interior, is exceptional, while the Hospital Pharmacy, in its original 18th-century décor, boasts a rare collection of Moustiers earthenware pots.
Magnificent private mansions have been converted into art galleries, including the famous Maison René Char – Hôtel Donadeï de Campredon (XVIII°), now a museum, which houses a permanent space dedicated to René Char, as well as top-class exhibitions (Miro, Gauguin, Dufy…).
Antiques and Brocantes
L’Isle sur la Sorgue’s historic heritage illustrates the town’s importance within the Comtat Venaissin in the 14th century. The Collegiate Church of ND des Anges, with its Baroque interior, is exceptional, while the Hospital Pharmacy, in its original 18th-century décor, boasts a rare collection of Moustiers earthenware pots.
Magnificent private mansions have been converted into art galleries, including the famous Maison René Char – Hôtel Donadeï de Campredon (XVIII°), now a museum, which houses a permanent space dedicated to René Char, as well as top-class exhibitions (Miro, Gauguin, Dufy…).
What you need to know
Also worth a visit are the toy and antique doll museum, the large Sunday morning Provencal market, the floating market in August, old-time fishing in July, nautical fairs in July… Canoeing and kayaking on the Sorgue River and 18-hole golf nearby. If you’d like to extend your outing in a gentle, eco-friendly way, you can hire electric scooters opposite the station (accompanied children aged 14 and over). The scooter will take you as far as Fontaine de Vaucluse if you wish.
The Spa Ventoux Provence is just a few kilometers ...
Just a few kilometers from La Petite Venise Provençale, you’ll find the largest balneotherapy center in the Vaucluse, with 3,500 m2 dedicated to well-being. Come and spend a day or a few hours relaxing, with massages, scrubs, wraps, facials, a relaxation area with heated pool, sauna, hammam, salt grotto, outdoor area with jacuzzi, cold-water bath, solarium and gym.
On site, you can consult a dietician or spend a few days relaxing in a bed & breakfast, hotel residence or vacation rental (gîtes, houses with private pool).
And why not take advantage of the SPA?
When you stay with us, you benefit from a preferential rate to use the Spa.
Spend a day enjoying the heated swimming pool with massage jets and whirlpool baths, sauna, hammam, salt cave, cardio room, outdoor jacuzzi Scottish bath and solarium garden.
