| |
In the heart of the fertile plaines of Comtat Venaissin, Carpentras its capital, offers a real treasure to all lovers of history and architecture.
In the center with its streets bathed in coolness and light, one discovers the wealth of its history. There is the Porte d'Orange, ruins of the old fortress, the episcopal palace, St. Siffrein Cathedral, the Hôtel Dieu and its superb 18th c. pharmacy.
Take particular notice of the façades that you see for some are 17th and 18th c. private mansions bearing remarkable doors and balconies restored in the true Provencal tradition.
Since Antiquitiy, Carpentras has been a city of commerce with the Greeks and the Phocaeans coming to the market here for honey, wheat, and sheep. It has kept this tradition and every Friday morning the colorful market attracts people from all over the region, It must not be missed!
The St. Siffrein Fair is also a great moment in the life of Carpentras, it begins on the 27th of November and coincides with the equally famous black truffle market.
Excellent candied fruit, strawberries, melon, bonbons "berlingots" and grapes "Cotes du Ventoux" are all specialities claimed by the city of Carpentras
On the outskirts of the city there are numerous marked trails where one can walk and admire the local fauna and flora. The Tourist Office will be happy to provide you with a map showing 5 different excursions in the area, one of which is a wine circuit-wine lovers take notice!
|
 |
|
 What to see:
Collegiate College Notre Dame des Anges.
Hotel Dieu and its pharmacy (collection of faience and walls decorated by Duplessis, painter ot Louis XVI).
St. Siffrein Cathedral (1405, 1519). Episcopal palace (17th c.). Roman Arch.
14th c. Synogogue (restored in 1954) with baths and pools traditional to theHebraic rite.
Notre Dame de Santé Chapel. Clock Tower.
Cultural Center La Charité. 18th c. aqueduct (690m, long, 23m, wide).
The Biblioteque Inguimbertine, is a fabulous library containing: 220,000 books of which 100,000 have rare manuscripts, engravings and bindings. The library is open to the public.
4 museums, numerous art galeries.
|
Leisure activities:
Friday morning market. Hiking. Riding.
Mountain biking. Swimming pool. Tennis. Paragliding.
Climbing. Cinema. Cultural activities.
|
|
|
 |
Hotels in Carpentras
Carpentras