L'Isle sur la Sorgue

Discover the beautiful town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue near Avignon

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue attracts thousands of visitors every year for its antique markets, canals lined with water wheels, and magical atmosphere.

This commune in the Vaucluse department, located between Avignon and the Luberon, has established itself as the third most important place in Europe for antiques and second-hand goods. Here you will discover an old fishing village that has been transformed into a bargain hunter's paradise, with more than 300 antique dealers open all year round. The international antiques fair brings together 500 exhibitors twice a year at Easter and in August. Every Sunday morning, the Provençal market takes over the streets, while the flea market sets up shop on Avenue des Quatre Otages.

The canals of the Sorgue cross the city

The branches of the Sorgue surround the historic center and give this city its nickname of “Venice of Provence.” Colored with green and water, this island city at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau, in the Comtat Venaissin plain, is crossed by several canals lined with impressive water wheels!

You will appreciate all its charm as you stroll along its canals, which wind their way through the narrow, ancient streets. You will cross small bridges and follow the work of these large mossy water wheels driven by the Sorgue.

The watershed (“le partage des eaux”)

Do not miss the spectacle of "Partage des eaux" located 1 km upstream from the city, where the river splits in two and forms a shaded body of water in which plane trees and generous greenery are reflected ... Formerly, the inhabitants lived mainly from fishing (up to 15,000 crayfish per day!), the large paddle wheels served as the "engine" for many silk factories from the 18th century, then paper in the 19th century. Some wheels still work, but for the pleasure of passers-by.

The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame des Anges

History has left its mark on L'Isle sur la Sorgue and points out its importance in Comtat Venaissin in the 14th century. The Collegiate church Notre Dame des Anges has an exceptional Baroque interior and the 18th-century hospital pharmacy boasts a rare collection of Moustiers faience.

Some superb town houses

Also, magnificent mansions have been converted into art galleries, in particular the famous Maison René Char - Hotel Donadei de Campredon (18thc.), now a museum exhibiting such great artists as Miro, Mauguin or Dufy and a display area dedicated to Rene Char.

The city of antiques and second-hand goods

L'Isle sur la Sorgue is today internationally renowned for the large number of antique dealers spread over the city (open especially on weekends) and for the numerous art and painting galleries. Twice a year, at Easter and August 15, more than 500 antique dealers and second-hand dealers meet here to present their treasures to customers from all over the world. This fair is enough to make you dizzy, including to enlightened connoisseurs.

In short, you will understand, L'Isle sur la Sorgue really deserves your detour ... and to better immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere, leave your car in the parking lot and take a stroll, you will only appreciate better its many charms.

When is the Ile sur la Sorgue market?

The superb Provencal market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is well worth a visit! It takes place on Thursday and Sunday mornings along the town's canals. It's a wonderful walk and a great opportunity to stock up on local produce (fruit and vegetables, local crafts...). The Sunday market is very popular, so come as early as possible.

What to do: guided tours and other activities to discover

If you're looking for things to do and see in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and the surrounding area, here are some fun activities with local guides that we recommend. The links to the guides' websites will appear below:

• a guided tour of the Peyre wine estate and tasting of their wines,

• a half-day guided tour of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes and Fontaine de Vaucluse with a super guide,

• a discovery of the lavender fields and villages of the Luberon,

• a discovery of Provence in a 2CV.

Our map of L'Isle sur la Sorgue (postcode 84800)

To find your way around the charming town of L'Isle sur la Sorgue, you can use our interactive map on this page. We've included the various points of interest in the village (Tourist Office, Town Hall, museums, etc.) as well as our recommendations for accommodation in the town. So you can locate them before you book your holiday in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.