Isle-sur-la-sorgue: 5 Things To Do On Site
Town in Vaucluse located between Avignon and the North Luberon Valley, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is one of the must-visit destinations in Provence. This former fishing village, crisscrossed by canals, is now a renowned commune for its many antique shops and its large Provençal market on Sunday mornings. We have listed for you 5 things to do during your stay there.
Admire the angels of the Collegiate Church.
The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is best known as one of the top destinations for antique hunting and ranks third in the European flea market, just after London and Saint-Ouen!
But it also houses another treasure from the past: the Notre-Dame-des-Anges Collegiate Church, rebuilt in the middle of the 17th century. Simple on the outside, this church is exceptional for the richness of its interior decoration in the Baroque style.
Be surprised by the impressive altarpiece that adorns the nave and come admire the 222 angel figures that form a unique ensemble in France.
2- Watching the paddle wheels turn
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is crossed by several canals fed by the Sorgue, the river that originates a few kilometers upstream at Fontaine de Vaucluse and extends its two long arms around the town. With its canals and water wheels, this Provençal city truly deserves its nickname of "Venise Comtadine".
In the Middle Ages, the town was actually a true island, set in the middle of marshes that were gradually drained by the digging of these canals. Don't miss taking a stroll through this maze of streets and canals, to admire the large water wheels driven by the Sorgue.
These ancient water wheels bear witness to a once prosperous industrial past, when the town housed wool and silk factories. This activity continued until the 19th century.
Another sight not to be missed is the "partage des eaux" located 1 km upstream from the town: this is where the river splits in two and forms a beautiful shaded body of water surrounded by greenery.
3 Visit Villa Datris
The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has preserved several testimonies of its past such as the Hospital Pharmacy, with its original decor (18th century) and its exceptional collection of Moustiers Faience pots, as well as several private mansions converted into art galleries or museums.
Particularly noteworthy is the Donadeï de Campredon Hotel (18th century), which houses the René Char House and the former wheat granary dating back to 1779, which now houses the Tourist Office.
But one of the most interesting museums in the town is Villa Datris, a foundation dedicated to contemporary sculpture. This free venue offers a thematic exhibition every year.
4- Scouring flea markets
Homeland of surrealist poet René Char, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also known as the Provençal capital of antique dealers and flea markets. This small town has nearly 300 antique dealers and enjoys an international reputation for its art and painting galleries.
The town owes its notoriety to its Sunday market and its antique fairs, which take place twice a year, at Easter and on August 15th. Must-see events for flea market lovers, these fairs bring together nearly 800 exhibitors...
5- Go to the (floating) market.
The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also renowned for its grand marché provençal (Provençal market) on Sunday mornings, classified as an exceptional market for its atmosphere and the quality of its products.
Once a year, on the first Sunday of August, a floating market takes place on the Sorgue. Local fishermen then reconnect with tradition as they dress in traditional Provençal costumes and use typical boats called nego chins.
