ProvenceWeb.fr - L'Isle sur la Sorgue - pop. 14,443 -
L'Isle sur la Sorgue is one of those places in Provence that one has to see. This "island city" lies at the foot of the Vaucluse plateau in the plains of Comtat Venaissin. Its colors are nature's green and the bright reflection of the water shining from the several canals running through its center. The river Sorgue surrounds the city as if to hug it. Walking along the canals you will notice how they run between the narrow ancient streets. There are little bridges to cross and great wheels to look at with mossy blades turning in the river. 1 kilometer from the city is the "partage des eaux" where the river splits in two and forms a small pond where plane trees and green foliage abound.
Antique lovers and art collectors will be gratified by the nearly 300 permanent antique dealers and second hand shops here. L'Isle sur la Sorgue hosts antiques' fairs at Easter and over the August 15th holiday that have given a worldwide reputation to this small city. More than 500 antique dealers and second hand dealers gather here to show their treasures to customers from all over the world.
This city is truly worth the trip! But just a suggestion: leave your car in the parking lot provided, and stroll around the town -slowly taking in the atmosphere and letting yourself be captured by its charms.
France Beyond and Provence Beyond - L'Isle-sure-la-Sorgue - This compact medieval town is built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue river, 7 km downstream from its source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The river flows through, past, in and around the town, in its many natural beds and several canals. Even without gondolas, water adds a special beauty and character to a town. Sorgue has its many river branches and canals, huge overhanging plane trees and several large, lovely waterwheels. Even if the many mills are no longer working, some of the waterwheels still turn.
Commerce - L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a good-sized town, and a popular tourist site appearing in printed guidebooks. The Office de Tourisme has lists of hotels, campsites and furnished rentals.
The shopping streets are extensive, with a very wide variety of shops of all kinds.
Antiques - Le Quai de la GareThis group of 30 antique shops is located across from the railway station.
Open: weekends and holidays, 10h-19h
Park - The Parc Gautier is located just outside the center of the town, near the railway line. It's very large, grassy and shaded by giant plane trees, with plenty of other trees and foliage, an excellent place for picnicking away from the crowds on a hot summer day.
