Surrounded by branches of the Sorgue, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the “Venice of the Comtat”, is an ideal base: markets, antique dealers, waterside restaurants and Luberon villages are all within easy reach.
The L’Isle market
The Provençal market
On Sunday mornings, the town centre turns into one of the loveliest markets in Provence: seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olives, spices, cured sausages, soaps and ceramics spread out along the banks of the Sorgue.
A smaller market is also held on Thursday mornings. In summer, go early: the crowds arrive quickly.
The little shops
Browse and wander
Renowned across Europe for its antique dealers and second-hand traders, the town is also full of galleries, delicatessens, soap makers and craftspeople, tucked between the arms of the river.
A perfect place to find an antique, a scented soap or a piece of ceramics to take home.
The restaurants
Dine by the water
In the evening, terraces set up along the quays to the sound of the water wheels: Provençal cuisine, pizzerias, ice cream parlours… there is something for every taste and budget.
In high season, remember to book.
The ochres
The ochre trail
About half an hour’s drive away, the village of Roussillon and its ochre trail offer an astonishing landscape: red, orange and yellow cliffs amid the pines.
The Provençal Colorado of Rustrel extends the adventure for keen walkers.
Kayaking on the Sorgue
Paddle down the Sorgue by kayak
Setting off from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, about ten minutes away, you paddle down the Sorgue by canoe or kayak on astonishingly clear water lined with trees.
The perfect refreshing outing: the water of the Sorgue stays cool all year round.
Gordes
Gordes, a hilltop village
Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes overlooks the Luberon from its rock, about twenty minutes away.
Close by, Sénanque Abbey is dressed in lavender in early summer, and the village of the Bories tells the story of life in days gone by.
The surroundings in pictures
