L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the quiet, unassuming member of the Provence family who often gets overlooked in favour of her glamorous and sociable sisters in The Luberon. While the stars of the party attract guests throughout the long warmer months and are teeming with suitors during the high season, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is more down-to-earth, less crowded, less multinational, and less frenetic – Antique Fairs and Sunday Markets aside!
But she has lots to offer, and for well-travelled visitors, it is well worth taking the time to get to know her. Read on as we share what we find to see, do and love during our stay.
Where is L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue?
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a town and commune in Southeastern France, 28 km from Avignon, in the heart of Vaucluse.
What’s so special about L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue?
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a delightful and pretty town, great for wandering. We found a unique blend of water, art, and antiques, with a huge dollop of Provençal charm, and are pleased to have gone out of our way to visit.
While L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is well known to the French, it’s still less well known to many international visitors, which is precisely what made us fall in love with it.
The Venice of Provence
The Sorgue river splits into a multitude of small rivers and streams as it enters the town and gives the place a Venice-like quality. This natural phenomenon lies at the root of the town’s history, as a weaving and dying centre, with waterwheels dotted throughout the town indicating the presence of mills and dyehouses. In all, there are 15 waterwheels left, making a great walking trail to familiarise yourself with the town.
Unsurprisingly, fishing was also another major industry for the townspeople. Along the major waterways, you can see the houses of the fisherfolk and the appropriately named streets going through the old town, such as Rue de l’Anguille (eel) and Rue de l’Ecrevisse (crayfish)
What to do in L’Isle sur la Sorgue?
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is perfect for those who appreciate art, antiques, slow travel, and stylish discovery!
One way to orient yourself further around the town is by walking. There are three well-established walks described below, covering the Old Town, the Antigues area and nature along the River Sorgue. We picked up the walking map at the Tourist Office and armed with this for the must-see sights, we set off exploring.
Antique capital of Provence
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned as a major antiques hub. Amazingly, we were told that it is the third-largest antiques market after London and Paris. Antique shops dominate the major streets on the south side of the old town, especially along Avenue de la Liberation and Avenue des Quatre Otages.
The Antiques Discovery Walk 1: Parcours Antiquaires
As you’ve guessed, this is the antiques walk along the main roads on the south side of town. This took Mr Wren 20 minutes, but then, as he readily admits, he’s a Philistine. Plan for an hour with three or four stop-offs in the antique shops.
Shopping for Antiques
The antique shops are found in six antique villages spread across the town, the oldest of which is Le Village des Antiquaires de la Gare. Here, around 100 shops are housed in a former 19th-century mill. Note: they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Apart from the shops, two huge antique fairs take over the whole town at Easter and in August. With around five hundred exhibitors, these fairs attract thousands of bargain hunters from around the globe.
Wander the Weekly Markets
Held every Sunday morning, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has one of Provence’s best markets. However, it is popular and parking is at a premium, so go early! Shop for:
- Local produce (cheese, olives, honey)
- Provençal fabrics and ceramics
- Vintage treasures and bric-a-brac
There is also a smaller market each Thursday morning. We enjoyed wandering the streets, stopping at different market stalls. Of course, we had to pick up some nougat, as L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is only one hour away from the capital of Nougat in Montélimar.
Explore Art Galleries and Boutiques
Art is everywhere in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, from street art to curated art galleries. There were also some really lovely-looking chic interior design stores.
La Filaventure Textile Museum
Don’t miss La Filaventure, the Brun de Vian-Tiran sensory museum of textiles set in the Brun de Vian-Tiran factory. Since 1808, this eight-generation family business has much to tell. If you are interested in learning about the textile activity at the origin of the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this is the place to go.
A lovely boutique also sells shawls, scarves, throws, blankets, duvets, floor cushions, Avignon rugs and accessories.
Address: Av. de la Libération, 84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Old Town Walk 2 : Parcours Patrimoine
This walk takes in the sights of the old town and will take about 1.5 hours at a gentle pace.
Visit Notre-Dame-des-Anges Collégiale Church
This baroque church in the heart of the town is lovely and worth stepping inside. Here, the town’s rich history is found, with elaborate frescoes and gold detailing, showing an unusual mix of southern Gothic and Baroque styles. It’s a peaceful escape, especially on market days, which is spread around the square outside.
Le Café de France
As many have done before, stop off at the famous Café de Paris opposite the church for coffee, a snack, or lunch. Look for the storyboard outside with the photo by Willy Ronis, a celebrated French photographer from 1979. Not much has changed!
Address: 14 Pl. de la Liberté, 84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Wander the Canals in search of waterwheels!
It’s a lovely walk along the tranquil canals, searching for the 17th-century mossy water wheels still turning. The streets are wonderfully photogenic and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The Sorgue River Walk 3 : Parcours Nature
Starts in the centre of town and is a 2 km one-way walk that follows the Sorgue upstream past the Bassin Bouigas to le Partage des Eaux, where the Sorgue first splits as it diverges into its multiple streams through the town. It is a pleasant walk through some nice suburbs finishing at the Partage where there is a park, a few restaurants and parking. You can either walk back to work off lunch or tea, or get a bus back into town. A 40-minute walk one way.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Activities
Take a River Kayak or Paddleboard Trip
For the more adventurous, float down the Sorgue River on a kayak or paddleboard from nearby Fontaine-de-Vaucluse back into town. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to experience the region.
Kayaking on the Sorgue is a very popular activity when conditions are right. Access is highly controlled, so kayaking is only possible between 15 May and 15 October. Kayak Vert and Canoe Evasion, both based in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, come recommended:
Kayak Vert: www.canoevaucluse.com
Canoe Evasion: canoe-evasion.net
Picnic in the Park
Pick up treats from the market and relax in Le Parc Gautier, a shady green oasis perfect for a low-key lunch or afternoon break. You will find the attractive Chateau Giraud in the middle of the park.
Cycling
As you would expect, there are also some cycle routes emanating from the town that take in the surrounding villages and countryside.
The town is also well-positioned near several major cycle routes in the south of France. The Via Venaissia runs through L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, as does the Veloroute du Calavon. The Mediterranean route (Eurovelo 8), which follows the Mediterranean for 850 km, can also be picked up south of the town near Robion.
There are loads of bike rental and repair places in the area.
For information, go to: www.veloloisirprovence.com
Bassin Bouigas
Provençal Food & Wine
Book a table at one of the town’s many waterside restaurants. For something special, try Le Vivier, a Michelin-starred favourite. Some of our favourites:
La Balade Des Saveurs
We really enjoyed our elegant dinner at La Balade des Saveurs; it was a perfect blend of a smart restaurant with a warm and welcoming feel to accompany the excellent seasonal food. They were also extremely accommodating of my special dietary requests, and for the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I was getting a lesser meal.
We ate inside, but they also have tables outside alongside the river and are open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday.
Address: 3, Quai Jean Jaurès, 84800 Isle sur la Sorgue
Website: https://balade-des-saveurs.com/
Chez Ju Resto & Bistro
If you’re looking for a casual waterfront Bistro, this is it! Their daily menu offers varied à la carte choices, is prepared with fresh seasonal produce, and is consistently well reviewed. It offers good value, home-made food in a delightful setting. Discover more here.
Address: 27 Quai Rouget de l’Isle, 84800, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Ravi Glaces de Provence
It’s not a holiday without ice cream beside the water, is it? I loved this place. There were some innovative flavours, and the staff were lovely!
Address: 18, Quai Jean Jaurès, 84800 Isle sur la Sorgue
Website: https://glaces-ravi.com/
Where to Stay:
Palais Aoma – Luxury Stay
If you are looking for a special stay in the heart of the town, check out Palais Aoma—one of our most memorable hotel stays! With the owner’s art collection at every turn, you find yourself in a timeless sanctuary with all the mod cons.
From our avant-garde Cézanne Suite — its interiors worthy of gracing the pages of the most beautiful design magazines — to the choice of two swimming pools, a dreamy spa, and glorious grounds, everything about this place gives you the feeling that you’ll never want to leave.
You can read our full review here: What a divine stay, Palais Aoma, a Luxury Hotel in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Website: https://palais-aoma.com/
We also found two very good Chambres d’Hotes in the area:
Mas de Cigognes – Chambres d’hotes
This is an excellent place run by Claudine and Manu. Manu worked as a chef in Switzerland for many years, so definitely book the evening meal. Manu uses only the freshest ingredients and visits the local fresh produce market daily. This farmhouse has five spacious rooms, a nice pool, and a very peaceful atmosphere. It is on the outskirts of La Thor and about a 15-minute drive from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Claudine hails from Strasbourg, so storks feature prominently throughout the house, given that they symbolise Alsace.
Check the website for costs. Our low-season night, including breakfast, costs €95 plus taxes. The evening meal, which comprised an aperitif and three courses, was €31 a head.
Address: 52 chemin de Thouzon, 84350 Le Thor
Website: www.masdescigognes.com
La Bastide des Arts
La Bastide des Arts is located between L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. It is a really well set up B&B with good ensuite rooms, a large pool, an outdoor BBQ area, and a large conservatory with a pool table and games. Karine and Olivier were away when we stayed, and Karine’s parents were the perfect hosts!
Be aware that check-in times are rigorously adhered to, so ensure you can arrive between 1700 and 2000. The B&B is a 5-minute drive from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Room prices vary significantly according to size and season. There is also a gite on site.
Address: 1538 Route de Fontaine de Vaucluse, 84800 Saumone-de-Vaucluse
Website: www.bastide-arts.wixsite.com
Getting to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tourism Office provides this helpful guide to transportation in the area, including local taxi options.
By Train from London
We took the Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in just 2 hours and 17 minutes. Then a TGV INOUI from Paris to Avignon, where we hired a car for the 30-minute drive from Avignon.
By Car
While a car is not needed in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, driving around the nearby Luberon countryside is the most convenient option. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the picturesque Provençal countryside. For all the details, see: Discovering Lovely Luberon: Our Tips For The Best Trip.
We used Discover Cars to easily compare rental options and book a reliable, great-value car for our trip to Southern France to enjoy the region.
Car Parking
Car Parking is an issue! So especially on market days arrive early and be prepared to walk!
You can find all the details on where to park here.
By Train
France’s high-speed TGV trains make travelling by rail a comfortable and efficient option.
- From Paris:
- Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV Station.
- From Avignon TGV Station, rent a car or take a taxi for the remaining 30-minute drive to Bastide du Mourre.
- From Marseille:
- Take a regional TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles Station to Cavaillon.
- From Cavaillon, rent a car or take a taxi to your destination
By Air
For international travellers, flying into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 28 km and renting a car is an excellent option. We have previously flown in with Ryanair from London Stansted. Other operators from London include EasyJet from London Gatwick and British Airways from London Heathrow.
Use It as a Base to Explore the Luberon
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the perfect base for day trips to nearby villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Rent a car or take a guided tour to explore hilltop towns, lavender fields, and wineries.
Le Château Dumas
Final Thoughts
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is more than just a perfect destination for art and antique lovers — it offers a stylish discovery of Provençal life at its finest. In two days, you’ll leave with a suitcase full of memories, and perhaps a vintage treasure or two! But why not linger and walk, cycle, or kayak the town’s waterways? L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue invites you to slow down and savour every Provençal moment.
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Destination Luberon. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much for this lovely invitation.
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram at @littlewanderingwren.
For more travels in Luberon, France, please see:
Discovering Lovely Luberon – our tips for the best trip
A guide to the Ochre Trails of Luberon
Discovering Bastide du Laval, an Organic Olive Oil Mill
A review of Bastide du Mourre, Luberon
France Road Trip with Discover Cars – opening new horizons
Also in the region: How to get the best from an Avignon City Pass
1 comment
Hello Wren,
Another awesome trip report. The photos are beautiful, what a lovely place to visit.
I love any water view, the art work, the church are all beautiful sights.
Take care, have a great weekend.