L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue travel guide
Visit L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitThe town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a pleasant town on the banks of the Sorgue river and in the south-east of the Vaucluse department of Provence.
Explore L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
The main town centre in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is surrounded by the two parts of the Sorgue river. It is easiest to park in one of the several car parks just outside this part of the centre and explore on foot.
Tempting as it is to simply stroll along the riverside admiring the waterwheels, we suggest you first walk into the town centre and find the Tourist Office for L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Place de la Liberté. There are numerous waterwheels in and around the town, and these are a principal feature of a visit, and the tourist office can suggest a route that ensures you see the most interesting of them.
Because of its unique position on the river, over the centuries various industries have developed in l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue based on the water wheels including wheat milling and later the production of wool and silk. As early as the 13th century the town had established a good reputation for its blankets, and many of the mills were still operating in the 19th century.
As you explore you will also see the large collegiale church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges in the town centre, which is one of the most impressive examples of baroque architecture in Provence, both inside and outside. Also in the Place de la Liberté you can see an ancient stone tower, which once formed part of the town's defences.
Despite these historical highlights, the main attraction for visitors is the areas along the rivers where you will find numerous cafes and the prettiest views.
If you are visiting with children, there is a large park called Parc Gautier to the south of the centre of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue around a grand 19th century villa which is ideal for a picnic and has a children's play area.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also well established as a centre for antiques, and attracts many antique collectors at the weekends. Sunday mornings, when the town is already very busy with its weekly market, is also the time to visit the Avenue des Quatre Otages to see the many brocante stalls.
The main 'permanent' brocantes are to the south of the town centre, in particular near the train station to the south-west of the town centre and near the roundabout at the southern end of the Avenue du General de Gaulle, to the east of the town centre.
Attractions nearby
A short distance east of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, in the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, there is a lovely walk that leads to the source of the Sorgue river. A short distance further and you can explore Gordes, one of the most visited villages in France.
By contrast, the small town of Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north is much less visited and is also a pleasant place to explore.
You can find more travel ideas in the Vaucluse guide and the Provence guide.
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Map of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and places nearby
Visit near L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with France This Way reviews
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
The highlight of your visit to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the wooded valley and river emerging from the rocks next to the village
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse guide
Pernes-les-Fontaines
Pernes-les-Fontaines takes its name from the large number of historic fountains in the town - 40 at last count!
Pernes-les-Fontaines guide
Le Beaucet
The castle, the fortifications, the cliffs and the troglodyte dwellings come together to make Le Beaucet part of the landscape
Le Beaucet guide
Village des Bories
The Village des Bories, near Gordes in Provence, is a fascinating group of ancient stone dwellings and shelters
Village des Bories guide
Luberon Natural Park
The Luberon Regional Natural Parc includes several of the most beautiful villages in France and stunning scenery. Highly recommended!
Luberon Natural Park guide
Abbey of Senanque
Senanque Abbey is a roman style abbey in Provence surrounded by lavender fields and with many of the 12th century monastic buildings lovingly restored
Abbey of Senanque guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vaucluse
Address: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Avignon, Provence, 84800, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.919886, longitude 5.054856
Plan your visit to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaucluse
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues): religious monument (3 km)
- Pernes-les-Fontaines: recommended detour (9 km)
- Jarditrain: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Venasque: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Gordes: most beautiful village (12 km)
- Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes): religious monument (12 km)
- Carpentras: town of art and history (15 km)
- Menerbes: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Jardin du château de Brantes: remarkable garden (18 km)
- Roussillon: most beautiful village (19 km)
- Avignon: secteur sauvegarde (19 km)
- Jardin de l'Alchimiste: remarkable garden (20 km)
Market days in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Regular market(s) are held in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue each Thursday & Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Francais)