
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

Long ago, the inhabitants lived off crayfishing (up to 35,000 crayfish
a day!), and the silk and paper industries used those great wheels in
the river for manufacturing their local products.
History has left its mark
on L'Isle sur la Sorgue and points out its importance in Comtat Venaisson
in the 14thc. The Collegiate church Notre Dame des Anges has an exceptional
Baroque interior and the 18thc, hospital pharmacy boasts a rare collection
of Moustier faience. Also, magnificent mansions have been converted
into art galleries, in particular the famous Maison René Char
- Hotel Donadeï de Campredon (18thc.), now a museum exhibiting
such great artists as Miro, Mauguin or Dufy and a display area dedicated
to René Char.

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.