L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, its canals, waterwheels and antique shops

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Branches of the Sorgue surround the historic centre and its waterwheels. This photo tour takes you from riverside walks to old lanes, markets and clusters of antique shops, with a look at the town’s history.

The charm of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a little city in the Vaucluse, enchants its visitors. The Sorgue, a river flowing at the foot of the Fontaine de Vaucluse cliff, criss-crosses the city with its many arms and canals, earning it the nickname "Venice of the Comtat".

Historic townhouses are reflected in the green waters of the Sorgue, beside moss-covered waterwheels. In the old centre, the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges has a richly decorated Baroque interior. Antique shops and clusters of dealers add another dimension to a walk through town.

History of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Water has shaped the history and appearance of the Vaucluse city from its origin, the name "Insula" appears during the Early Middle Ages, it is then a hamlet of fishermen exploiting the resources of the clear waters rich in fish of the river. The drainage of wet soils in the Middle Ages enhanced the rich alluvial lands of the surrounding area: the city grew and strengthened by surrounding itself with ramparts powerful enough to dissuade and repel the bands of mercenaries who travelled through the region during the Hundred Years’ War, and the troops of the terrible Baron des Adrets during the Wars of Religion. The ramparts were demolished during the Revolution.

In 1237 the Count of Toulouse granted the inhabitants of "Insula" fishing privileges on the Sorgue River. The city was in fact almost autonomous, it adopted a consular regime, like the Commune of Avignon, which it kept until the Revolution. During the Revolution the moderate and conservative Islois took sides with the Girondins and the Fédéralistes against the Parisian revolutionaries. Isle sur la Sorgue was stormed by Jacobins' troops, looted and burned, and placed under a state of siege until 1801. The town was named Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in 1890.

L'Isle sur Sorgue presents two faces : the gentle atmosphere invites you to wander through the streets of the old city, and be soothed by the murmur of the Sorgue river, or lose yourself in the contemplation of the waterwheels, while sitting on a café terrace. But it is also the crowds and bustle of Sunday morning, and the International Antiques and Second Hand Fairs, attracting connoisseurs from all over the world.

Waterwheels in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Hydraulic energy was exploited from the Middle Ages, and mills were installed on the arms of the Sorgue. The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century saw the use of waterwheels and factories multiplying for silk spinning, dyeing, papermaking, grain and oil mills. The river provided the energy to drive up to 70 wheels in the 19th century. The activity of the small industrious city declined in the 20th century but the memory of this period is maintained by the people of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and remains alive, there are still around fifteen waterwheels left. Today they serve a decorative purpose, but it is a fascinating sight: the heavy moss-covered blades, soaked with the clear water of the Sorgue, move slowly, and as they ascend, they glisten under the sun.

The town has two distinct rhythms: quiet walks beside the canals and the bustle of market days. Sunday mornings draw many visitors; the major antiques and second-hand fairs have their own calendar.

Floating market in l'Isle sur la Sorgue

The floating market celebrates traditional boats and local produce. Its date and time can change: the 2026 event took place on Saturday 1 August at 5.30 pm on the Caisse d’Épargne stretch of water. Check the town’s announcement for a future edition.

The traditional small flat-bottomed boats, called "nego-chin" are out for the occasion, under the lens of hundreds of cameras. Local people are proud to show them and to offer their products to the crowd gathered on the river banks.

Gendarmes oversee the smooth running of this colourful and cheerful event.

The Sunday market in l'Isle sur la Sorgue is one of the most lively and colourful markets in the region. It occupies a large part of the town centre. It's a typical and lively market in Provence. Visitors can find delicious local products and specialities. We can distinguish in the crowd languages from many European countries, showing how widely known this Vaucluse town has become.

Antiques and second-hand fairs in l'Isle sur la Sorgue

Since the 1960s, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has become an important destination for antiques and second-hand goods. Major fairs and permanent shops offer objects from many periods and in many styles.

The antiques fairs at Easter and in August now attract antique collectors from all over the world. L'Isle sur Sorgue has set up a quality charter signed by the exhibitors. Enthusiasts can find expert advice at major events.

In parallel with the major fairs, many second-hand and antique dealers have settled in Isle sur Sorgue, some grouped themselves into "antique villages", the first being the "Quai de la Gare" in the 1980s. There are also Decoration-Antiquity shops and Art Galleries that will satisfy the tastes of aesthetes.

Visit in photos : slideshow

Planning your visit

Use the car parks indicated by the town and continue into the centre on foot. Expect crowds on Sundays and during major fairs. Shops, museums and exhibitions have their own opening days.

Accommodation near L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

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Website of the Tourist Office : islesurlasorguetourisme.com

Coming to Isle sur la Sorgue

Approximate geographical reference for the municipality: 43.9191° N, 5.0588° E. These coordinates mark the municipal geographical centre, not a car park or visitor entrance.

Location : 4 miles from Le Thor, 5 miles from Fontaine de Vaucluse, 9 miles from Pernes les Fontaines, 16 miles from Avignon

Isle sur la Sorgue > Water wheels > Floating market > Antiques Fairs

Getaways · Guest Houses in Provence PortalMore getaways in ProvenceExplore further with my articles in the Getaways section of the Guest Houses in Provence Portal: The water wheels, an industrial legacy of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and One Sorgue arrives at the Partage des Eaux, two leave.