Isle sur la Sorgue " Venice of the Comtat "

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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".

The heart of the city beats in the narrow and shaded streets, the facades of its venerable private mansions are reflected in the green waters of the Sorgue, where the moss-covered waterwheels turn slowly, reminiscent of a bygone industry. In the centre of the old town, the beautiful collegiate church Notre-Dame des Anges is the richest and most decorated baroque church in the Vaucluse. Antique dealers have elected it as their capital, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a paradise for antique collectors and bargain hunters, and it claims to be the third largest European market for antiques and second-hand goods.

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.

Collégiale Notre-Dame des Anges à l'Isle sur la Sorgue

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 14 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.

Industry has given way to tourism and flea markets. Today, L'Isle sur la Sorgue has two faces: the gentle atmosphere of the town encourages you to stroll, to let yourself be rocked by the murmur of the Sorgue or to contemplate the waterwheels, sitting on the terrace of a café. But it is also the crowds and bustle of its famous Sunday morning market, one of the most important in France. At Easter and around 15 August, there are flea markets that attract enthusiasts from all over the world. Today, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue boasts the third largest antique trade in Europe.

Floating market in l'Isle sur la Sorgue

The annual floating market recalls the days when boatmen came to sell agricultural products to Isle sur Sorgue's inhabitants.

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

L'Isle sur la Sorgue has acquired an increasingly important reputation since the 1960s until it has become today the third European centre for the trade in antiquities after London and Paris.

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.