L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a Provencal town, through which the Sorgue River flows. It is famous for its well-stocked antique shops and fifteen, still functioning, water wheels.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is located near the beautiful town of Fontaine de Vaucluse, and is no less charming. The name literally means “the island on the Sorgue River;” this is the old part of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. You can walk around the island and later explore the old city inside. If you are discovering Provence, it is definitely worth going to see this area.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – the capital of antique shops

The town has always made use of the river that flows through it. In the past it was a fishermen’s settlement (to this day, traditional flat-bottomed boats called Nègo Chin float on the river), and in the Middle Ages it was surrounded by walls that were difficult to scale due to the flowing water. The town also provided work for residents. 15 of the water-wheels  that were formerly used in industry are still working. First, they powered wheat mills; later they were used to power wool and silk factories. You can see the town by following the water-wheel trail – you will receive a map at the tourist information office, or you can download from the link below.

What is currently attracting crowds to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the huge number of antique shops and flea markets. Peter Mayle, in his book Good Year, even claimed that buyers from around the world come here, primarily from London, New York, and California, in search of unique antiques. There are over 300 antiquarian shops in the town, and at the Sunday market there can even be 500 antiquarians from all over the area presenting their collections.

The town is best accessed by car, which is also the most convenient way to explore Provence. A short, 2-hour stay will allow you to discover the unique charms of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Just go straight along the river, passing the restaurants and cafes – of which there are plenty right next to the water – and finally go deep into the old part of town, which is surrounded by the river, to admire its narrow streets, colorful tenements, and more water wheels and canals.

A visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is best combined with a visit to nearby Fontaine de Vaucluse, which is where the Sorgue River flows from. Both towns can be visited in half a day, and it’s worth planning to have lunch in one of them.

Paid parking lots on L’Isle are well marked and located around the town center. You can download a map for easy sightseeing here: the L’Isle map (PDF file).