|
From
Pernes-les-Fontaine to L’ISLE -SUR - LA - SORGUE is a large stone throw ;-).
L’ISLE
SUR LA SORGUE, Mecca of the antiques and brocante hunters. Not less than five
branches of the river Sorgue flow around and through the small town that was
already called « Isla » in 1126. It gives the city a little
"Venice" aspect. Some call Isle sur Sorgue the “Venice of the
Marquisate”. In fact the town has
a tremendous charm (a pity it's so invaded by tourists in high season. Sorgue has its many river branches and canals, huge overhanging plane trees and several large, lovely waterwheels. Even if the many mills are no longer working, some of the waterwheels still turn.
Today, l’Isle-sur-Sorgue tries to upgrade its quality of life. A
modern city has been added to the old one , adapted to local tradition
Loiter around and it will stay in your mind. The imposing Notre-Dame-des-Anges church
from 1222 was rebuilt in the 17th century. Three sides still show signs of its
age: the front is refurbished, and includes a lovely clock showing the time, date and phases of the moon.
The
genuine antique market is located in two buildings between the train station and
the avenue de la Liberation. Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday it is working
from 10.00 to 17.00 hours. It’s a good idea to have lunch (when weather
permits) in the neighboring restaurant in the complex, even dinner. Service and
food are at a good average level.
But only on Sunday there is full brocante (knick-knack) market along the shores
of the Sorgue with a festive ambience. The whole city exhales this peace, rest
and contentment, probably inspired by the crystal clear waters of the Sorgue
that we encounter everywhere. In a stylish 18th century “hotel
particulier” a museum is organized with revolving exhibitions. A sympathetic
town.
Bibliography
A
guide to Provence, by Michael Jacobs (Viking, London 1988), Mémoires d’un
touriste, by Stendhal (Pleiade, Paris 1992), "Guide
de la Provence mysterieuse" and "Provence Antique"by Jean-Paul
Clebert (Ed.Sand, 1986 “Aspects of Provence, by Pope-Henessy James (Penguin
Travel 1988), “Le Vaucluse, pas une sinecure””by Roger de la Borge (ed.
Climats, Avignon, 1999)
|
