The Best Things to Do in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has a global reputation for antiques and there are over 300 permanent dealers in the town selling antiques and prized artwork. Wander the streets while marvelling at the myriad of artefacts and beautiful carved objects, which owners lay out on tables outside their shops. The Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is legendary and is one of the most popular antique markets in the whole of France in terms of visitor numbers. On market day, the roads lining the canals in the town centre are filled with stalls selling ‘brocante’ (antiques). There are also lots of stalls selling local food and drink, so it’s a great market to stroll around while filling your belly.

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has transformed many grand old houses into public buildings, and the 18th-century Maison René Char is now an art museum called Musée Donadéï De Campredon. Set on the canal in a picturesque setting, it exhibits paintings by Dufy, Miró and Mauguin. It also regularly holds smaller exhibitions such as one on photographs taken by American actress Jessica Lange.

Restaurant La Renaissance is a great choice for lunch, particularly if you want to follow it up with a crêpe afterwards. The menu is traditional with delicious salads, aïoli or fresh moules frites (mussels with french fries). Make sure you sit on the terrace (book a table in peak season), from which you can watch the river Sorgue swirl at your side and ducks float past while drinking a glass of wine.

Since 2005, Le Vivier has been ranked consistently highly by its customers in serving great value Michelin-starred food prepared using the very best seasonal produce. At lunchtimes, try the three-course menu for just €34 and sit on the terrace, which has bucolic views over the river.

This boutique hotel, whose name translates as “The House on the River Sorgue”, has four impeccable rooms, a garden and a plunge pool. Breakfast is included in the price and is served on the terrace. The four-star service is attentive and friendly and it’s a stylish base from which to explore this chic little town.