Contact details for the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tourist Office for a visit to the town

The L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tourist Office, also known as the "Venice of Comtat," is a must-visit destination to discover this charming town and its picturesque surroundings. You can obtain detailed information about activities, must-see places, and accommodation advice by visiting their official website: Isle sur la Sorgue Tourisme.

The town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, formerly known as "L'Isle en Venaissin," was originally a fishing town on land reclaimed from the river. Called "Insula" in the Middle Ages, the town was a true island in the middle of marshes that were slowly drained by the construction of canals. Many canals were dug, both through and around the town, giving rise to the affectionate nickname "Venice of Comtat."

Since time immemorial, the constant and abundant waters of the Sorgue River have fueled craftsmanship and industry. Robust waterwheels led to the establishment of flour mills as early as the 12th century, then to the creation of workshops working with wool and silk. The picturesque waterwheels that still exist today, giving L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue a particular charm, only faintly represent the seventy-two wheels that turned in the 19th century, and the intense commercial activity that thrived in the city center. The silk workshops led to immense fortunes, and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was also the wool center for the entire Vaucluse department.

The historic city center was once surrounded by ramparts and continues to exude the charm created by the marks left by each passing era. The "Tour d'Argent," which stands near the apse of the church, was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Toulouse. Not far from there, sumptuous mansions with Gothic or Renaissance facades line the narrow streets of the town, testifying to the fact that L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was once the main town in Comtat. The Notre-Dame-des-Anges collegiate church, rebuilt (except for the choir) in the mid-17th century, is a remarkable example of Baroque art in southern France. The Brun family of architects has left several remarkable constructions, including the Granary, now home to the Tourist Office and the hospital with its charming vestibule, chapel, pharmacy, beautiful garden, and fountain. The Brun family also built many bourgeois mansions, including the graceful Hôtel Donadeï de Campredon, now home to Maison René-Char.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue perpetuates the memory of the former Jewish quarter, protected by the popes. The thriving Jewish population actively contributed to the prosperity of the town. The importance of fishermen also remains alive. On flat-bottomed boats called nego chin, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue fishermen set off in all seasons to catch crayfish, trout, eels, and grayling, using various tactics.

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also known as the birthplace of poet René Char, born in 1907 and where he spent his entire youth, and where he came to live after his experience with surrealism and his exemplary leadership in the Resistance movement. Between 1928 and 1988, he published collections of poetry, worked with literary and artistic journals, weaving relationships with his contemporary artists and writers. René Char draws inspiration from his native land, the Sorgue River, Mont Ventoux, and the surrounding familiar countryside. Acknowledged during his lifetime as one of the greatest poets of his time, René Char well deserves the homage paid to his memory with Maison René Char, opened in 2003.

Contact Information for L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tourist Office

The L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Tourist Office can provide you with more information about this charming town and its picturesque surroundings.

In addition, during the summer months, the tourist office offers discovery tours and nature walks, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's history and beauty.

Opening hours are as follows: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm during the summer period.

For more information, you can also contact them at +33(0)4 90 38 04 78 or by email at info@islesurlasorguetourisme.com.

• Address: 13 Place Ferdinand Buisson, 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue