Step 1 – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Comtat’s « Little Venice »
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a little green paradise, criss-crossed by several branches of the Sorgue, which earned the town its nickname of “Petite Venise Comtadine”, or “Little Venice” of the Comtat Venaissin. It’s also Europe’s third-biggest hotspot for flea markets and antiques, boasting over 300 antique dealers and permanent second-hand goods dealers.
Practical Information
Further information can be found and guided tours (FR/GB/IT) can be reserved by enquiring at L’Isle sur la Sorgue Tourist Office.
www.oti-delasorgue.fr - +33(0) 4 90 38 04 78
More to explore – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue’s fascinating museums:
• La Filaventure
With a history spanning back 210 years, the 7th and 8th generations of Brun de Vian-Tiran factory owners are proud to share their passion for noble fibres with you in their sensorial museum.
www.brundeviantiran.com/musee-brun-de-vian-tiran
• The Villa Datris is a foundation entirely dedicated to contemporary sculpture. Open season from May to November, entry free of charge.
https://fondationvilladatris.fr/
• Campredon Museum
For over thirty years, the museum has put on three exhibitions per year. These high-quality events are dedicated to some of the greatest names in modern and contemporary art.
www.campredoncentredart.com
Step 2 – Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the source of the Sorgue
Isle sur la Sorgue > Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – 8km
Use of the paid car park at the entrance to the village is mandatory. 20-minute walk from the car park to the chasm (1.2km).
The department of Vaucluse is named after the “Vallis Clausa” (closed valley) of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. France’s most powerful spring in terms of flow, the exceptionally pure water springs forth during the high-water period. This village is ideally suited to exploring on foot, from the ancient centre to the banks of the Sorgue.
Museums and places to visit:
Museum of the Subterranean World / Jean Garcin Museum of the Resistance / François Pétrarque Museum-Library / Museum of Santons and Provence Traditions / Vallis Clausa Paper Mill www.moulin-vallisclausa.com
Practical Information
Further information can be found and guided tours (FR/GB/IT) can be reserved by enquiring at L’Isle sur la Sorgue Tourist Office, or directly at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse office.
www.oti-delasorgue.fr - T. +33 (0)4 84 09 00 28
Step 3 – Visit to the Château of Saumane (from June to September)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse > Saumane-de-Vaucluse – 5km
Built in the 12th century, the chateau and fortress of Saumane is perched atop a rocky outcrop. It is listed as a Historical Monument and was once the residence of the Marquis de Sade as a young man.
Practical Information
Further information and guided tours by reservation.
T.+33 (0) 4 90 38 04 78 - sadesaumane@gmail.com
Step 4 – Pernes and its 41 fountains
Saumaune-de-Vaucluse > Pernes-les-Fontaines – 13km
This charming town is irrigated by its 41 public fountains, many of which are listed as Historical Monuments. The “Fountain Circuit” takes you around every single one.
Museums and places to visit
• 5 free museums (open from April to September):
The Comtat Costume Museum (19th century) / Museum of Comtat Traditions at the Maison Fléchier (17th century) / Resistance Museum / The Comtat Bicycle Museum at the Hôtel de Cheylus / Museum of the Old School
• Discover the craftspeople of Pernes, recognised as a “Town of Creative Professions”
• Guided tour upon reservation of the Jewish ritual baths
• The Ferrande Tower, famous thanks to its 13th-century frescoes
Practical Information
Further information can be found and guided tours can be reserved at the Pernes-les-Fontaines Tourist Office. www.tourisme-pernes.fr - T. +33 (0)4 90 61 31 04
For groups: +33 (0)4 90 61 31 04 - animation@tourisme-pernes.fr
End of the tour – return to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – 11km
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