Discover L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
and the Luberon

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, our village

Sunday market

Every Sunday, the Provençal market spreads through the whole village centre. Fruit, vegetables, cheese, soap, fabrics, pottery — it's one of the finest markets in Provence, officially listed among France's exceptional markets. Just a few minutes' walk from the rental.

International antiques fairs

Four times a year (Easter, mid-August weekend, and bank holidays), L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue hosts antiques fairs that draw collectors from around the world. If you love hunting for old objects, this is a must.

Kayak and paddle on the Sorgue

The Sorgue is a crystal-clear river that stays cool year-round (around 13°C even in summer). Several operators offer kayak or paddle descents from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse down to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — perfect for hot summer days.

Hilltop villages of the Luberon

The Luberon Regional Natural Park starts 15 minutes from the rental. A day is enough to visit three or four villages.

Gordes (20 min)

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Gordes is probably the most photographed in Provence. There's a viewing point at the village entrance, paved alleys, and a Renaissance castle. Just below, the Village des Bories (dry-stone huts) is worth the detour.

Sénanque Abbey and the lavender fields (25 min)

The postcard image of Provence: the 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. Bloom: mid-June to mid-July. Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the best light.

Roussillon (30 min)

A village built in red ochre, perched above old quarries. The Ochre Trail is a 30- to 60-minute walk through Martian landscapes. Avoid in the harshest summer sun.

Ménerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux (30–40 min)

Three listed villages on the same little road winding through the Luberon. Ménerbes for the view and the Hôtel de Cumberland, Lacoste for the Marquis de Sade's castle, Bonnieux for its church and the panorama over Mont Ventoux.

📍 The map

Click on each pin for distance and quick info.

Activities and addresses

Nature

• Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (15 min) — the source of the Sorgue, the largest spring in Europe, set in a cliff amphitheatre.
• Mont Ventoux (1h) — the legendary Tour de France climb, by bike or car.
• Régalon Gorges (45 min) — cool canyon hike, ideal in summer.
• Cedars Forest at Bonnieux — a shaded walk with Luberon views.

Wine and food

• Ventoux and Luberon wineries — tastings at family estates around Goult, Ménerbes, Bonnieux.
• Country markets: Coustellet (Sunday mornings, May to October), Velleron (farmers' market every evening in summer).
• Truffles in winter, Cavaillon melons in summer.

Culture

• Avignon Festival (July) — theatre in the Popes' city, 30 minutes from the rental.
• Chorégies d'Orange (July–August) — opera in the Roman theatre.
• Pont du Gard (45 min) — the Roman aqueduct, UNESCO listed.

How to get here

By train

The closest TGV station is Avignon (30 min). From there, car rental or taxi is recommended (public transport to the Luberon villages is limited).

By plane

Closest airports: Marseille-Provence (1h15), Nîmes (1h), Avignon (30 min, seasonal UK flights).

By car

“Avignon Sud” exit on the A7 motorway, then head towards Apt via the D900. Free private parking on site.