Trip along the water
The Sorgue irrigates the southwest of Vaucluse with its crystal-clear water, which has a temperature of 12 degrees, all year round. France’s leading source in terms of flow, its water is an inexhaustible resource, which has enabled the development of industry and agriculture.
LOOP STARTING FROM ISLE SUR LA SORGUE – 40 km
Stage 1 – Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the “Venise Comtadine“
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a small green paradise crossed by many branches of the Sorgue, which has earned the nickname “Petite Venise Comtadine” (Little Venice of Provence). It is also the third European flea market and antiques hub to have more than 300 permanent antique dealers and bric-a-brac traders.
Useful information
For more information and to reserve a guided tour (FR/GB/IT) contact the Isle sur la Sorgue Tourist office.
www.oti-delasorgue.fr – +33(0)4 90 38 04 78
Also worth discovering are the fascinating museums of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue :
· The Filaventure
After 210 years of existence, the 7th and 8th generations of the Brun de Vian-Tiran invite you to share their passion for precious fibres in this sensory museum.
www.brundeviantiran.com/musee-brun-de-vian-tiran
· The Villa Datris is a foundation entirely dedicated to contemporary sculpture. Seasonal opening from May to November, free entry.
https://fondationvilladatris.fr/
· Campredon Museum
For more than 30 years, there have been three exhibitions per year at this museum, large-scale events dedicated to the great names of modern and contemporary art.
www.campredoncentredart.com
Stage 2 – Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, source of the Sorgue
Isle sur la Sorgue -> Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – 8km
Pay and display parking at the entrance to the village. 20 minute walk from the car park to the chasm (1.2km)
The Fontaine de Vaucluse, this “Vallis Clausa” (literally, closed valley), has given its name to the department, Vaucluse. France’s leading spring in terms of flow, exceptionally pure water gushes out of the source during the high-water period. The village is best explored on foot, from the historical centre on the banks of the Sorgue.
Museums and places to visit:
Museum of the Underground World / Jean Garcin History Museum/ François Pétrarque Museum-Library / “Santons” museum and Christmas Traditions from Provence / Vallis Clausa Paper mill- www.moulin-vallisclausa.com
Useful information
Information and guided tours (FR/GB/IT) can be reserved at the Isle sur la Sorgue Touris Office, or directly at the office of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
T. +33 (0)4 84 09 00 28
Stage 3 – Passage to the Saumane château (June to September)
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse -> Saumane-de-Vaucluse – 5km
Built in the 12th century, the château-fortress of Saumane is perched on the summit of a rocky spur. It is listed as a Historical Monument and, in the past, was the home of a young Marquis de Sade.
Useful information
Information and guided visits by reservation.
T.+33 (0) 4 90 38 04 78 – sadesaumane@gmail.com
Stage 4 – Pernes and its 41 fountains
Saumane-de-Vaucluse to Pernes-les-Fontaines – 13km
This charming town is irrigated by its 41 public fountains, of which many are listed as Historical Monuments. The « Circuit des Fontaines » (Fountain route), allows you to discover them all.
Museums and places to visit :
· 5 free museums (open from April to September) :
Maison du Costume Comtadin (19th Century) / Museum of Comtadin Traditions at Maison Fléchier (17th century) / Museum of the Resistance / Comtadin Bicycle Museum in the Hôtel de Cheylus / Old Fashioned School Museum
· Discovery of the artisans of Pernes, labeled « Ville et Métiers d’Art » (City and Crafts)
· Guided tour by reservation of the Jewish ritual bath.
· La Tour Ferrande, a renowned building thanks to its 13th-century frescoes
Useful information
Information and guided visits can be reserved at the Pernes-les-Fontaines Tourist Office
T. +33 (0)4 90 61 31 04
For groups : +33 (0)4 90 61 31 04 – animation@tourisme-pernes.fr
End of visit– return to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – 11km
