L'Islle sur la Sorgue, the Venice of France

 


Visited Oct 17, 2025
L'Islle sur la Sorgue, the Venice of France, gets its name for the Sorgue River, an extraordinarily clear and shallow river that the community grew around. At its peak, the town supported 70 waterwheels that allowed L'Islle sur la Sorgue to compete with Avignon as the cloth dyeing and textile center in the 1800's. Today, you can pick up a map at Tourisme (tourist information) that shows these as well as museums and other community highlights. It shares a vibrant, growing vibe mixed with comfortable welcoming and exploration. I'd read that weekends are hopping with antique markets, we were there on a Friday evening and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere. 

We started by sitting along the river at one of many bars and enjoying a beer while we studied the map.
 
Sipping beer in stunning setting

Usually I don't photo toilets, but this one was different from every other I encountered.  So spacious & clean, yet seatless! 


Eating the pizza we picked up earlier in Saintes-Maries-sur-de-la-Mer in the park, we spotted the little tour train as it pulled up and thought Why not?  We were tired since this was our 3rd tourist destination today. We hopped on board for a 45 min  Euro 7 tour that was lovely. 

Le Petit Train tour



I can see why this city is known for shopping, something for everyone

The source of the Sorgue River is the Fontaine de Vaucluse.  This spring originates here and immediately splits into pathways around L'Islle sur la Sorgue.





Returned just as the sun was setting in L'Islle sur la Sorgue 


Getting there 
We rented a car using Priceline at Alamo. It was $60/day, diesel gas; pick up at TGV train station. Easy to find as we arrived on 20 bus from Avignon and passed Alamo along the way to bus stop at train station. 
Fast and efficient check in with the manager who had excellent English.  
There is also a train to L'Islle sur la Sorgue  from Avignon. 

Remember to fill up before returning your car!


Additional note, we visited Saintes-Maries-sur-de-la-Mer, Roussillon as well as L'Islle sur la Sorgue in one very long day. Each are posted separately. 










 

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