Fontaine de Vaucluse et le Pays des Sorgues
The River Sorgue from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Between Mont-Ventoux and the Luberon hills, the crystal-clear waters of the River Sorgue wind their way from their source at the Fontaine de Vaucluse to Isle sur la Sorgue, known as ‘Venice Comtadine’, which has become the capital of bric-a-brac and antique shops.
The Fontaine de Vaucluse, « Vallis Clausa (closed valley)», gave its name to the département of Vaucluse. Here water surges from the depths of the earth in a frothy mass in which the sun creates shimmering rainbows; in summer, however, the water is replaced by a deep, dark chasm.
Isle sur la Sorgue - ‘Venise Comtadine’
The decor changes at Isle sur la Sorgue as the river turns water wheels along the various channels reminiscent of Venice where ‘Provençal gondolas’ can sometimes be seen. Walk along the quayside past the antique shops and stalls which have made the little town a European capital for antiques.
Béatrice and Philippe, owners of 3 holiday homes with a swimming pool at Isle sur la Sorgue, often enjoy a bike ride with their children beside the River Sorgue from Le Thor to Chateauneuf de Gadagne and Isle sur la Sorgue, stopping along the way to admire Mont-Ventoux in the distance.
After a bike ride, why not have a canoeing trip along the Sorgue to explore the beautiful, leafy, tranquil countryside.
Explore Vaucluse with Gites de France Vaucluse : Gordes, Avignon the Palais des Pâpes, Roman Provence, Luberon en Vaucluse, Ancient Theatre at Orange, Mont Ventoux.
