The town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue used to be called “L’Isle en Venaissin” and was originally a city of fishermen on land salvaged from the river. Called “Insula” in the Middle Ages, the city was a true island amidst marshlands which were slowly drained by the construction of the canals. Many canals were dug, both through and around the town, giving rise to the affectionate name of
« Venice of the Comtat ».
Since time immemorial, the steady, abundant waters of the Sorgue river have powered crafts and industry. Sturdy waterwheels led to the establishment of flour mills as early as the 12th century, then to the creation of workshops which worked with wool and silk. The picturesque water wheels which today remain, imparting a special charm to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, only barely represent the seventy-two wheels which churned away in the 19th century, and the intense business activity which thrived in the city center. Silk works gave rise to immense fortunes, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was also the wool center for the entire department of Vaucluse.
The historical city center was once surrounded by ramparts, and continues to exude the charm created by the marks left by each passing era. The “Tour d’Argent”, which stands near the apse of the church, was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Toulouse. Not far from there, sumptuous city mansions with Gothic or Renaissance façades line the narrow city streets, bearing witness to the fact that Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was once the chief city in the Comtat. Notre-Dame-des-Anges collegiate church, rebuilt (except for the chancel) in the mid-17th century, is an outstanding example of Baroque art in southern France. The Brun family of architects has left several remarkable constructions, including the Granary, now home to the Tourism Office and the hospital with its lovely vestibule, chapel, apothecary and beautiful garden and fountain. The Brun family also built many city mansions, including the gracious hôtel Donadeï de Campredon, now home to the Maison René-Char.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue upholds the memory of the former Jewish quarter, protected by the popes. The thriving Jewish population actively contributed to the city’s prosperity. The importance of fishermen also remains alive. On flat-bottomed boats known as nego chin, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue fishermen took off in all seasons to fish crayfish, trout, eel and grayling, using many different tactics.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also well-known as home to the poet René Char, born there in 1907 and where he spent his entire youth, and where he came to live after his experience with surrealism, and his exemplary leadership in the Resistance movement. Between 1928 and 1988, he published collections of poetry, worked with literary and artistic journals, weaving relationships with his contemporary artists and writers. René Char draws inspiration from his native land, the Sorgue river, Mont Ventoux and the outlying, familiar countryside. Acknowledged during his lifetime as one of the greatest poets of his time, René Char well deserves the homage to his memory that has been created with the Maison René Char, opened in 2003.
Maison de Tourisme Place de la Liberté 84800 L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Tél. : 04 90 38 04 78 Open all year from Monday to Saturday 9h –12h30 and 14h30 – 18h Sundays from 9h to 12h30, except July and August 9h30 to 13h
The historical city center was once surrounded by ramparts, and continues to exude the charm created by the marks left by each passing era. The “Tour d’Argent”, which stands near the apse of the church, was built in the 13th century by the Counts of Toulouse. Not far from there, sumptuous city mansions with Gothic or Renaissance façades line the narrow city streets, bearing witness to the fact that Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was once the chief city in the Comtat. Notre-Dame-des-Anges collegiate church, rebuilt (except for the chancel) in the mid-17th century, is an outstanding example of Baroque art in southern France. The Brun family of architects has left several remarkable constructions, including the Granary, now home to the Tourism Office and the hospital with its lovely vestibule, chapel, apothecary and beautiful garden and fountain. The Brun family also built many city mansions, including the gracious hôtel Donadeï de Campredon, now home to the Maison René-Char.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue upholds the memory of the former Jewish quarter, protected by the popes. The thriving Jewish population actively contributed to the city’s prosperity. The importance of fishermen also remains alive. On flat-bottomed boats known as nego chin, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue fishermen took off in all seasons to fish crayfish, trout, eel and grayling, using many different tactics.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also well-known as home to the poet René Char, born there in 1907 and where he spent his entire youth, and where he came to live after his experience with surrealism, and his exemplary leadership in the Resistance movement. Between 1928 and 1988, he published collections of poetry, worked with literary and artistic journals, weaving relationships with his contemporary artists and writers. René Char draws inspiration from his native land, the Sorgue river, Mont Ventoux and the outlying, familiar countryside. Acknowledged during his lifetime as one of the greatest poets of his time, René Char well deserves the homage to his memory that has been created with the Maison René Char, opened in 2003.