The net surfers who read this article also read :
l'Isle sur la Sorgue
Known as "la Venise comtadine"*, the Venice of Provence, l'Isle sur la Sorgue is an essential place to visit during your holiday at Bélézy. An amazing story of canals, antiques fair and poetry…
A prosperous fishing village
Only 30 km from the domain, the history of L’Isle sur la Sorgue is closely linked to the waters of the Sorgue river.
From the 12th century, the river enabled L'Isle to become a prosperous fishing village. Even today, the town still possesses many remains from this period such as the nego chin, flat-bottomed boats used at the time for fishing crayfish, eels and trout amongst others.
Canals, industry and trade
However it was not until the 17th century that the waters of the Sorgue were controlled and converted into canals. From this time on, numerous craft workshops and mills for oil, wheat, silk or paper appeared. The manufacturing of woollen cloth and carpets and dyeing mills became a prosperous industry. The canals facilitated the movement of goods and encouraged local trade.
Floating market and fair
L’Isle sur la Sorgue was soon in a position to organise two annual fairs and propose two weekly markets to the inhabitants of the region. The town thus became an important commercial centre of Provence.
From this thriving period, the floating market still remains, a traditional fair on the Sorgue river where period costumes are worn (the first Sunday in August) and of course its antiques fairs.
Antiques Fair and Antiques
With over 120 boutiques, the town has indeed become a well-known destination for antique lovers and dealers. Every year around the 15 August, the International Antiques Fair and Secondhand Market is held which celebrated its 82nd anniversary in 2007.
In addition, there is a market every Sunday on the avenue des 4 Otages. An opportunity to come from Bélézy and hunt for some bargains with your partner, family or with friends.
L’Isle sur la Sorgue, birthplace of René Char
René Char, one of the greatest French poets of the 20th century, was born in L’Isle sur la Sorgue. Highly inspired by the Sorgue, the Ventoux and the whole of the region, he lived here for many years before his death in 1988.
To showcase his works, the Maison René-Char was created in 2003, a site entirely dedicated to this exceptional man of letters.
* From the name Comtat Venaissin, a region of the Vaucluse located between Carpentras, Cavaillon and Vaison-la-Romaine.