A night in Isle sur la Sorgue

I really can't help you regarding hotels in Isle sur Le Sorgue but the market held there every Sunday is wonderful. Also have been in Rousillion at sunset and the colors off the rocks are spectacular. There is a wonderful plaza where you can sit, have a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Wish I had more info for you but it is a beautiful area.

I used the RS book extensively for planning my own trip summer before last, which included a week in Villefranche-sur-Mer (heaven on earth!) and also a day trip from Avignon to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. There was a small place right on the river where I wanted to stay, but I went in July and they were already booked- it was in his book. Sunday is the huge market that includes antiques- I went to the Thursday one, which doesn't (I think it was a Thursday!). Driving and parking would be very, very difficult, so since you will have a car you would be better off walking if you stay outside of the town center for the markets.

With a car, Fontain (sp?) au Vaucluse was great, even when the water was very low (in the book)- there were some very nice cafes.

I walked along the Sorgue River, another RS suggestion, and did see people canoeing. It is very placid, and that would be fun!

Lastly, just at the point (and ALSO in the book!) where all the little river-lettes converge was the most incredible food store of my whole 6 weeks in France- beautifully packaged little jars of all kinds of pesto (and samples!!!)and all kinds of other things.

How long do you have? It's a little bit far from one to the other....

A BIG thank you to both of you for your suggestions! We will go on Sunday to Isle sur la Sorgue for the market. It sounds wonderful! Thanks for the tip on the great gourmet food store. I am hoping to being back home some specialty foods to remind us of our trip. During the two days and one night we will spend in that area we will also go to Rousillon and Gordes. I'll check into the place you suggested. Thanks again for your help!

Hi Karen.. Isle sur la Sorgue is neat. We are photographers and are staying at the Nevons for a week and then driving to the Luberon villages and the Cotes de Rhone villages. They are very close ,also.If you are going to the Sunday market, either stay in Isle the night before or stay some where close and go in very early. The parking and driving on Sunday is impossible. Trust me. The Nevons is very reasonable if you want to be in town. Marielle, the owner, is very nice.

I stayed in Rousillion when I was in France a few years ago and loved it. I was on my way to Isle sur la Sorgue when a truck crashed into my car ripping off the mirror. Of course, he didn't stop so I had an adventure. I did have a great time prior to the adventure driving around Provence. I found that Rick's advice about the area that is in the Provence book to be very helpful. I was sorry to have missed the market at Isle sur la Sorgue. In Roussillion don't miss the ocher, I guess it's a mine. The village has lovely cafes.

Pam

Thanks so much for your advice! I am new at this and find it's quite fun to read replies from people who have had experience in the area.

I could use a bit more help. We are planning to drive from Villefranche to Isle either on Saturday and spend the night or leave early Sunday and spend Sunday night. We plan to go the quickest way from our hotel to Isle- so we will head to Nice, Aix, Roussillon but may go a different way as we depart.We would like to see the market and some of the towns such as Roussillon, Gourdes, Grasse, etc. on our way back. Is the traffic in Isle on Sunday so bad we won't be able to get to Nevons hotel for parking? Are we silly to even try such a trip since we only have 5 1/2 days in the Riviera? What do you recommend? Do you have any suggestions on how we make the most of this 2day/one night excursion? We appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Karen, yes the traffic in Isle sur la Sorgue is bad enough that you probably will not be able to easily get to the Nevon hotel. The market takes over the WHOLE downtown of Isle, including the area where Nevon is located. You really should go to Isle on Saturday night, spend the night and take in the market in the morning. Driving there on Sunday will involve traffic jams, difficulty parking, etc., and you will miss the magic of the market early in the morning. We stayed at the Nevon on our trip and it is a basic hotel, with nice owners and a good breakfast. I'd choose a B&B close enough to walk to town, though, for more ambience.

Deb

Thanks to all of you for your good advice-We will take it! Happy travels to all of you!

Karen