We finally left Vaison-la-Romaine for our next stop, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which literally meant the island on the Sorgue river. We spent the afternoon wandering around town checking out bakeries and getting our bearing. Over the centuries, the river was first harnessed to grind wheat, and then power the textile and paper industries in the region. The town, which specialized in silk spinning and dyeing, boasted 66 water wheels in its heyday but sadly only a handful of working wheels remain.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is, behind Paris, the 2nd largest antique center in France. We walked by converted industrial buildings housing dozens of dealers. There are also numerous antique and secondhand shops scattered around town.
This water wheel doesn’t look operational but makes a great photo op. It’s also in a prime location, right across from a bunch of eateries. We got some glacé and enjoyed our ice cream at a table right by the water.
The local tourist office has a map for those interested in following the ‘water wheel trail’. It is kind of like a treasure hunt – one would think it’s hard to miss a water wheel (especially the working ones which tend to be moss-laden), but at least one of them is not as obvious…
The abundance of canals earned L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue the sobriquet ‘Venice of Provence’. As we wandered the narrow streets in search of water wheels, charming vistas keep cropping up in the quiet alleys.
All the running around worked up a healthy appetite and we decided to stop by Jouvaud for some sustenance. The brass register in the quirky interior is a nice conversation piece.
Jouvaud is known for its pastries and we found out the hard way that popular items sell out early. At least we were able to enjoy its pain au chocolat!
Our quest led us to the town’s periphery. The butterfly sculpture is a fitting piece amidst the wild flowers by the rushing stream.
So glad I came upon it: the colors, textures and materials of this still life composition are quintessential Provence!
The next day we took an early train for Avignon so as to arrive in time for our 10:30 am Secret Palace Tour at the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). The UNESCO World Heritage Site was the papal seat for Western Christianity during the 14th century and is the largest Gothic building in Europe. This tour gives a behind the scenes look at the papal residence, including secret staircases and hidden corridors in addition to the Pope’s private quarters.
At this early hour, even the cafés were just setting up – perfect for taking pix without the crowds.
Across from the Palace, a street performer was cranking out traditional French tunes with his colorful and decorative music cart.
Built as a fortress, the Palace ramparts are some of the highest points in the city, so on a sunny day one can see for miles. In the foreground is Avignon’s City Hall with its stately clock tower.
Rue des Teinturiers (Dyers’ Street), where the textile industry flourished from the 14th century for 500 years, was nicknamed Rue des Roues (Street of Wheels). A channel of the Sorgue runs along the street with each water wheel driving a mill. There were once 23 water wheels, now only 4 remain.
Not sure what it is – I thought this is store signage until I found the Tarasque is a mythical beast from Provence. According to legend, it was a dragon hybrid, part animal and part fish that wreaked havoc in the region, but was ultimately tamed by St. Martha. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Tarasque figures prominently in local festivals. Whatever its purpose, the artwork certainly perks up the building façade!
The boy and his dad were trying to entice passerbys with their super bubbles in Place-de-l’Horloge (Clock Square) fronting City Hall.
This public garden by cathedral Notre Dame des Doms has lovely views of Palais des Papes as well as the Rhone plains and Mont Ventoux in the distance.
As typical in France, Avignon’s restaurants are excellent but reasonably priced. Our final meal at Le Petit Gourmand before starting the cruise certainly bore that out. The tagliatelle was a simple dish of handmade pasta with local truffles and truffle cream. The restaurant has less than 10 tables and the truffles’ aroma filled the entire room when my entree came out. Getting the same amount of truffles in a dish back home would have cost 3X that! The fresh foie gras of course was superb…