It is easy to find favourite places in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue, as it is known as the Little Venice of Provence, a charming village surrounded by crystal-clear canals that weave through its picturesque streets.
It is also universally known as the antique capital of Provence, with its large antique village, and its many antique dealers and shops. As well there is the sunday brocante which spills out on the pavements through the length of the entry road.
The thursdays and sundays markets which wraps around the beautiful church and along the canals is also well known and not to be missed, being known as one of the most beautiful Provencal markets.
Favorite Places in l’isle-sur’la-sorgue
L’Isle sur la sorgue addresses:
Jouvaud
5 Avenue des Otages
84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Tel: 04 90 26 72 94
A seriously pretty place to have Coffee, Tea, drinks, light meals, delicious cakes and bread. I like to start off here with a coffee before hitting the Thursdays markets.
Some delightful homeware – Warning!! I never manage to get out of there without buying something fabulous.
Umami Restaurant
33 Rue Carnot
84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Tel: 04 90 20 82 12 (English spoken)
A little favourite of mine. Especially on market days when they do their very affordable but delicious special ‘market day‘ menus.
Antique Village & Brocante Shops
2 Bis Avenue de l’Egalité
84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
In the heart of the village this is another one of my ‘happy places’. This former silk spinning mill is today the 3000 m2 site of a not-to-be missed collection of over 80 brocante dealers finds, all in one divine space. Even if you are not buying, a stroll through the little aisles will soon inspire you with new tips and ideas for your own personal home spaces.
Plus there are loads of other shops and little alleyways dotted around the village, over-flowing with other shops with unique and rare top-class antiques.
The Café du Village at its heart is always busy and bustling offering warm and friendly service.
Open from 10am to 7pm from Friday to Monday inclusive.
From Easter to All Saints’ Day the Café is also open on Thursdays.
Kate Dickinson Vintage Silver
Dealing in silver since 2006, Kate has an amazing eye for beautiful silver and has amassed an awesome collection in her shop wishing the Antique Village. The shop is gorgeous but don’t be put off as you can always find something gorgeous right in your price range. Kate is also very warm and welcoming. I’ve always loved hotel quality silver for its intriguing mix of the elegant, the utilitarian and the robust. The last time I came away with a little hotel quality sugar bowl, a small treasure that I use often. French tradesmen who come by to fix/work at my place, take their sugar seriously. They love seeing that little sugar pot on their coffee tray.
La Cour aux Saveurs Chocolate Shop
4 Rue Louis Lopez
84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Tel: 04 90 21 53 91
This is another not-to-be-missed opportunity to buy some top quality artisanal chocolates and other goodies. If it is Easter do NOT miss the chance to visit La Cour aux Saveurs. There are even delicious chocolates especially for diabetics.
Market Days Thursdays & Sundays
Thursdays and Sundays markets are always fun, though the Sunday one is usually bigger and more busy with both market vendors and visitors. The market curls around the town with its little winding crystal clear streams. The market is a charming one of alley ways some of which surrounds a beautiful old church in the middle.
A good plan is o arrive early-ish on a market-day. Have coffee and croissant in one of the little cafes, then hit the market. At midi stop someplace for a delicious lunch. I always like to book in advance so when the church bells start changing at noon, I know where I’m heading to for lunch.
After lunch and a coffee, I am sustained and energetic once more for an afternoon of incredible brocante window-shopping.
Eulalie poissonnerie
5 Place Ferdinand Buisson
84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Tel: 09 60 08 64 61
For a light lunch you can have a plate of oysters here with a glass of wine.
There is also a host of seafood, smoked fish, fish tartare, carpaccio of scallops, sashimi.
All in the heart of the village within sight of the beautiful church.
My personal list of favorite places in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue will help you plan a fantastic day out, packed with charm and hidden gems! With these insider tips, you’re set for a memorable visit—but keep your eyes wide open, because this adorable village is bursting with surprises around every corner!
