Provence and the Vaucluse
The Vaucluse department, in the heart of Provence in the South East of France is renowned for its exquisite scenery and abundance of historic villages. Enjoying a luxurious Mediterranean climate, the region has become the French destination of choice for the discerning visitor and the Provencal hideaway for rat race escapees.
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Isle sur la Sorgue is famous for its graceful waterways, and antique markets, which give this chic town its character and atmosphere. The 'isle' was created when the River Sorgue was split into canals ploughed by water wheels powering its paper and silk mills in the 18th century.
On a Sunday morning, the quays, main streets and narrow side streets are swamped with antique and brocante stalls, as well as the heady olfactory sensations of traditional Provencal ware, changing as you move through the market.
The town, despite its size (around 17 000 inhabitants) has the biggest collection of antique dealers outside Paris, and art galleries too, reminding us of the area's Impressionist roots (there is even a 'sculpture' of a discarded ear thrown into the river!)
The town is a good size and has a healthy selection of restaurants, cafés and shops, but is small enough that you can quickly become intimate with it. There are two markets a week, so when the famous Sunday meeting gets a bit too crowded in July and August, you can choose to pick and squeeze the ingredients for your gourmet creations on a Thursday instead. The town has a thriving local community, so doesn't 'die' in the winter like many of the more 'chocolate box' tourist attractions, and there is a sense of grittiness or realism about the town, which quickly makes you feel like you are not 'just a tourist'.
The Lubéron
The rolling hills and perched villages of the Lubéron are bounded by Cavaillon and Manosque to the West and East, and from Apt south to the River Durance. Mediterranean flora carpets the drier South face of the main range, Oaks grow on the steeper North face and on the lower slopes, orchard fruits, olives, walnuts and of course, grapes are bountiful.
Northern Vaucluse
North of the historical city of Avignon, the Vaucluse extends northeast from the lucrative vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape and the Roman treasures of Orange, through to the rocky Dentelles de Montmirail, the slopes of Mont Ventoux and the harsh and uninhabitable plateau d'Albion in the department's easternmost corner.
Here, in the Northern half of the department, away from the renowned Lubéron villages and further from the coast, property prices are more reasonable and there are still relative 'bargains' to be found.
Useful links
Luberon en Provence
An ideal showcase of the scenic settlements which lend the Provence area such charm, and a wealth of historical information about each one.
Provence Guide
The official information website of the Vaucluse Tourist Board.
The Luberon
Discover the rural beauty of the Luberon with this comprehensive profile of the area. Maison Victoire handle properties in many of the villages listed here.
Provence & Beyond
Detailed and evocative, this site provides a wealth of practical information about the Provence area, and is an ideal resource if you are considering one of our luxury properties.
FrenchEntrée Flight Map
A useful resource showing flight connections between France and the UK. Please allow a few seconds for this page to load.
