Antique Hunting in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
I always do my research on destinations for every trip I take. For this particular trip, I wanted to narrow down the villages I would visit, as there were more on my list than time would allow. I had read about the famous Sunday morning antique market in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Blogger after blogger touted it as an absolute must-see. So visiting here was top on my list.
Traveling with my sister this trip, we had decided to rent a car for a few days, but there were some destinations that we felt would be easier to visit using public transportation. Since there were regular train schedules from Avignon to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, that was our chosen method of travel. There were direct trains from Avignon Centre taking about 25 minutes. From the train station in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, it was a short walk to the center of town.
1. Restaurant Le Carre d'Herbes | 2. Lanterns at the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare | 3. Vintage kitchen items for sale at the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare | 4. Garden seating at Le Jardin du Quai restaurant
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has earned its nickname as the "Venice of Provence" among locals. Moss-draped water wheels serve as cherished historical landmarks throughout the town. Dating back to the 12th century, the rivers supported a thriving fishing industry that formed the economic backbone of the community. The earliest homes were constructed on stilts above the water - a building technique reminiscent of Venice itself. But we were visiting for the Sunday market and the antiques, so that was our mission.
It was quite busy with farmer market-style stalls packed along the sidewalks everywhere. We had come expecting to find an impressive antique flea market, but the merchandise we first encountered was really anything but. Leaving the train station, the first section of the Sunday market that we encountered was along Quai Rouget de L’Isle, with vendors showcasing clothing, sunglasses, leather goods, and lots of made-in-China flea market items. The Sunday market is like a food market, flea market, and antique market rolled into one. As we fought our way through the crowds and further into town, the stalls changed from flea market to farmer market, selling cheeses, lavender, fresh flowers, handmade soaps, fresh veggies, sausages, and fresh breads. The town itself hosts some cute shops, and we did find ourselves popping into several boutique shops and making a few purchases. There were probably more shopping opportunities here than in other towns and villages we visited in Provence, so if shopping is important, you’ll find it in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
1. Chandelier crystals and prisms for sale at the Sunday market - photo by Laura Woodard | 2. Bench in the courtyard at Dongier Antiquities | 3. Outdoor pots at The Appendix at the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare | 4. Soaps on display at Du Cote du Design in the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare - photo by Laura Woodard
It wasn’t until the market was starting to pack up for the day did we find some market stalls selling antiques. The section with food stalls was by far more exciting. From here, we chose to head back to the main square, with streets lined with permanent antique stores and antique marts of multiple vendor stalls. You’ll find quite a large variety of antiques with everything from silverware to - I kid not - a Ronald McDonald blow mold head. Don’t expect to find deals. Most of the goods are priced for discerning collectors rather than bargain hunters.
1. Little boutique store Maison Farigoulette at 18 B Quai Jean Jaurès | 2. Beautiful door on Quai Jean Jaurès | 3. Ivy-covered house on the canal as seen from Quai Jean Jaurès | 4. Produce at the Sunday market
While this bustling market was indeed large with a multitude of vendors offering a wide array of goods, in hindsight, this was probably our least favorite destination of our Provence trip. If you love antiques, I wouldn’t want to dissuade you from adding the village to your list, as there are so many antique stores, and the Sunday market was quite sprawling. Lunch in town was amazing, and I did purchase a few small items, but Laura and I both found L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to be lacking in the charm and photogenic beauty that we found in the other villages we visited. Some of this was probably due to the large crowds, which made it very difficult to photograph anything on such a busy market day.
1. Soap for sale at the shop Du Cote du Design in the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare | 2. Pottery at the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare | 3. Flowers for sale at the Sunday Market | 4. The Court at the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
SHOPPING
Hôtel Dongier Antiquités
Location: 15 Esplanade Robert Vasse
La Maison Jouvaud
I’m actually listing this little confectionery shop twice, under shopping and dining. They offer cakes, sweets, chocolates, quiches, and home goods.
Location: 5 Avenue des 4 Otages
L’Ile Aux Antiquités Brocantes
Location: 7 Avenue des 4 Otages
Maison Farigoulette
Offers a variety of items, including clothing, bedding, and small household goods.
Location: 18 B Quai Jean Jaurès
Quai Rouget de l’Isle
While not a shop, but rather a street, you’ll find a large variety of tiny and cramped antique and vintage shops here.
Seven Street
Boutique shop selling clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Location: 24 Rue de la République
Village des Antiquaires de la Gare
I recommend a visit to the outdoor Court area of this market. There is a rather large two-story indoor section as well, which offers everything from larger antique furniture to modern art. There are several shops in the Court which stood out, including Annie & Ronald, Du Cote du Design, The Appendix, and The Red Curtain. I purchased a unique stone bowl at Du Cote du Design.
Location: 2 bis Avenue de l'Egalité
1. Du Cote du Design at the Village des Antiquaires | 2. Candied fruits at La Maison Jouvaud | 3. Flower bunches for sale at the Sunday market - photo by Laura Woodard | 4. Pottery at the Village des Antiquaires
DINING
Franck Olives
I don’t know if they are at the market every Sunday, but this vendor offers a variety of marinated olives, peppers, nuts, garlic, olive oil and more.
Grand Café
I’m not going to comment on the food as we only stopped for a drink, but what we saw looked good. Right in the heart of the town, this cafe offers outdoor seating along the canal, perfect for an afternoon beverage.
Location: 31 Quai Jean Jaurès
La Maison Jouvaud
Yes, I listed this little confectionery shop twice, under both shopping and dining. They offer cakes, sweets, chocolates, quiches, and home goods.
Location: 5 Avenue des 4 Otages
Restaurant Le Jardin du Quai
A lovely bistro serving Provençal cuisine, made with fresh produce in a garden setting. There is no set menu, but the salads that Laura and I had were so good!
Location: 91 Avenue Julien Guigue
1. Ronald McDonald blow mold at the Village des Antiquaires | 2. Restaurant Le Jardin du Quai | 3. Garden shop at L’Ileaux Antiquités Brocantes | 4. Village des Antiquaires
HOW TO GET HERE
By Car: L'Isle-sur-Sorgue is easily accessible from surrounding towns via the D31, D901, and D938 highways. Finding parking can be tough, especially on Sunday, so get there early.
By Train: There are numerous SNCF trains from Avignon Centre, taking about 25 minutes.
By Bus: Buses operate from Avignon via SNCF Bus as well as Zou! and take about 40 minutes.
MARKET DAY
Market day in Sunday in the town center.
Bring Cash: Most vendors accept credit cards, but don’t depend on that.
Arrive Early: The market gets quite busy on Sundays.
Bring a Basket: You’ll want something to carry those produce purchases.
Make a Reservation: Restaurants book up on Sundays.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Isle sur la Sorgue Tourism
Location: 13 Place F. Buisson
