L’Isle Sur la Sorgue

June 20th, 2012

The village of L’Isle Sur la Sorgue in Provence has been called The Little Venice.  It is surrounded by the waters of the Sorgue river and its many canals flow through the town carrying the crystal clear water downstream.  Because of the strength of the current it became a center for many industries as early as the 11th century.

 
At one time the village had 77 water wheels which enabled weavers of silk and wool to produce woven goods that were known all over Europe for their fine quality.  Fisherman also thrived and supplied fish to the legates of Avignon and elsewhere.  The fishing history is reflected in some of the street names; L’Anguille (Eel street) and Ecrevisses (Crayfish street).

We rented a car in Avignon after a 3 hour trip on the TVG fast train from Paris and arrived in L’Isle Sur la Sorgue in front of this charming shop.  The windows on the second floor contain our apartment.

Our living room is behind the windows with the herb boxes.  This apartment had all of the charm of the village itself.

I loved the well equipped kitchen.

The leather chairs face the window and are a good place to sit and watch the busy street action below.

Next to the living area is a TV and computer room.

Behind the kitchen is a sunny patio with many herb pots, a grill and a place to lounge and eat.  We have already spent a lot of quality time out here.

The bedroom is comfortable with a wide window that can be shuttered to keep the light out.

Sunday is market day in L’Isle Sur la Sorgue.  The whole town is full of vendors for fruits, vegetables, clothing and antiques.

I should have bought this dress.  What fun.

We did buy the ingredients for dinner.  We bought two fish kabobs with salmon, swordfish, and cod.  David separated the fish from the vegetables and cooked them on the grill.

I got some zucchini and shallots, shredded the zucchini and sauteed them together with herbs from the patio garden.  

Along with some rice from a food vendor, a fresh baguette and our grilled fish and vegetables, we had a very nice dinner.

Our travels have taken us to several nearby villages so far.  We have visited, Gordes, Roussillon and St. Remy.  Further afield was Bandol for a winery tour and Cassis to bask in the view of the Mediterranean Sea.   Provence is everything I hoped it would be.

13 responses to “L’Isle Sur la Sorgue”

  1. So glad to hear Provence is everything you hoped it would be. You are based in a great village and I love your apartment.

    I see you have your Provence shopping bag. You look just like a local.
    Sam

  2. Susan says:

    Penny, I bought 3 door knockers at the Sunday market in that lovely town last year. I know just where you are…BUT, didn’t you find the most lovely apt? I told Dale upon seeing your photos…I could stay there a month! ENJOY!!!! We are enjoying through you!!!! Susan

  3. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I love see all of your pictures. Your apartment looks very nice!

  4. Your photos are WONDERFUL, Penny. What a beautiful town and apartment. I would love to shop in the farmers’ market and buy ingredients for dinner. I’m enjoying your trip right along with you.

  5. Kaye says:

    Looks like a most delectable meal. The village looks like the ideal place to vacation. Thanks for sharing!

  6. I am really enjoying your trip and I believe some of my ancestors were from St. Remy.

  7. Yuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmm. Thanks for the taste.

  8. Haden News says:

    Penny what a “dream” trip you are on!! I have been gone this past week and just now catching up on some blog reading… You are doing a great job of letting us enjoy your trip with you! Can’t wait for your next post 🙂

  9. how fun! what a gorgeous place!! looks like some yummy food too!

  10. Kate says:

    Thank you for the virtual tour! I have enjoyed accompanying you…love the apartment and market! So much fun!

  11. katiez says:

    Looks like you are having a fantastic time – too bad about the Paris weather – but Paris isn’t known for it’s warm sunshine LOL. Provence looks to be nice all week,

  12. Big Dude says:

    Looks like you have the new town off to a good start and you have much more of a kitchen here. Before reading your post I had to head over to Google Earth and have a look at where it is and how it looks to fly over. Your apartment looks very nice as does supper.

  13. Robin Sue says:

    What a wonderful apartment, no wonder you loved it. How could one ever leave? The herbs alone on the patio would make it hard to leave. I love the busy street below as people watching is a favorite hobby of mine. Wonderful post Penny. I am enjoying reading all your postcards from Paris!

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