Around l’Isle sur la Sorgue

Situated between the Durance and Rhône river and the Mont Ventoux you are in one of the most beautiful spots in France.

In this part of the country you will find many old villages from Roman times almost complete built out of natural stone. They are mostly situated on top of (small) hills, which used to be the logical choice for defense of the village.

Gordes, Oppede, Menerbes, Lacoste and Goult are gorgeous old villages to stroll around and just enjoy the atmosphere. In Bonnieux and Rousillon you will also find a lot of ancient and wonderful things.

Through the whole region, but especially around Gordes, you will find the famous “bories”, small stacked stone houses in oval shape where shepherds used to stay in when they were out and about with their sheep.

There is amazing natural beauty all around you in this area, a true hikers paradise. There are rocks (around Rousillon “ocre” red rocks), many kinds of trees and (blooming) plants, wonderful vistas wherever you drive, hike or cycle. Old abbeys, among which Sénanque, and small monasteries can also be found around here.Through this area there once was the road (right alongside Granges du Bosquet) from Rome to the pope’s other city (Avignon). The Pont Julien, dated around 100 BC, is definitely worth a visit.

And ofcourse the beautiful city of Avignon itself, with the Palais des Papes, and other marvelous old buildings and the famous Pont d’Avignon. Also, Vincent van Gogh used to live close to here. In Saint Remy de Provence there is a lot of and about him to be found.