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- Paddle Under Pont Du Gard For The Most Amazing Views
- Chamonix is waiting ~ lace up your hiking boots.
- Annecy Will Give You Reasons To Wish You Stayed Longer
- Discover the soothing sounds and breathable pace of Ile Sur La Sorgue
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Discover the soothing sounds and breathable pace of Ile Sur La Sorgue
Ile sur la Sorgue ’s narrow streets, wide waterways and the soothing sounds of water make walking and discovering a delightful and memorable experience.
ILE SUR LA SORGUE, FRANCE
MAY 8
The only question on our arrival in Ile sur la Sorgue was “where are we going to stay?”
Finding the tourist office closed for lunch we struck out on our own. Hotel les Nevons had been fully booked when we tried to reserve by email but they had one room available … only for one night. That was OK. We would deal with ‘later’ later. We checked in and soon were out the door to discover this delightful village.
“Isle-sur-la-Sorgue” means “island on the Sorgue [river]” and that’s what it is. Actually there are a number of waterways which gives Isle-sur-la-Sorgue the nickname of “Venice of Provence”. It is these flowing waterways, and the many water-wheels that turn because of them, which provided all the necessary power to create a thriving wool and silk industry.
After weaving our way through the narrow streets of the village, we followed the river upstream past fly fishermen of all ages, people having picnics here and there, seeing Nego-Chins (traditional flat-bottomed boats – some sunken, some afloat) and imagining ourselves owning one of these charming Provencal homes with their wooden shutters, tiled roofs and small back yards with steps flowing into the water. At a park near the tip of the island where the river divides, we stopped at a little picnic table at water’s edge and enjoyed a game of cribbage.
MAY 9
Market day in Ile sur la Sorgue. Before heading out to roam the market, we checked out of our hotel (they could only accommodate us one night) and were thankful accommodations for another night were found through the tourism booking office.
The market was a lively affair with crowds of people, lots of color, smells and tastes. The sounds of the river were constant and today joined by a fifty piece band that John Philip Sousa himself would have appreciated.
In mid-afternoon we booked into our next little hotel. Wow! We were delighted to secure the one room in town Sherrie had spied (and coveted) yesterday during our walk through the village. It is right in town, were the waters divide, and Chambre 1 (our room) was the only room with a balcony overlooking the river … the perfect place to sip wine, gander at the ducks and do some serious people watching. (We could rent this room with its views, sounds of water and prized balcony – cool north facing for hot summer days – for a week and be quite content.) Someone at the tourist office suggested the rooms were rather noisy because of a bar on the main floor but Chambre 1, over the kitchen, was quiet after 10pm. UPDATE: Since we were there, the hotel has changed hands and is now Les Terrasses [See information below].
MAY 10
The morning was fresh and the balcony beckoned so we were able to do some journaling before checking out. We lingered over a light breakfast across the water from last night’s lodging, in full view of one of the giant waterwheels.
Today was a travel day. Three different trains later, we arrived in Villefranche on the French Riviera in the early evening.
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL LES NEVONS
Warm, friendly, professional staff welcome you. Hotel les Nevons is ideally situated along the River Sorgue a couple of minutes’ walk from the center of town (and near the antique markets). Their wifi, air-conditioning and breakfast all receive high praise. Ile sur la Sorgue a sought after relaxing vacation spot; avoid disappointment and reserve early.
Address: 205 Chemin du Nevon, 84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Phone: +33 (0)4 90 207 200
Email: hotel-les-nevons@orange.fr
Website (English): www.hotel-les-nevons.com
LES TERRASSES BY DAVID & LOUISA
Les Terrasses, in what we believe to be the most ideal location in Ile sur la Sorgue, has been lovingly upgraded by new owners David and Louisa. The rooms are still on the simple and small side but the beds are reported comfortable and the staff ‘kind and helpful’. Consider booking early to request a room with balcony overlooking the river where you can sit and sip wine before or after enjoying dinner in the restaurant.
Address: 2 Avenue Gen de Gaulle, 84800 L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Phone: 04 90 38 03 16
Email: Louisa and David
Website: lesterrassesbydavidetlouisa.com
SIGHTSEEING IN ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE
OFFICE DE TOURISM
The staff is welcoming and courteous. They take seriously their mission of promoting this special town along with encouraging tourists to leave their euros in Isle sur la Sorgue.
Address: Place de la Liberté, 84800 L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Phone: +33 4 90 38 04 78
Website (English): www.oti-delasorgue.co.uk
GETTING AROUND ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE
L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is mostly flat and pleasantly walkable. Ask for a map at the Tourist Office or hotel or copy the ‘Paddle Wheel Trail’ map (English version) from Tourist Office website to your devise then use the many waterwheels as inspiration, or an excuse, to stroll lesser water ways and discover other areas of town.
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