SORGUE & LAVENDER

Sorgue River country and lavender fields

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Senanque Abbey

This day is full of color and water in the Sorgue River region which erupts from the most abundant spring in France. We will start the day at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue known as the Venice of Provence. At Fontaine-de-Vaucluse we hunt for the source of the Sorgue spring. We finish at the most photographed site perhaps in Provence: the Senanque Abbey implanted in the heart of purple lavender fields.

MORE PRECISELY

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: It seems as if we have left mainland Provence as we walk through Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and watch the canals, water stations and ducks floating peacefully. The town is popular due to its flea and antiques markets. There is almost nothing imaginable that cannot be found here. On Thursdays and Saturdays we will visit the impressive markets that offer all the goodness and bounty of Provence. Other days, we will focus on the variety of Provencal and antique shops scattered throughout the town. We will not miss important sites that are in the heart of the old city, in particular since the city was an important refuge for the Provence Jewry at the time of their expulsion.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: The spring, after which the village is named, is the most abundant spring in France, delivering between 630 and 700 million cubic meters of water per year. The castle above the village was built in the 7th century and occupies an unusual place high above the village. The lush spring has always attracted settlement and served as a commercial canal for transporting goods. We will ascend the path to the source of the spring alongside the turquoise waters of the Sorgue. Eventually, we reach a magical place surrounded by huge cliffs. One can understand why the famous Italian poet Petrarca lived and secluded himself in this village in the 14th century. A formidable and inspiring place even if you are not a great mystic.

Senanque Abbey: The iconic monastery is located right in the small valley of the  Senancole River. The harmonious building complex is an inspiring sight. The simplicity of the architecture and the serenity of the purple lavender scenery is a sight you will remember forever. But, it’s not just beauty here. The abbey harbors a rich and fascinating history. The new tablet guide will take us back in time to the monastery in 1230!

KEY POINTS
TO NOTE
  • Please bring a water bottle and sun hat (in summer).
  • Please consider fitness when choosing the tour.
  • Trip includes walking on flat surfaces with cobbled streets and ascending / descending stairs.
  • Guests walk at their discretion on uneven surfaces.
  • Guests in need of a seat can enter a local café.
  • This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, or a wheelchair.
  • Lunch is not included in this tour.
  • Entry fees not included
  • Price for guiding only.
  • The trip is self-driving. Transportation can be arranged at an additional cost.
  • The order of the trip may vary depending on field conditions and events.
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AVIGNON

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

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