L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue is a commune with 19,086 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Vaucluse department in the Provence- Alpes- Côte d' Azur, near Avignon.
History
L' Isle- sur -la- Sorgue L' Isle en venaissin earlier, was originally a fishing town due to its proximity to the river Sorgue. In the Middle Ages called " Insula ", the place was practically on an island in the middle of a marsh that was drained through the channels created by and by. These numerous channels that L' Isle and surrounded by flowing, gave him the title of Venice of the Comtat. The age of the first three channels is unknown. During the religious wars they allowed the residents to put the sump surrounding countryside as far under water that it was out of reach of cannons.
Since early times, the rich and regulated waters of the Sorgue drives the different elements necessary for the craft and industrial machinery. The water wheels allowed from the 12th century, the installation of grain, oil and paper mills, tanneries also emerged later in addition to spinning mills for wool and silk. Today only remembers little of the once strong artisanal activities. In the 19th century there were 62 ( 70 according to other sources ) water wheels. L' Isle was the main center of the wool industry of the department.
Attractions
The six still existing, picturesque 200-year- old, wooden paddle wheels, plus the numerous small little bridge over the rushing Sorgue with its wrought- iron railings, which are often surrounded with blooming flowers, dominate the streets of L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue.
The old town, all ages left their mark, was formerly surrounded by a city wall. The silver tower at the head of the church was built by the Counts of Toulouse in the 13th century.
Not far from there, in the narrow streets, you can admire Gothic and Renaissance facades.
The Collegiate Church of Notre- Dame-des- Anges without choir, mid 17th century, reconstructed, provides for its wealth of decorations inside an extraordinary monument represents: it is a principal source of the Baroque in southern France, dating back to artists of the Avignon School.
There may be some monuments of the family of architects Brun from the 18th century include The Granary ( grenier à blé ), where the tourist office is located, the hospital (Hôtel Dieu ) on Rue Jean- Théophile with finely chiseled, wrought iron gates, vestibule, chapel, pharmacy with Moustiers faience vessels and the garden with a fountain.
Among the interesting town houses, for example, the neoclassical Hôtel de Donadei Camp Redon mentioned, were presented in the changing art exhibitions, including works by Raoul Dufy, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Serge Poliakoff. It now houses the House René Char.
The city preserves the memory of their former Jewish quarter, whose residents were protected from prosecution by the popes in the Middle Ages and had the active share in the growing prosperity of the city.
Today, L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue has a reputation as an antique village where especially work at the station in old warehouses over 200 dealers for the sale of Brocantes and Antiques. At Easter and in July and August is L' Isle scene of antique fairs that attract thousands.
Personalities
- Aimon Léopold (1779-1866), French composer
- René Char (1907-1988), French poet and lyricist
- Patrick Hernandez ( born 1949 ), French singer
Gallery
Market in L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue
Antique shop in L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue
Waterwheel in L' Isle- sur -la -Sorgue