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Avignon, Fontaine de Vaucluse Vaucluse & L'Isle sur la Sorgue french brocante & antiques tour
Tour summary
L'Isle sur la Sorgue, an ancient town surrounded by a moat of flowing water, dates from the 12th century when fishermen built huts on stilts above what was then a marsh. By the 18th century, canals lined with 70 giant wheels powered silk factories & paper mills, you'll see them as you walk around the town. Today L’Isle is the Venice of Provence, home to antiques villages housing over 300 dealers - a really great way to begin exploring the Vaucluse. Next Fontaine de Vaucluse where the largest natural spring in Europe wells up outside the village creates a fast flowing river running through the village dotted riverside cafés & shops. Next Avignon - once centre of the Catholic world, left with an impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture, most notably World Heritage listed Palais des Papes that includes an array of impressive renaissance frescos. Avignon hosts the annual arts festival, the largest in France. In Avignon we visit the gardens of Rocher des Doms and the ancient cathedral church of Notre dame des Doms d'Avignon and the Pont d'Avignon. (We don't include a visit to the Palais des Papes in this tour due to the time constraints)
Tour itinerary
1. Drive to L'Isle sur la Sorgue and visit the village brocante shops
2. Early light lunch or snack in L'Isle sur la Sorgue
3. Drive to Fontaine de Vaucluse - short stop to visit the village
4. Drive through the countryside to Avignon
5. Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms & Rocher des Doms
6. Visit to Pont St Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)
7. Walking tour to discover the town of Avignon.
We begin the tour with a drive to L'Isle sur la Sorgue to explore the numerous tiny brocante shops and the village before driving on through the countryside to visit Fontaine de Vaucluse - the source of the Sorgue river & a hub for French brocante and antiques. From there onto Avignon to visit the cathedral, famous bridge and the gardens. It's a leisurely day with time for you to visit interesting villages and see some of the highlights of Avignon at the same time. If your staying in or around Avignon - it's a great way to begin your visit with time at your own leisure to visit the Palais des Papes.
Language: English or French
Tour duration
The total duration of the tour is 8 hours, assuming pick-up in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Avignon. The order for the tour is flexible enough to take into account the starting point changing depending on your location. There is a scheduled break for lunch, price not included.
What's included
Pick-up & drop-off at either the Cruise Terminal in Marseille or your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille or Avignon. If your staying elsewhere we can coordinate a pick-up from your address. (There may be a suppliment payable)
Travel to all of the sites and destinations proposed with dedicated guide/driver & return to your hotel, address or the cruise terminal. Admission to the historic sites listed is included. Refreshments, snacks & lunch is an additional cost.
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