Exploring local street markets is a top holiday activity that can be enjoyed in many European cities, from Barcelona in Spain to Istanbul in Turkey.
However, France is a country that particularly stands out.
From giant flea markets in metropolitan hubs like Nice or Paris to tiny versions in provincial towns like St-Rémy-De-Provence, you’ll find a market in most French towns and cities.
But if you’re serious about bargain hunting for vintage finds, there’s only one French city you should visit.
Nicknamed the “island city” and the “Venice of Provence”, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a truly beautiful town in the south of France filled with pretty canals and waterside restaurants.
(Image: Getty)
Ideal for Londoners, it is easily accessible from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports in less than three hours.
As well as being stunningly beautiful, the bustling city is also home to a number of brilliant flea, street and vintage markets.
The most exciting markets in this charming Provencal town are its international antiques fairs held twice a year around Easter and in mid-August.
These giant open-air flea markets are the largest markets in Europe, with vendors traveling from all over the European continent to sell their wares here.
(Image: Tripadvisor)
You’ll find an incredible array of antiques, vintage furniture art, and many other weird and wonderful items.
In fact, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is often known as France’s second ‘antiques capital’ after Paris thanks to the wealth of hidden gems you can find here.
But if you plan to come outside of these times, don’t despair – Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has other markets you can partake in all year round.
READ MORE: Gatwick: Get flights to the Spanish islands of Mallorca and Lanzarote for just £9.99 in February and March on EasyJet now
(Image: Getty)
This includes the regular Sunday market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which runs all day from around 8am until late afternoon and offers everything from locally produced olives and cheeses to clothes, odds and ends. -à-brac and many antiques.
It also holds a record as the largest open-air market in Provence’s idyllic Luberon region.
As for what else to do in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, simply strolling along the town’s beautiful canals and admiring the shady plane trees, quaint houses and flower-filled cafes is a great activity.
The city’s historic water wheels are also worth a visit.
(Image: Tripadvisor)
A remnant of the bygone industrial era of the 18th century, these quaint old wheels on the Sorgue no longer produce electricity but are pretty to admire.
These are a distinctive feature of the city with around 15 in total.
In summer, you can also cool off by diving in the nearby Partage des Eaux.
The spectacular Notre Dame Des Anges is another attraction worthy of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
(Image: Tripadvisor)
The magnificent church was originally built in 1222 and remodeled in the 17th century in the Italian Baroque style. It is therefore richly decorated inside with many frescoes, paintings and sculptures – there are 222 statues of angels.
READ MORE: Heathrow and Gatwick: The beautiful Italian island hidden 4 hours from London, as magical as Capri but more affordable
Art lovers should also visit the Villa Datris Foundation, a cool modern sculpture gallery housed in a charming traditional provincial townhouse in sherbet orange.
As this is France, you can expect plenty of great food and drink when you visit.
Waterside restaurants are prevalent in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, however, one of the best in terms of views and menu is Le Vivier restaurant.
17 Place Aux Vins, Wine Bar in the Dress and Le Mia Miam are all well-rated places to grab a glass of local Provence wine or two.
If you are looking for pastries or cakes like raspberry cake, the French bakery Patisserie Leyris has some delicious ones.
How to get there
Getting to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is surprisingly easy from London.
There are flights to nearby Marseille Airport from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
From Heathrow you can fly with British Airways and it needs 1h55 .
If you prefer to go from Gatwick, there is a EasyJet flight to Marseille it takes the same time – and some tickets in February and March cost as low as £19.99 at present.
Alternatively, you can also fly direct from London Stansted to Marseille with Ryanair .
This one takes even less time, at just 1:51.
Regardless of the airport of departure, you can get to your final destination of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in just 54 minutes by rental car or taxi.
Is there a story you think we should cover? If yes, please email [email protected] or at [email protected]
