The variety of shops there runs the gamut from very pricey and unique to tea towels and sundry. The fairs are famous in France as well as much of Europe, with its Sunday open-air markets dating as early as November 9, Blocks of French milled soap are a must to buy.
All during the year, of course, the antique shopsβsome housed within former industrial buildings during a previous incarnation of the townβare open and loaded with beautiful furniture.
You can find some truly exquisite pieces. An old book market is held on the last Sunday of each month. Mimosa motif fabric on this pretty little chair.
First developed in 12 th century as a fishing town built on stilts above a marsh, water played such an important role in the town, earning it the aforementioned nickname as the Venice of Provence. The Sorgue River served as a sort of moat around the ramparts from that time until By the 18 th century, 70 huge waterwheels lined the canals that powered the major industries of paper and silk makingβsome are still there in working order.
I found them charming in appearance and the splashing water a most pleasant sound. Artisanal mills for producing oil, wheat, wool, rugs, and dyeing begin to pop up as time passed. More brocante sellers than you can count at the August fair. My friend Helen had arranged for us to go to its August 15 th antiques fairβone of the two large fairs held twice a year the other is during Easter weekend. August 15 th marks the end of summer breaks and all holiday locations empty out until the September tourists arrive.
