Sparkling waterways, old stone buildings and moss-covered waterwheels – there’s something really special about L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue as my daughter and I discovered during our Interrail trip exploring Europe this year.
Set in the Provençal countryside, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is within easy reach of the Luberon’s hilltop villages, it’s a picture-perfect stop in the South of France, and definitely deserves more than a passing visit.
Wandering through town, it reminded me of those TV shows like ‘A Place in France’ (anyone else remember Nigel & Nippy?) where Brits head to the South of France in the hopes of finding their dream life in a lavender-scented village in the sunshine with fresh bread every day and hearty home-grown food.
There is a lovely sense of community and with so many independent boutiques, antique dealerships and cafés, you could happily ‘waste’ an afternoon, a day, or even a full weekend just meandering the streets and lanes. As we moved through the different ‘Antiquaires’ with windchimes tinkling and the light bouncing from the river, Evie commented that the waterside and the moss-covered waterwheels look like the kind of place where faeries would live, and for a second it felt like she was a little girl again, seeing magic everywhere.
Memory made.
It didn’t last. The next thing I hear is ‘ooh shall we have a Châteauneuf-du-Pape?’ and she was back to her 22-year-old self, picking out a café based on the wine selection!
L’Isle de Leos Hotel & Spa: A warm welcome to Provence
At the heart of this idyllic town is L’Isle de Leos Hotel & Spa, a five-star retreat beside the Sorgue. Part of the MGallery Collection, it draws inspiration from the warmth of a grand Provençal home, with a philosophy of welcoming guests as friends.
It’s an appealing approach to luxury that we really appreciated on our arrival, during an unseasonal downpour. Umbrellas were found, refreshments offered and we were directed to a cosy seat in the bar. Wonderful.
Opened in July 2025, the hotel is the creation of French singer and actor Patrick Bruel, but the building’s history reaches much further back: the site incorporates former town fortifications and once housed mills and a carpentry workshop. Today, the industrial heritage is incorporated beautifully into the interior design by Jean-Philippe Nuel and a restored waterwheel is a nod to the river that helped shape the town.
Historic character and luxurious rooms
The 49 rooms and suites, use natural stone, warm wood, paintings, old books and carefully chosen vintage pieces. Those details are a perfect fit with the town’s reputation for antiques trading. The emphasis on quality runs through the materials and finishes, with contemporary comforts like organic bathroom products and, in some of the rooms, there are cute little balconies or terraces offering an outdoor space that’s all your own.
The outdoor pool and surrounding garden are the perfect spot for a free afternoon (if you don’t have one, rearrange your schedule to fit one in, you can thank me later!) After a morning of browsing and exploring, the prospect of a swim and some time with a book is difficult to resist.
Spa L’Olivier de Leos: From the hammam to the snow cave
For a more indulgent pause, Spa L’Olivier de Leos draws inspiration from one of Provence’s defining trees. Its locally made products use olive-derived ingredients, including oil and leaf extracts, bringing the landscape into the treatment rooms. Alongside massages and facials, the facilities include a sauna, hammam, indoor sensory pool, experience showers and a snow cave – my first! In essence, it’s the cold version of a sauna, a small room with an ice pile and wooden benches, not for the faint-hearted!
Spa access requires advance booking, including for hotel guests.
More information about L’Isle de Leos Hotel & Spa in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue click here
The Details
We ate at
Top Maki – vegan sushi and Japanese food – an odd choice in you might think, but the setting in a little sun-dappled cobbled square was first rate, as was the food!
Olive & Raisin – café style food, right on the water. Seriously – you can climb out of a large window and sit dangling your legs over the water – gorgeous!
Le Polpette – Riverside terrace on the Quai Jean Jaurès serving traditional food with lots of fresh vegetables and plenty of atmosphere.
Travel
We travelled by train from Avignon, approx. 30 minutes – Interrail ticket can be used on this route. The closest international airport is Marseille – approx. 60 minutes.
Ideal for
Those seeking a luxury stay in a quintessential Provençale town.
Don’t miss
The Antiquaires where antique dealers are gathered, usually by style and period. Find your own Provençale treasure.
Campredon art & image gallery, a beautiful space exploring photography, visual art and immersive digital installations.
Villa Datris, dedicated to contemporary sculpture, with exhibitions bringing together established names and emerging artists. The gardens are part of the museum and provide a really pretty setting to appreciate the art.
Brun de Via-Tiran, the oldest continually owned family weaving factory with a beautifully curated showroom and museum experience, not to be overlooked. The similarities of the history of this weaving factory and that of a similar museum in my hometown of Leeds was striking – but it seems so much more sophisticated in the South of France! A great place to pick up something special like a luxurious throw as a holiday memento.
A huge thank you to L’Isle de Leos Hotel & Spa and Vaucluse Provence Attractivité for their support
Article written and images by Sally Bendall @girlabouttravel and @girlaboutyorkshire
