La Maison Sur La Sorgue

Rooms

There are 2 suites and 2 vast rooms at La Maison, all on the second floor. The suites have separate sitting rooms, but their bedrooms aren't as large as the ordinary rooms (which aren’t ordinary). On the whole we preferred the rooms for the greater sense of space.

Ours - Room with a View - was the simplest of the lot, though ‘simple’ is hardly the word to describe what you find here. It's positively cavernous, its ceiling open to A-frame beams, with views to the front over a narrow street. There are lilac walls, coir matting, an enormous armchair for 2 and a four-poster bed wrapped up in crisp white linen. The bathroom is equally smart - and big enough for 2 separate sinks plus a claw-foot bath.

Room on a Loggia is even more impressive: equally enormous with a beamed ceiling sloping down to French windows that open onto a delightful covered balcony, which stretches along the side of the house and overlooks the courtyard - absolute bliss.

The Attic Suite is spread over 2 floors. Climb the stairs and find a glorious bathroom built of American hardwood. Its private terrace holds a couple of sun loungers, while back inside the sitting room and bedroom come in neutral colours.

We didn’t see the Shadow Suite, which overlooks the market square; from what we hear though, it’s as stylish as the rest of the rooms.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• WiFi

Eating

In good weather, breakfast is served at a big table in the courtyard. Otherwise, you eat at separate tables in the enormous kitchen/dining room. Tables are laid with much style: clean white rectangular crockery (which you can buy in your host’s shop) that sits on smart slate tablets. You get cold meats and delicious cheese, small bowls of fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, then a sack brimming with small baguettes, croissants and pains au chocolat. There’s tea and coffee, a pot of yoghurt, even the morning paper.

Seasonal Provençal cuisine is served by arrangement for parties of 6 or more. You might get chestnut soup with grated chocolate, squid salad with pistachio nuts, filet mignon with freshly cooked apples, a plate of local cheeses, then a tarte tatin with a Vervennes jelly.

The town has a couple of excellent restaurants. Number one is Le Vivier, which just about everyone in Provence mentioned to us. It’s got a Michelin star and the elegant interiors match beautiful food. Those with a hearty appetite may want to check out the 7-course gourmand menu. If you want something simpler, try L’Industrie for good pizza or Café de La Sorgue, a busy brasserie which overlooks the water.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Organic produce
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• L’Isle-sur-La-Sorgue is home to one of Europe’s biggest antiques markets. It takes place every Sunday - about 350 stalls wind through the narrow streets of the old town and spill out across the water, and it’s even bigger at Easter. Some brocantes shops are open all year round, but tend to close on Mondays and reopen on Thursdays. There's a food market on Thursdays
  
• Punt along the river in summer. Come at the end of July and watch the town celebrate the Festival of La Sorgue, when fishermen joust on boats on the water, an ancient tradition that determines who will be crowned king of the river
  
• Avignon is close. You can drop in for a day of culture, visit the Papal Palace, walk to the end of its famous bridge or enjoy its annual festival (mid-July to early August) for theatre, opera, classical music, exhibitions and lectures set against the backdrop of its spectacular architecture
  
• Visit the wine fields of the Dentelles: head north to Beaumes-de-Venise and taste its remarkable Muscat (best served with a plate of foie gras). The area stretches from Carpentras in the south to Vaison-La-Romanie in the north - a small area, but one that rewards those who visit. You’ll find beautiful mountain villages, hills to climb and fantastic views. Chateauneuf du Pape is close, too, but there’s a greater sense of discovery here and fewer tourists
  
• Head up Mont Ventoux, the iconic mountain of Provence. Every other year the Tour de France climbs up it - Lance Armstrong did so in 55 minutes, which is simply ridiculous (ordinary humans take a day!). Views from the top stretch to Nice and Mont Blanc. If you come, it's worth ascending from Bedoin in the south and descending to the north, as this is how the cyclists do it
  
• Provence is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful region, with lots more to see and do. For more of our favourites, see our destination guide

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Hot air ballooning
• Kayaking
• Language courses
• Museums / galleries
• Rafting
• Scuba diving
• Shopping / markets
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Tennis coaching

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome. Take over the whole place if you're coming en masse - it's worth it! That said, some little ones might find the location too tranquil.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

All rooms can fit a baby cot and extra bed.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

La Maison Sur La Sorgue is set in the small town of L’Isle-sur-La-Sorgue, 10km from Avignon in southwest France.

By Air:
The nearest airport is Avignon (10km). Much busier is Marseille (80km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport:
The hotel offers a transfer service - see Rates. Alternatively you can jump in a cab or hire a car (see below).

By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then a TGV to Avignon. The hotel is only 10km from here, which makes it barely any longer than flying once you take check-in and the drive from the airport into consideration.

By Car:
You can pick up a hire car at the airport or TGV station; see our car rental recommendations. The hotel has a garage and you can park there for a small charge.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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