Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue: Sorgue, Nature and History
Accommodation in Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue
Get to know Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue through three distinct themes: the landscape by the water, historic buildings and local crafts. There is also a weekly market and a range of leisure activities. Each place has its own character, from nature watching and local history to puzzles in a cornfield.
The Sorgue and wetlands
The Sorgue flows through the plain of the Comtat Venaissin. To the north of Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue are wet meadows crossed by mayres, or streams. The Les Rochières wetland is marked by numerous waterways and includes species-rich natural meadows and woodland typical of Mediterranean riverside forests. The canals, meadows and riverside trees each give the landscape its own character.
The “la Sorgue aval” circular trail is ideal for observing local wildlife and plant life. Species found there include kingfishers, beavers and otters; reeds and water lilies also shape the nature-watching experience. Those who prefer activities by the river can fish along the Sorgue, walk along its banks or use a fitness trail. The circular trail puts the local flora and fauna in the spotlight, while the other options combine time by the water with exercise.
The tower and churches
The square Tour des Templiers stands in the town centre. The 20-metre-high tower is considered a remnant of the Château Vieux and was renovated in 2006. It probably dates from the 11th or 12th century and was modified several times during the 13th and 14th centuries. The tower is open to visitors and offers panoramic views of Mont Ventoux, the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Monts de Vaucluse. Its design, successive alterations and views make it a particularly vivid point from which to explore the town’s history.
The Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens also offers insights into architectural and art history. Its late-19th-century interior includes statues, a walnut pulpit and paintings, some of which came from the seminary in Avignon. After eight years of construction work, the church was fully renovated in 2006. Together, these two striking buildings reveal different historical layers: the tower’s medieval origins and alterations, and the church’s furnishings and later renovation.
Crafts and the Wednesday market
The Centre Horloger de Provence has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant designation. The centre in Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue brings together repair workshops, a training centre, a manufacturing facility and a sales area. Its different functions show that watchmaking here is not limited to sales, but also encompasses repairs, training and manufacturing.
The market is held on the town hall square on Wednesdays. It offers fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, eggs, olives, honey and cheese, as well as an Asian caterer and clothing. The market is mainly visited by local residents; the stalls on offer may vary. It is a place where food stalls and other vendors come together as part of everyday life in the town.
Leisure and getting there
Labyrinthe les Hautes Herbes covers two hectares in a cornfield. Puzzles, whose theme changes each year, guide visitors through the maze. There are also several wooden games, a pedal-kart track and a shaded picnic area for families. Opening arrangements may vary by season and facilities may change; check the latest visitor information in advance.
For rail travel, Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue station is a useful point of reference: it is served by TER trains to Avignon TGV and Carpentras. Check the current timetable before travelling. This allows you to factor the connection into your travel plans without assuming a particular journey time.
Discover more destinations: Caderousse, Visan, Malemort-Du-Comtat, Grambois, Savoillan, Ansouis, Lagarde-Pareol, Beaumont-De-Pertuis.
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