Discover Carpentras in the Vaucluse it is Well Worth Visiting

Many times over the years, we have headed to Carpentras on Fridays for the year-round morning market. Carpentras is a medium-sized city in the Vaucluse, a short 25-minute ride down the D-7 from our holiday home in Sablet (it’s available for rent too). As we get near, we see Notre Dame de l’Observance (photo) towering over Carpentras. The church was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. It was established as a parish church in 1792. The church was restored at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Carpentras is located along the Auzon River. It was a commercial site used by Greek merchants in ancient times, and known to the Romans, first as Carpentoracte Meminorum, mentioned by Piney, then renamed Forum Neronis (“Forum of Nero”). Continue reading here for Michel’s original post and photos from their visit to Carpentras.

Credit: ©Michel Augsburger

The Oldest Synagogue in France

The synagogue in Carpentras was built in 1367 and is France’s oldest Jewish house of worship today. Richly decorated interiors are highlighted by deep red wall hangings and a turquoise-blue domed roof. The building has several points of interest, including a 30-foot-deep ritual bath fed by a natural spring and two bakeries. Portions of the structure were restored in the 18th century and declared a historical monument in 1924.

The Carpentras tourist office offers guided tours of the synagogue.

Details:

Place Maurice Charretier
84200, Carpentras
Tel: +33 (0)4 90 63 39 97
Website

The Jewish cemetery in Carpentras is also worth a visit. In 1343, Bishop Hughes, the nephew of Pope Clement VI, who held the seat of power in Avignon at the time, allowed the Jewish community access to land to build the synagogue and establish a cemetery.

Where to Eat in Carpentras?

Our go-to restaurant in Carpentras is Chez Serge, located off the ring road near Allée des Platanes. The Restaurant is owned by a gregarious sommelier named Serge Ghoukassian and has been a fixture on the dining scene in Carpentras since 1987. The restaurant is in a former village house. We usually order from the 3-course “La Formule du Midi” selections, which are presented on l’ardoise (blackboard).

Book a Table

Chez Serge (website)
90 Rue Cottier
84200 Carpentras
Telephone: +33 (0)490632124

Head to Carpentras for the Sunday morning brocante (flea market). The city is known for delicious strawberries that grow nearby, and there is (of course) a spring festival to celebrate the berry. Discover the Carpentras synagogue and Jewish heritage in the region.

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Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.