A short stroll in Isle sur la Sorgue

A few days ago we had some free time and we decided to drive over to Isle sur la Sorgue again just to take a walk around on a non-market day. There are always things to look at here. The river was really roaring along when we crossed the little foot bridge.

As you can see the sky was brilliant blue!

For the past few trips the cathedral in the city center has been undergoing a thorough cleaning underneath sheets of drop cloths and plastic and this day we at last saw its glittering whiteness as we came around the corner of the little narrow street. Look at the blue sky and the blue of the fellow's shirt in the street!

I was particularly drawn to the gargoyles perched up around the tops of the towers. I had never really looked at them before, maybe because the market was swirling around at the street level or maybe they were just too dirty to stand out. Now they really make their presence visible!

The Cafe de France during market day is surrounded by vegetable and flower stands but on this visit it was just so pretty there among the brand new little leaves on the plane trees. The green chairs were just waiting for customers. When we come in February we like to sit inside where it is warm and we can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!

On this visit we went down a little side street we had never walked along before and there were many little shops to admire. This courtyard is filled with a variety of local artisans who create clothing, jewelry and other items. I loved the little origami birds floating along the allée. 

We stopped in this shop to buy some of that fantastic stain removing soap made with clay from the region of Sommières. This store looks like what actual drogueries (houseware store) were like in the past. You only see a few of these anymore because all the big box stores have sort of taken over the market. I think these little shops have the most interesting items and the owner can actually tell you about everything for the household!

Of course JC had to consult the real estate ads for the "dream home in Provence"

while I checked out styles of clothing in windows like this really cute idea for a plain white blouse. Each little square of fabric is held in place by a stitched-on bead! What a cool way to spark up an outfit! I already have an idea for something.....

This shop had the beautiful Olivades fabric scarves and other items like cigales key chains and pretty trays. I think I may have to return here again now that I know its here. I loved the sheer wool scarf draped on the mannequin to the left of the table.

As we headed back to the car we happened to be behind this very French couple walking their dog...hmmm yes, they ARE French. Pretty colorful n'est-ce pas?!

We drove back to Carpentras...the plane trees have had a severe haircut this year so they are just beginning barely to get their new leaves.

It was time to get some work done in the yard and JC and his helper Oscar put together the summer outside table. This fellow likes tools!

Next time I'll have some pictures of market day in Pernes les Fontaines. A bientôt!