Large moss-covered water wheel in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue seen from the front — Water still flows through the paddles of this wheel beside a branch of the Sorgue.

Getaway in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Water wheels along the quays of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Text and photographs by Vincent Flachaire

In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, water trickles from the mossy paddles of the water wheels. Along the canals of the old town, their movement once drove the machinery of mills and factories.

Water wheels along the quays

The Sorgue divides into several branches around the old town. From the quays and footbridges, wheels can be seen beside houses or gardens, their open frames sometimes almost hidden beneath moss.

Along Quai des Lices-Berthelot, two wheels stand one behind the other in front of the houses.

Two water wheels along Quai des Lices-Berthelot in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — Two water wheels stand one behind the other along Quai des Lices-Berthelot.

Seventeen wheels on the Canal de l’Arquet

From Place Ferdinand-Buisson, Rue Danton leads to Rue Théophile Jean, known as Rue des Roues. It follows the Canal de l’Arquet, where a wheel was recorded as early as 1453. In the 19th century, seventeen wheels shared its current, out of sixty-two in the town.

Owners disputed the water power on which their workshops depended. In 1845, a royal ordinance regulated the waters of the Arquet.

The power of the current, from mills to spinning works

From the Middle Ages, wheels drove the hammers of fulling mills, which beat woollen cloth to soften and scour it. They also powered grain mills, paper mills and silk-spinning works.

Water pushes the paddles from below or from the side. The wheel turns its axle, which is connected to the workshop machinery. Bolts and planks remain visible beneath the limescale deposits.

Close-up of the paddles, bolts and metal frame of a water wheel — Water trickles over the paddles and their joints.

Industry is still present in the town. Founded in 1808, the Brun de Vian-Tiran mill continues to make its fabrics. On Avenue de la Libération, its La Filaventure museum presents fibres and how they are processed. Upstream from the town, the Moulin de Mousquety company still generates electricity using turbines on the Sorgue.

Moss-covered water wheel beside the quays of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — Moss and limescale cover the paddles and supports of the wheel.

The quays and the garden of Château Dumas

Quai Jean-Jaurès and Avenue des Quatre-Otages run alongside café terraces beside the Sorgue. On the point between two branches, Château Dumas is recognisable by its tiers of balconies. Footbridges connect the riverbanks to the public garden.

Château Dumas above two branches of the Sorgue in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — Château Dumas on the point between two branches of the Sorgue.

Gardens also used water from the Sorgue. Bucket chains raised it into channels for irrigation or the needs of houses and convents. Near the Caisse d’Épargne garden, the Milhe wheel supplied a private garden in this way.

Continue your getaway in the Pays des Sorgues

Quai Clovis-Hugues follows a tree-lined branch of the Sorgue. On Sundays, the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market fills the streets and squares near the canals. Antique shops and galleries are also found throughout the old town.

Water wheel along Quai Clovis-Hugues in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue — A water wheel along Quai Clovis-Hugues.

Upstream, the river divides into two branches at the Partage des Eaux. Further on, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is home to its source, below the ruins of the Château des Évêques.

Practical information

Seeing the water wheels of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Access: Walk along the canals and quays of the old town, with free access all year round.
Heritage trail: Allow around 1 hour 30 for the tourist office’s 2.5 km trail, which includes the wheels and other monuments. Information panels; start at Place Ferdinand-Buisson.
Parking: Car parks are located around the centre. It is busier on Sunday mornings and during fairs.
La Filaventure museum: Avenue de la Libération. Official museum website and visitor information.

Local information: heritage trail and visitor map · history of the water wheels.

Extend your stay

Bed and breakfasts around L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

These properties listed on the Portal are within 25 km as the crow flies of the location featured in this getaway. Visit their websites to plan your stay.