L'Isle sur la Sorgue, an ancient town surrounded by a moat of flowing water, dates from the 12th century when fishermen built huts on stilts above what was then a marsh. By the 18th century, canals lined with 70 giant wheels powered silk factories & paper mills, you'll see them as you walk around the town. Today L’Isle is the Venice of Provence, home to antiques villages housing over 300 dealers - a really great way to begin exploring the Vaucluse. Next Fontaine de Vaucluse where the largest natural spring in Europe wells up outside the village creates a fast flowing river running through the village dotted riverside cafés & shops. Next visit to Avignon with an impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture, most notably World Heritage listed Palais des Papes that includes an array of impressive renaissance frescos. In Avignon, we include a visit to the Pont d'Avignon, but not the Palais des Papes.