The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a French town located in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This city is known for its many antique stores and flea markets, which attract many visitors each year with its Provencal charm, its canals and bridges, and its many stores open all year.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is known for its wealth of antiques and brocante. Many stores and boutiques specialize in the sale of antique and collectible items: dishes, silverware, furniture, jewelry, etc. You can also find many old and unusual objects. The city is crossed by several branches of the Sorgue, a river that has long been used to transport goods to local markets. Even today, the city has many antique and second-hand stores throughout the year.
The Isle sur la Sorgue fair is considered as one of the most important antiques and brocante fairs in Europe, attracting thousands of visitors every year. It is also known as the “Foire internationale à la brocante et aux antiquités”. And it is ranked among the most famous in the world, after London and Saint-Ouen!
The fair is traditionally held on the weekends of Easter and August 15, as well as the weekend following these dates. It has about 250 to 300 exhibitors who offer a wide variety of antiques.
In addition to the exhibition stands, the Foire de l’Isle sur la Sorgue also offers a series of parallel events and activities. These include thematic exhibitions, conferences on antique and brocante-related topics, demonstrations of know-how, auctions and much more.
This fair has become an institution in the world of antiques and secondhand goods, attracting visitors from all over the world. It also contributes to the economic and cultural dynamism of the city and the region.
The friendly atmosphere of this fair is unique, with its streets crowded with people and its large aisles of stands with more and more objects such as antique furniture, trinkets, paintings, jewelry, rare books, paintings and collectibles.
Historical point
The Isle sur la Sorgue fair was created on August 15, 1966 by Albert Gassier and his wife and René Légier and his wife. Originally there were 14 exhibitors and the fair was simply intended to promote the activities of the town’s antique dealers and to attract potential customers.
However, the fair quickly became a must-see destination for antique and second-hand dealers from around the world.
Here are some examples of exceptional pieces that have been sold at the Isle sur la Sorgue fair:
- In 2008, a pair of mahogany chairs by the famous French designer Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann sold for a record 420,000 euros at an auction held during the fair.
- In 2013, a painting by Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, titled “Judith Beheading Holofernes,” was featured at the fair. Although it was not sold during the fair, it was later acquired by a private collector for an estimated amount of more than 100 million euros.
- In 2014, a collection of antique jewelry owned by French actress Michèle Morgan was sold at an auction held during the fair.
- In 2017, a bronze sculpture by the famous French artist Auguste Rodin, entitled “L’Eternel Printemps,” sold for 200,000 euros at an auction held during the fair.
- In 2019, a rare ceramic vase by the famous French artist Emile Gallé was sold for 245,000 euros at an auction held during the fair.
If you are interested in antiques and collectibles, you will enjoy visiting L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its many antique stores. It’s a great place to find hidden treasures and learn about the history and heritage of the region.
