There are three principal reasons to stay at this exceptional “bed and breakfast”. First and foremost is Frédéric and Marie-Claude and their family; second is their remarkable renovation of a house, that admittedly must have had “very good bones”, and third is that the Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is simply the most interesting town in France for antiques. The combination of Frédéric’s diplomatic upbringing and Marie-Claude being a native of the Isle makes them ideal interlocutors for information and knowledge, all provided with as much charm as their delightful home and their lovely breakfasts! The house was built in the 14th century and retained by the same family until the 19th century.

When acquired by Frédéric and Marie-Claude, it underwent a significant transformation, conserving the treasures from the past, but using modern technology to provide a comfortable sense of luxury. All the walls are sound proofed and heat isolated. Under-floor heating and air-conditioning were installed. A wi-fi network for fast internet connection covers the all the rooms. An amazing “hidden” swimming pool was created in the enclosed garden, with wooden and stone terraces, and shaded by a sycamore tree.

The Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday market is an event worth experiencing as it brings countless bric-a-brac dealers to complement the hundreds of permanent antique dealers. At prices ranging from €240 to €330, the rooms and suites of La Maison sur la Sorgue are not cheap, but they are definitely worth the price.