This medieval town in Provence has France's oldest active synagogue, built in 1367. Its Friday market tradition dates back to 1155, selling local truffles and produce.
Carpentras, a town in southeastern France's Vaucluse department, lies at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Walk through streets where Roman merchants once traded at the still-active Friday market, or join modern-day truffle hunters at Europe's premier winter truffle market. Step inside France's oldest synagogue from 1367, admire the carved stone facade of the 15th-century Saint Siffrein Cathedral, or look up at the elaborate wrought-iron balconies adorning 17th-century mansions.
Exploring Carpentras' Markets
Every Friday morning, 350 vendors fill the town center with stalls of fresh produce, crafts, and regional specialties. From November through March, black truffles take center stage at the dedicated truffle market, where you'll see professional buyers and visitors examining these prized fungi. The transactions here influence truffle prices across Europe, with rates fluctuating between 850 and 1500 euros per kilogram.
Sweet Traditions and Local Flavors
Since the 1800s, the berlingot candy has become a symbol of Carpentras. These tetrahedron-shaped, striped hard candies originated when confectioners used leftover fruit preservation syrup. Visit the Confiserie du Mont Ventoux, where craftsmen have made these treats since 1946 using original recipes. The surrounding farmland yields early strawberries in spring and aromatic melons in summer, while local vineyards continue a winemaking tradition dating to Roman times.
Religious Architecture
The Cathedral of Saint Siffrein rises above the town center, its southern Gothic style visible in the pointed arches and ribbed vaults built between 1405 and 1519. Inside, light streams through 15th-century stained glass windows onto medieval artwork. The synagogue's plain exterior conceals an ornate 18th-century baroque interior, where marble columns and gilded decorations reflect a time when Carpentras welcomed Jewish communities fleeing persecution.
Historical Buildings and Streets
Walk through the Porte d'Orange, a 14th-century fortified gateway - one of the last remnants of Pope Innocent VI's defensive wall that once included 32 towers. Visit the Hotel-Dieu, an 18th-century hospital building, to see its original pharmacy and browse the Inguimbertine library's collection of rare manuscripts. Shop under the glass-roofed Boyer Passage, reminiscent of 19th-century Parisian shopping arcades.
Getting Around and Day Trips
From Carpentras, you can drive 23 kilometers to either Avignon or Orange. Climb Mont Ventoux's slopes, browse L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue's antique markets, or wander through Gordes' medieval streets - all within 30 kilometers. The A7 highway connects you to major cities, and regular buses run to nearby towns.
