Carpentras, Administrative center in Vaucluse, France
Carpentras is an administrative center in the Vaucluse department in Provence, surrounded by orchards and vineyards at the foot of Mont Ventoux. The town extends from the medieval old quarter to newer neighborhoods with residential buildings and shops.
The town served as the residence of Pope Clement V in the 14th century during the Avignon Papacy and gained an important ecclesiastical role. In the 16th century it offered refuge to Jewish communities, who built a synagogue that still stands today.
The name comes from a Celtic word for wagon, and the old town preserves narrow streets within the former ramparts. Locals buy fresh vegetables and spices at the weekly market, which has been the social center for centuries.
The streets of the old town are narrow and best explored on foot, with parking available at the edge of the center. The Friday morning market starts early and ends around midday, so arriving before noon works well.
The oldest synagogue in France stands on Rue Moüse, built in the 15th century and still in use today. Every winter, truffle traders gather in a square in the town center, selling black tubers directly from the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
