Car Hire Carpentras

Guide

A large town nestled inside a ring of boulevards, with a cathedral at its centre; Carpentras has, at its heart, an array of restaurants and shops. Residential areas surround the old town and the St Siffrein cathedral. At the north side there stands a fortified fourteenth century gateway called the Porte d'Orange. It is the last remnant of Pope Innocent VI's thirty-two towers and four defensive gates.

If you have a keen eye you might spot the fifteenth century synagogue, which is famed for being the oldest in France. The Jewish influence on the town, dating back to the construction of the ghettos that existed pre-revolution, is still evident today.

For those interested in dining out there are quite a few restaurants at the heart of Carpentras, including a couple with both local and provincial style cooking. The L'Atelier is particularly good for its appealing decor and excellent service. Care for confectionary? If you have a sweet tooth, then take a trip to the Fruits Conflicts Clavel shop on Rue Porte d'Orange. It has a speciality in the 'berlingot' which is a caramel candy; the shop is stacked with treats made into all sorts of shapes, including those emulating flowers and plants.

In terms of sporting activities there is the municipal pool that is open all year round (although closed to the public on Thursday). You can also partake in hiking around Carpentras, but you will have to venture about six kilometres south o find a good trail (see below for car rental details). Pernes-les-Fontaines has a track leading to the foothills of the Plateau de Vaucluse where various trails are available for the keen walker.