Carpentras is a lively market town in Vaucluse, known for its food culture, layered history, and central position in the Côtes-du-Ventoux wine region. Less polished than nearby Luberon villages, it feels more local and authentic.

The town is famous for its truffles and berlingots, traditional striped sweets still produced here. Its weekly market is one of the best in the area, attracting locals looking for regional products.

Historically, Carpentras was the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, a papal territory, and it still reflects this past. The old town is surrounded by boulevards that replaced medieval walls, with only the Porte d’Orange still standing.

One of its most important landmarks is the 14th-century synagogue, the oldest in France still in use, highlighting the town’s long Jewish history. Nearby, the Cathédrale Saint-Siffrein features Provençal artwork and the distinctive Porte Juive, linked to conversions during the Middle Ages.

Other points of interest include the Hôtel-Dieu’s 18th-century pharmacy and small local museums.

👉 Local Tip: Visit on market day, then explore the side streets behind the main squares. The atmosphere shifts quickly from busy to quiet and local.