Itinéraire touristique – La route du Patrimoine Juif

Banished from the Kingdom of France during the Middle Ages, Jewish communities found refuge in the Comtat Venaissin, this piece of Provence which would give birth to Vaucluse during the Revolution, but until then owned by the Popes. It was in this region that the Jewish communities were best protected until its annexation to France, benefiting from the presence of the Popes of Avignon who granted them freedom of worship and the right to reside.

Step 1 – Synagogue & Comtadin Jewish Museum in Cavaillon

Avignon to Cavaillon (N7 then D973 – 27 km – 40 mins)
A masterpiece of 18th-century Comtadin art, this former synagogue, now a museum, is one of the most remarkable known Jewish houses of prayer. Its current version was rebuilt in the 18th century, in the heart of the former Jewish “Quarry” of Cavaillon. It never ceases to impress its visitors with its incredible blend of Jewish traditions and Provençal Baroque architecture.
Practical information
Guided tours with the Luberon Cœur de Provence Tourist Office
Opening hours and prices: https://www.luberoncoeurdeprovence.com/decouvrir/sites-culturels/synagogue-de-cavaillon
Incoming service: incoming@luberoncoeurdeprovence.com +33(0)4 90 71 63 65

Stage 2 – Jewish quarter of Isle sur la Sorgue
Cavaillon to Isle sur la Sorgue (D938 – 10 km – 15 mins)
Today, few vestiges remain from the time of the Pope's Jews in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. But during a stroll through the Little Venice of Vaucluse, one can appreciate the beauty of the old "quarry" or Jewish quarter.
Practical information
Free walk or guided tours with the Pays des Sorgues & Monts de Vaucluse Tourist Office
www.oti-delasorgue.fr

Step 3 – the Mikveh of Pernes les Fontaines
L'Isle sur la Sorgue to Pernes les Fontaines (D938 – 12 km – 16 mins)
Located in the magnificent Hôtel de Cheylus, this pool is unique: at the heart of a private property, it is not connected to a synagogue. Journey through time to discover this Jewish community, which is said to have built this bath around 1504.

Practical information
Guided tours with the Pernes les Fontaines Tourist Office
www.tourisme-pernes.fr

Step 4 – the synagogue and the cemetery of Carpentras
Pernes les Fontaines to Carpentras (D938 – 7 km – 15 mins)
The Carpentras synagogue, a listed Historic Monument, is the oldest synagogue in France still in operation. Built in 1367 and expanded in the XNUMXth century, excavations have uncovered elements dating back to the Roman and medieval periods.
The Jewish cemetery is also listed as a Historic Monument. Dating from the 900th century, it is one of the oldest in France still in use. More than XNUMX graves are recorded there.

Practical information
Synagogue: Visits at fixed times from Monday to Friday excluding public holidays and Hebrew festivals.
www.synagoguedecarpentras.fr
Jewish Cemetery: Guided tour with the Carpentras – Ventoux-Provence Tourist Office
www.ventouxprovence.fr

Step 5 – return to Avignon and visit the synagogue
Carpentras to Avignon (D942 then D925 – 26 km – 30 mins)
This religious building, rebuilt after a fire in 1846, is one of the witnesses to the centuries-old presence of Jews in Avignon. The old Jewish quarter was located at the top of the current Balance district, opposite the Palais des Papes, until the Bishop of Avignon gave an order in 1221 to move the Synagogue to its current location, and the Carrière was established along the current Rue Jacob, just opposite.
Practical information
Avignon Synagogue
2, Jerusalem Square
04 90 85 21 24 – 06 09 53 72 91
Religious services: contact the Rabbi, Mr. Sfadj Jonathan, at 06 18 85 67 13 or by email at rabinacia@hotmail.fr.
. Visiting the synagogue: the synagogue is open to tourists and groups from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., excluding religious holidays.
Outside of these hours, visits are possible by appointment at 06 09 53 72 91 or contact@aci-avignon.com