Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sites. It makes an inexpensive base. A Greek trading centre and later a Gallo- Roman city,
Carpentras became papal territory in 1229, and was shaped by a strong Jewish presence -
the 14th-century synagogue is the oldest still operational in France. Its sole Roman remain
is a monumental arch.
Sights
Synagogue
( 04 90 63 39 97; place Juiverie; 10am-noon & 3-5pm Mon-Thu, 10-11.30am &
3-4pm Fri)
Carpentras' remarkable synagogue dates to 1367. The wood-panelled prayer
hall was rebuilt in 18th-century baroque style; downstairs are ancient bread-baking ovens,
used until 1904. Although Jews were initially welcomed into papal territory, by the 17th
century they were forced to live in ghettoes in Avignon, Carpentras, Cavaillon and L'Isle-
sur-la-Sorgue. The synagogue is opposite the town hall; its deliberately inconspicuous
frontage is marked by a stone plaque inscribed in Hebrew. For access you must ring the
doorbell
only
on the half hour, or nobody will answer. Closed on religious holidays.
SYNAGOGUE
Cathédrale St-Siffrein
(place St-Siffrein; 8am-noon & 2-6pm Mon-Sat, closed during services)
Carpentras'
cathedral was built between 1405 and 1519 in Méridional (southern French) Gothic style,
but it's crowned by a distinctive contemporary bell tower. Its
Trésor d'Art Sacré
(Treas-
ury of Religious Art) holds precious 14th- to 19th-century religious relics that you can see
only during the Fête de St-Siffrein (27 November) and on guided walks with the tourist
office.
CATHEDRAL
Arc Romain
Hidden behind Cathédrale St-Siffrein, the Arc Romain was built under Augustus in the 1st
century AD and is decorated with worn carvings of enslaved Gauls.
ROMAN SITES
