Carpentras, France Attractions

The Bibliothèque Inguimbertine, the municipal library in Carpentras, is housed in the north wing of the museum complex. It is named after Bishop d'Inguimbert (in office 1735-1757), a bibliophile who bought up numerous libraries. Later the collection was increased by donations, so that today there are about 220,000 volumes available as well as manuscripts, prints etc.

The Hotel Dieu (hospital; 1750) in the Place Aristide Briand also goes back to the time of Bishop d'Inguimbert. This two-storied Classical building at the southern end of the town center is composed of an inner courtyard with two fountains; a monumental staircase leads to the upper floor. On the ground floor the pharmacy with its original furnishings is of interest.

The Palais de Justice which was built in 1640 in imitation of Italian Baroque style. It was formerly the episcopal palace. The interior has some magnificently furnished rooms including the Bishop's Room (18th C. prayer-desk), the Council Room and the Criminal Court Ócartouches with views of the towns of the Venaissin).

The Synagogue of Carpentras (Place de la Mairie) is the oldest remaining in France. It was built in the 15th C. and restored in the 18th C. and again in 1958. On the ground floor and in the basement are the ritual baths, some partly dating from the 14th C., as well as the kosher bakery; on the first floor is the place of worship which received its present furnishings in the 18th C.

Facing out over the town of Le Barroux is Jas Crema. This architectural garden is rich with imaginative plantings.

South-east of Carpentras (11km/7mi) the village of Venasque has a picturesque situation on the Vaucluse. Here the 13th C. church and the baptistery (sixth and 12th C.) are worthy of note.