Once a Papal stronghold, this French commune now guards the nation's oldest synagogue.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nestled in the Vaucluse department, Carpentras served as a vital residence for Avignon popes before joining France during the Revolution. Beyond its ecclesiastical history, this commercial hub is renowned for its winter truffle markets, traditional striped candies, and a climate that once set a national record for extreme heat.

Carpentras, known to the Romans as Carpentoracte Meminorum and later as Forum Neronis, boasts a history defined by its strategic location on the Auzon river. During the 14th century, it became a significant center of power when Pope Clement V established his residence there in 1313. As the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, the city remained under the authority of the Papal States until 1791, long after the papacy had shifted its primary focus to nearby Avignon.

The city's cultural landscape is deeply layered. It houses the oldest synagogue in France, which has been in operation since 1367. In May 1990, the site became the focus of national attention following a violent act of vandalism by members of the French and European Nationalist Party. The incident sparked a massive public outcry, culminating in a demonstration in Paris that drew 200,000 participants, including then-president François Mitterrand, to protest the desecration of the Jewish cemetery.

Architecturally, the city preserves its past through structures like the Roman triumphal arch, now integrated into a former bishops' palace that serves as a law court. The 18th century brought significant development, including the construction of the Hôtel-Dieu between 1750 and 1760. Commissioned by Joseph-Dominique d'Inguimbert, this building now hosts the Bibliothèque Inguimbertine, described by librarian Jean-François Delmas as the oldest municipal library in the country. Today, the city remains a vibrant commercial center, famous for its Friday morning winter truffle markets and its signature berlingot candies.

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