The water appears almost everywhere in this picturesque medieval town full of water mills. Already in the 12th century a few fishermen came here with their families. However everywhere around there was a swamp. Therefore, the first local settlers were forced to build their houses on piles. The water from the marshes were drained into the channels soon and on the Sorgue river were built water mills. The captured energy was used for the processing of silk, wool, and also for the manufacture of handmade paper. Thanks to this, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue soon became the center and the most important city of Venaissin-Comtat area (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur today). Several of these water wheels, which ensured the prestige of the city are still spinning here.

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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue boasts many beautiful sights. Especially picturesque buildings you will find on the streets Rue du Dr. Roux, Jean and Rue Jean-Théophile. In the heart of the medieval city there is a tower Tour Boutin, sometimes also called the Tour d’Argent, which is the oldest building in town. It was built at the time when L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was ruled by the Counts of Toulouse. However the purpose of this tower is not known.

Another important building is near standing Chapel of Notre Dame des Anges, which was built in the 1222. In the 17th century, it was reconstructed and re-built into Italian style, which ranked it among the most beautiful baroque buildings in Provence. The windows on the north side had to be bricked up in 1666, due to cold winds, which are regularly blowing. Also the interior of the church is worth seeing! Over the altar that is made of Carrara marble there is a picture of “Assumption of the Virgin Mary”, painted by Reynaud Levieux in 1630.

In many homes you will find souvenir shops for tourists. At the waterfront of Sorgue river there is an antique market every weekend, which is the 2nd largest of its kind in France after that one in Paris.

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The history of Banská Štiavnica has deep roots. Precious metals were mined here as early as ancient times, when Celts settled the area. The first written evidence of mining dates back to 1217. In 1238 Banská Štiavnica got the privilege of royal city, and already at that time there were two basilicas. From then until the 18th century the city and surrounding areas belonged to the most productive mining areas of silver and gold in Europe. The peak was reached in 1690, when it produced a total of 29 tons of silver and 605 kg of gold. Similar results also brought the year 1740 with 23 tons of silver and 600 kg of gold. However the worst years were 1442-43, when the city was attacked by troops of Bishop Šimon Rozgoň and was also damaged by a strong earthquake.

The city centre is full of churches and public buildings, but also rich houses of miners, merchants and craftsmen. Urban protected area, the original historic core of the city, now includes 360 buildings. Major attractions include the Plaza of St. Trinity with the plague column, rich townsmen houses, town hall and the church of St. Catherine, Kammerhof, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Old and New Castle, Piargská gateway etc.

In addition to architecture and culture Banská Štiavnica was a place of developing science, technology and education. In 1762 there was established Mining Academy, which became the first technically-oriented school in the world. To the mining was later added also forestry. Academy Buildings have been preserved until today.

Traces of mining we can find also in the surrounding countryside. There arose an interesting system of artificial lakes and canals used for drainage down and moving various devices. About 60 water tanks are now used primarily for recreation. Although ponds were created artificially, they fit remarkably well into the landscape. The surrounding Štiavnica Hills offer many interesting and outstanding tours with rich flora and fauna.

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