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Vaucluse - Jewish heritage, France

Vaucluse Tourism

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“CARRIÈRES” AND SYNAGOGUES
The Jews under papal protection have left great
heritage in Vaucluse. There are circuits to follow
in addition to those described in the “Route to
Jewish Heritage in the South of France”.

The first Jews arrived in Provence in 73, after
the fall of Messala. In the Middle Ages, there
were fairly many Jews in Provence, which was
an autonomous area with respect to the
neighboring kingdoms. The Jews took part in
the economic life of the southern cities. When
Jews were banished from England (1290) and
France (1306 and 1394), they came to Provence.
However, when Provence became part of
France (1481), their freedom to settle was
limited. They therefore turned to the Comtat
Venaissin, where they could settle under the
protection of the popes.

In Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras and Pernes
les Fontaines, street names and square names
testify to the presence of the Jews. They lived
grouped in the Jewish community in
neighborhoods put aside for that purpose. In
Provence, this part of the city was referred to
as the “carrière” (from the Provencal word
“carriera” – the street).
Their freedom was strictly controlled and often
quite limited. At various times, they were
prohibited from certain trades such as barber,
surgeon or apothecary. Nevertheless, the
Jewish communities in the Comtat have left
visible heritage, of which prime examples are
the Synagogues in Cavaillon and Carpentras.
In 1790, the National Assembly gave Jews the
right to be “known in France under the name
of Spanish, Portuguese and Avignon Jews”,
and to have French citizenship.

AVIGNON
Synagogue (Bernheim-Lyon street)
Built in the mid-19th century, it replaced the
synagogue from the Middle Ages. The only
synagogue in France to have a circular plan.
Open: 10 to 12 and 3 to 5 except Saturday and
Sunday.
The Jewish streets
The “place de Jérusalem” and “rue Jacob” have
retained some vestiges of their Jewish past despite the
urban development work done in the 19th century.

CARPENTRAS
Carpentras Synagogue
Built in 1367, this synagogue is one of the oldest in
France. The baths and pools (mikvé) comply with
the Hebrew rite, including the primitive pool from
the 14th century. The baths and the bakery for the
unleavened bread are located on the ground floor
and underground floor. The place of worship, built
in the 18th century, is on the upper floor. It was
restored in 1954. Restoration work continues.
Closed on Jewish holidays and weekends.
BP 190
Place Maurice Charretier
T. 33 (0)4 90 63 39 97 - F. 33 (0)4 90 34 69 72

CAVAILLON
Comtadin Jewish Synagogue and Museum
A masterpiece of 18th century Comtadin art, one of
the most outstanding houses of Jewish prayer. The
synagogue was rebuilt in the 18th century and
occupies the 1st floor, with Louis XV furnishings and
a Judeo-Comtadin Museum.
Rue Hébraïque
52, place Castil Blaze
T. 33 (0)4 90 76 00 34 - F. 33 (0)4 90 71 47 06
The “Hebrew Street” shows all the features of the
old “carrière” with very few changes.