Sightseeing in Carpentras

The "Cathédrale Saint-Siffrein" is a Gothic cathedral, which was built on the ruins of a Romanesque church. The construction of the cathedral lasted from 1404 until the 17th century. In the chapel of the choir is kept the holy bridle (Saint-Mors), the most important relic of the city. Worth seeing is furthermore the south portal, held in flamboyant style. The "Porte Juive", where once "converted" Jews went trough to be baptised in the cathedral. There is a Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century, which shows a well-preserved illustration of two Celtic warriors on the north side of the cathedral. Opening times: Tue-Sat 07:30-12:00 and 14:00-17:00

The Synagogue of Carpentras, built in 1367, is the oldest synagogue in France and one of the oldest in Europe. In the 18th century it was rebuilt in the Rococo style. The ground floor and the basement are the mikvah, the bath for ritual ablutions, and a bakery. Opening times: April-September: Monday-Friday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:30 (Fridays -16:00) October to March: Monday-Friday 15:00-17:00 (Friday -16:00), in the morning only by appointment Closed on weekends and Jewish holidays!

In 1646, on the ruins of a medieval building was built the Bishop's Palace in Romanesque style. It was on the order of the Italian Bishop of Carpentras, Alexandre Bichi. Since 1801 the building is used as a "Palais de Justice". In 1862, the "Palais de Justice" has been classified as "monument historique".