La Synagogue
La Synagogue
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
167 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
39
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
4
eva10014
New York City, NY977 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
This synagogue is the second oldest in Europe and the oldest in France and it was beautiful. The walls were ornately painted to resemble marble and it fooled me! Unlike in Cavaillon, this synagogue is still active. Although they don’t have a resident rabbi they do hire one for major holidays and, if I understood the guide correctly, they also have services about once a month.
The tour guide didn’t speak much English so if you plan to also visit the synagogue in Cavaillon go there first. Since we knew the general history of the Jews and the layout of the synagogues during the Popes time in France from our Cavaillon tour the language wasn’t an issue for us.
The synagogue is locked and there is a bell at the front door but that didn't get anyone's attention. It seems one just waits out front and the door opens on the hour and half-hour during touring times.
The tour guide didn’t speak much English so if you plan to also visit the synagogue in Cavaillon go there first. Since we knew the general history of the Jews and the layout of the synagogues during the Popes time in France from our Cavaillon tour the language wasn’t an issue for us.
The synagogue is locked and there is a bell at the front door but that didn't get anyone's attention. It seems one just waits out front and the door opens on the hour and half-hour during touring times.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,551 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
Locating this marvelous edifice is not easy. Its situated in place St-Siffrein,a lovely square with two good spots for light refreshments. The plain and unremarkable front is due to a church edict that stressed that the frontages of synagogues should not be prominant.
Ring the bell and a lovely lady from Tunisia bids you welcolm and shows you in to the incredible spectacle. Its a beautifully wood panelled room delicately painted in pastel tones. It has a regal bearing....simplicity and ancient....very comforting. The interior focusses onto the Bima and the holy receptacle of the torahs,which our guide allowed us to see. Magnificent,ornate
specimins rescued from the troubled Middle East.
Carpentras, Avignon,Caviaillon and Isle-Sur-la-Sorgu were centers with a large jewish communities,allowing the popes to milk these areas with taxes and special levies.
Ask to be taken upstairs where a wall that was stripped back for repairs revealed paintings not seen for 100s of years. Pure rapsody.
Ring the bell and a lovely lady from Tunisia bids you welcolm and shows you in to the incredible spectacle. Its a beautifully wood panelled room delicately painted in pastel tones. It has a regal bearing....simplicity and ancient....very comforting. The interior focusses onto the Bima and the holy receptacle of the torahs,which our guide allowed us to see. Magnificent,ornate
specimins rescued from the troubled Middle East.
Carpentras, Avignon,Caviaillon and Isle-Sur-la-Sorgu were centers with a large jewish communities,allowing the popes to milk these areas with taxes and special levies.
Ask to be taken upstairs where a wall that was stripped back for repairs revealed paintings not seen for 100s of years. Pure rapsody.
Written August 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EgbertHerts
St. Albans, UK203 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Signs to the Synagogue disappear as you get nearer. At the moment the area around the Synagogue is being relaid so it is even more awkward to find. However, you should persevere and will find the unassuming building in a corner.
We were fortunate to meet a charming elderly gentleman who is the guide. He can conduct the guide in English and German as well as French.
14th century Synagogue with an 18th century refurbishment.
Rococo style with many interesting features. Ark that contains 26 scrolls. Ceiling with a good story.
Downstairs is very extensive with 2 mikvahs, the oldest very deep still full of very clear water. Ovens for baking challot; equipment for making matzah.
Really fascinating evidence of the Jewish past!
We were fortunate to meet a charming elderly gentleman who is the guide. He can conduct the guide in English and German as well as French.
14th century Synagogue with an 18th century refurbishment.
Rococo style with many interesting features. Ark that contains 26 scrolls. Ceiling with a good story.
Downstairs is very extensive with 2 mikvahs, the oldest very deep still full of very clear water. Ovens for baking challot; equipment for making matzah.
Really fascinating evidence of the Jewish past!
Written May 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanettaDavies
Reading, UK159 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We had to wait for the synagogue to open. Don't trust the opening times in any guide book. The tourist office told us 11 a.m., but they have almost no staff so it;'s good to check. Definitely worth the wait. It is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, with 17th century decor. Unfortunately we could not visit the cellar where there is a mikweh (ritual bath for women) as this is being restored.
No fee - but a donation would be much appreciated.
No fee - but a donation would be much appreciated.
Written June 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allyson360
Olympia, WA131 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Well worth a visit. Not much staff and the one we met barely spoke English but just to see the synagogue was amazing. The fourteenth century Bima is just beautiful. My understanding is that they still hold services for the exceptionally small Jewish community remaining. We didn't get to see the Mikvah but were told it is worth seeing as well.
Written July 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia G
Bexley, OH37 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
We took the tour and visited the synagogue which is the oldest one in France. It was very interesting. Beautiful interior. A little hard to locate at first but well worth the effort. Don't think the guide speaks English, though, so take someone along who speaks French.
Written July 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMB50
Sprowston, UK394 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
Visited here and found it a wonderful experience. This is something not to be missed when visiting Carpentras. The town was one of only four where Jews could live safely centuries ago. Our lady guide was most interesting and informative and was able to give us so much history and background to the synagogue. The opening hours are limited but if you are there during opening hours just remember to push the bell on the door to gain admittance for a truly wonderful experience.
Written May 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrichen
Avignon, France248 contributions
Jun 2018
The Synagogue in carpentras provides the presence of Jewish communities starting in the 13 th century, The jewish population sought the Pope’s protection after being persecuted in the Kingdom of France,. It was built in 1367 and is one of the oldest synagogues in existence in France today. Its absolutely a symbol of the past that the city visitors should visit during their stay in Provence.On the ground and lower ground floors you can see the baths and pools (mikvé), designed for Jewish ritual cleansing, including the early pool that dates back to the 14th century, also you can see the bakery and ovens. The 18th century sanctuary is on the first floor and nowadays the jewish community here can celebrate a wedding ceremony.
Worth to visit it and discover this place of the past
Worth to visit it and discover this place of the past
Written August 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan F
Borehamwood, UK661 contributions
May 2016
This is a lovely synagogue which was easy to find. We rang the door and were allowed in. We expected to have to look around on our own, but were treated to a personal guided tour, in English. Our guide was very proud of the synagogue - interested and interesting. She was very enthusiastic.
Sadly, it isn't easy being Jewish in France any more with anti-semitism on the rise, again.
Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed, but you can purchase postcards.
Sadly, it isn't easy being Jewish in France any more with anti-semitism on the rise, again.
Unfortunately, photography isn't allowed, but you can purchase postcards.
Written May 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r l
Baltimore-Washington, DC321 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
It was a wonderful experience to see that the local tourism office had taken such care to provide a decent and well organized tour of this ancient synagogue. Very sad to know the community was gone now- the photograph of the last Jew living in the community and what was left of the tombstones brought me to tears but I was glad that the town felt it was extremely important not to forget its Jewish heritage. If you are in Carpentras, it is important that you see this place.
Written December 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry. Is the synagogue open on Wednesday, September 26?
Written September 25, 2018
Sorry for my delay to respond i have been very busy for my company. recommend you to check the website of the city CARPENTRAS and specially the pages for the synagogue. I hope you were able to visit it yesterday....
Kind regards
Christian
Written September 27, 2018
Hello. Is the synagogue open on Wednesday, September 26 during Succoth?
Written September 25, 2018
Bonjour est ce que la Synagogue est ouverte toute l’annee ?
Written September 9, 2018
il y a des ouvertures toute l'année, mais les jours de visite dans la semaine sont plus nombreux en été . Une tenue correcte est requise , épaules couvertes pour les femmes, couvre-chef pour les hommes (il y a des kippas et des châles aimablement prêtés sur place ) Il est facile d'obtenir les horaires de visite avant de trouver porte de bois .
Written September 10, 2018
Bonjour est ce que la Synagogue est ouverte toute l’annee ?
Written September 9, 2018
qules sont les horaires d ouverture?
Written May 10, 2018
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