Rue des Teinturiers starts near the ancient city walls, at the point were the Sorgue enters the city under the walls. The Sorgue is a small river originating at the Fontaine de Vaucluse; in the 10th century and later water from the Sorgue filled the moats around Avignon. In the 14th century a textile industry developed in the area and waterwheels were built to supply power to the works. Later (16th c.) cotton printing and dying became the major industry and here is were the street got its name – teintur means dye or stain.

The remains of many of the waterwheels are visible, and several have been restored and will turn, although I don’t think there is any machinery left behind the walls lining the Sorgue. The rue is cobbled, with many restaurants, and at Festival time in July each year, it can be hard to walk down the street, such is the throng of people.

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For a more detailed revue of the Rue des Teinturiers see this page.