Carpentras
[key], town, Vaucluse dept., SE France, in Provence. It is an important
farm market and a small industrial center. Of Gallo-Roman origin, it was an
episcopal see from the 3d cent. and was ruled by its bishops until the
French Revolution. The long conclave that elected Pope John XXII met in
Carpentras. The town served as the capital of the Comtat Venaissin from 1229
to 1791. Of interest are St. Siffrein Church (15th cent.) and a Gallic arch
with sculptures.
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