Carpentras (kärpäNträsˈ) [key], town (1990 pop. 25,477), 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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