Nestled atop a rocky hill, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence It lies in the Vaucluse department, in the heart of the Luberon, with its authentic charm, quaint cottages and cobbled streets winding between its ochre-coloured facades. Listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Gordes offers exceptional views over the surrounding valley and attracts many visitors each year in search of Provençal history, culture and traditions. Gordes is a must for tourism in the Luberon and the Vaucluse.
A hilltop village in the heart of Luberon
Gordes owes its unique character to its typically Provençal architecture, where the stone houses blend harmoniously into the landscape. Built in terraces on the rocky slopes, the village reveals a labyrinth of calades (sloping cobbled streets) that lead to fantastic views. From the castle square, the views over the Luberon plain and the Vaucluse mountains are absolutely breathtaking.
As you stroll through the village, you will discover Gordes’ rich and well-preserved historical heritage: ancient churches, carved doorways, fountains and shady squares bear witness to a fascinating past. Gordes reveals a peaceful atmosphere at every turn, where time seems to have stopped under the song of crickets and the enchanting scent of lavender.
Must-sees
Strolling through the cobbled streets (calades)
Strolling through the calades of Gordes, these charming sloping cobbled streets, is an experience in itself. Stroll through these narrow passageways with houses built of the typical dry stones and you will be immersed in the authentic atmosphere of a Provençal village. Every turn is full of surprises: ancient arches, shady squares, carved wooden doors and stone steps that seem to tell the story of the village. Let your curiosity guide you and take time to admire the panoramic views over the Luberon valley as you walk by.
Gordes Castle
Proudly overlooking the village, Gordes Castle, built in the 11th century and remodelled during the Renaissance, is a symbol of local history. This imposing stone edifice combines medieval architecture with Renaissance features, bearing witness to the evolution of the village over the centuries. Today, it houses the town hall and a museum where art exhibitions are held throughout the year. Don’t miss a visit to the interior, which boasts magnificent pointed vaults and a large, carved 16th-century fireplace.
Les Bories in Gordes
Just a few kilometres outside Gordes lies Les Bories, a fascinating place that is definitely worth a visit. Classified as a historical monument, this park of traditional dry-stone cottages testifies to the ancestral skills of Provençal shepherds and farmers. These small round-roofed houses, built without mortar, were once used as temporary shelters for workers in the fields. A visit to the park will give you a better understanding of traditional building techniques and give you an idea of what rural life used to be like in this region.
These three stops are a must for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the charm and historical heritage of Gordes.
The Provencal market in Gordes
On Tuesday mornings, combine your visit to Gordes with the weekly Provencal market, a truly local institution. Every Tuesday morning, the castle square and surrounding streets come alive with the colourful stalls and enchanting scents of Provence.
This market is the perfect opportunity to discover local products: sun-drenched fruits and vegetables, goat cheese, lavender honey, olive oil, tapenade and, of course, the not-to-be-missed herbs of Provence. You will also find local crafts such as pottery, embroidered household linen and scented soaps made in the region.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, punctuated by the lilting accents of producers and the lively conversations of visitors. Whether you want to fill your basket with local specialities or just enjoy a stroll through Gordes, the Provençal market is a must to soak up the southern art of living.
Our personal tips
To get the most out of your visit to Gordes, it is best to arrive off-season or early in the morning, especially in summer when there are many holidaymakers. For children, a visit to ‘Les Bories’ is really recommended, where the little ones can run around freely and discover the little houses inside.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the flowering lavender around the village, one of the best times to visit Gordes is undoubtedly the summer. From mid-June to early August, the landscape turns into a veritable ocean of blue and purple, creating a magical atmosphere. The lavender season is also an opportunity to admire the Luberon’s landscapes in all their splendour, with mountains, valleys and hilltop villages. It is an ideal time for hiking, taking photos or just enjoying the mild Provençal climate.
If you visit Gordes, you can also take the opportunity to visit the nearby abbey of Sénanque (beautiful lavender fields !), or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its antique shops. The route to Sénaque through the rocky hills alone is worthwhile. A combination with a visit to Roussillon and its famous ochre valley is also recommended !
Als je met de auto komt, houd er dan rekening mee dat parkeren in het dorp lastig kan zijn in het hoogseizoen. Er zijn verschillende parkeerterreinen aan de rand van Gordes, waarvan sommige gratis zijn buiten de zomerperiode. Eenmaal geparkeerd moet je rekening houden met een stukje lopen, maar dat is een deel van het plezier van het ontdekken.
Als je zin hebt in iets zoets, aarzel dan niet om even te pauzeren op het terras om te genieten van een gebakje, een koffie of een glas gekoelde rosé. Voor liefhebbers van panoramische uitzichten ligt een van de beste uitkijkpunten van Gordes op de weg van Cavaillon: een natuurlijke belvedère perfect om de ideale foto van het dorp te maken.
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to enjoy the charm of the village in a quieter atmosphere, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful light on the golden stones of the houses.
If you come by car, bear in mind that parking in the village can be tricky in high season. There are several car parks on the outskirts of Gordes, some of which are free outside the summer period. Once parked, you have to reckon with some walking, but that’s part of the fun of exploring.
If you fancy something sweet, don’t hesitate to pause on the terrace to enjoy a pastry, a coffee or a glass of chilled rosé. For lovers of panoramic views, one of Gordes’ best vantage points is on the road from Cavaillon: a natural belvedere perfect for taking the ideal photo of the village.
Anca & Philippe
Just 38 km from our holiday home
Gordes in Provence is an ideal getaway for those staying at our holiday home in the Vaucluse, located just 38 km from Gordes. In about 45 minutes by car, you are in the heart of this beautiful hilltop village in the Vaucluse, ready to discover its history, picturesque streets and Provençal market.
The road to Gordes is a real pleasure, offering breathtaking views of the Luberon and its typical landscapes, with lavender fields and vineyards as far as the eye can see. This quick drive makes it a perfect half-day or full-day outing, ideal for visitors who want to explore the region’s treasures without straying too far from their accommodation. After a wonderful day wandering around the village, you can return to your holiday home to enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside.
Useful information about Gordes
Tourism information Luberon / Gordes website: https://www.destinationluberon.com/decouvrir/villes-et-villages/gordes
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