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Gordes, France: An Insider’s Travel Guide
Gordes, a hub for art lovers, has been officially named one of the most beautiful villages in france. its stone buildings perched on the cliffs offer sweeping views of provence, making it one of the most popular spots in the region. .
Full of small boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, this stunning village in the Vaucluse is the perfect spot for lunch and an afternoon stroll. While it can get quite busy in the summer season, it goes on the list of “must-sees” when visiting the area, especially in July, when you can spot the vibrant fields of lavender below. Its residents, called Gordians, are known for their rebellious spirit, having sparked medieval invasions and supported Resistance fighters during World War II.
Go to a Festival in August
Hotels in gordes, france, the best things to do in gordes: local highlights.
Visit Historical Landmarks
Because of its ancient history, Gordes houses a variety of galleries and museums, not to mention a wide range of exhibits during the year. Just meandering the cobblestone streets, visitors will come across many. Our top recommendations include:
Chateau de Gordes : At the very top of Gordes sits the iconic Chateau de Gordes, which faces out onto the hills of the Luberon.
Abbey of Senanque : The fabulous Abbey of Senanque is not far from Gordes, and to this day, Cistercian monks still live there, producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs.
Village de Bories : Just beside Gordes is the Village de Bories, an ancient hamlet of all dry-stone buildings: an incredible collection of houses, walls, barns, and various other enclosures, including a period silk-making shop. Here you can explore small stone huts dating back to pre-Roman times.
L’Eglise Saint Fermin (Church of Saint Fermin) : L’Eglise Saint Fermin, is a remarkable church dedicated to Saint Fermin. This captivating gem showcases awe-inspiring architecture and stunning artworks that stand as testaments to centuries of devotion and artistic brilliance. From its graceful stone facade to the intricate details adorning its interior, L’Eglise Saint Fermin offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, inviting visitors to embark on a spiritual journey amidst the picturesque charm of Gordes.
Lavender Museum : Set in a traditional Luberon farmhouse, the Lavender Museum, Musée de la La-vande, is filled with the delightful aroma of genuine lavender. Watch a short film and learn about about growing and distilling the iconic flower of Provence, take an audio tour of the museum including stills dating back to the 16th century, and do some shopping for authentic lavender products.
Some other notable landmarks near Gordes are:
- Airelles Gordes, La Bastide
- Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin
- Le Sentier Des Ocres De Roussillon
- Théâtre des Terrasses
Local Boutiques & Art
From trendy contemporary designs to timeless vintage pieces, the boutiques in Gordes cater to diverse tastes and styles, ensuring there is something for everyone. Moreover, the town’s thriving art culture adds another layer of allure. Artists from near and far are captivated by Gordes’ natural beauty, which serves as a muse for their creative endeavors. The galleries dotted throughout the town showcase a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works. Our favorites include:
- Art Gallery Contemporary Tapiézo
- Le Gabouton
- Le Miel Peyron
- Un weekend a Gordes
Gordes Market Day
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Gordes Market Day , a renowned local gathering that offers a delightful array of sights, sounds, and flavors. This market is a must-visit for both locals and tourists. To reach the market, you can take a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside or utilize public transportation options.
Discover a wide variety of fresh produce, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, and local delicacies as you stroll through the bustling stalls. Gordes Market Day takes place on Tuesday mornings from 8am to 1pm, providing ample time to explore and indulge in the authentic charm of this unique shopping experience.
The biggest festival in Gordes, Les Soirees d’été de Gordes , is an annual music festival in early August. It features a diverse range of performances and entertainment to enrich the cultural experience for residents and tourists alike. This celebration provides a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage. As with many Provencal villages, Gordes holds other festivals throughout the year — a wine festival in mid-August, a village festival in early October and an almond tree festival in spring.
Find Other Festivals Near Gordes
Food & Drink Recommendations
Gordes, France offers an extensive selection of small quaint bars, restaurants, and some of the region’s finest dining. Following are the most well-known places to eat in Gordes:
La Trinquette – Historic venue with wood beams & country views from terrace tables, serving modern French cuisine. Some of the most romantic tables can be found here. Reserve early, especially during the summer months.
Le Mas Tourteron – Family restaurant with traditional hearty fare with a wisteria-covered terrace.
La Bastide de Pierres – Known as “Italy in Gordes”, this italian restaurant in the heart of the villages has been around since 1820. Offering an authentic menu with carefully selected ingredients from Italy.
Local Cafes: Gordes boasts an array of delightful local cafes that captivate visitors with their authentic ambiance and delectable offerings.
- Café de la Poste: One such gem is Café de la Poste, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air while patrons soak in the picturesque views of the village square.
- Le Petit Café: Le Petit Café, a cozy spot tucked away in a quaint alley, enchants guests with its rustic charm and mouth watering pastries that pair perfectly with a cup of tea.
- The Cercle Repulicain – A historic café founded in 1911 as part of France’s network of Cercles Républicains, resides in the heart of the village. Ask to sit on the terrace enjoy to the picturesque views.
The History of Gordes from the Medieval Ages to Present
Occupied by the Roman empire, the area is full of evidence of their history in the region. In the 8th century, a Benedictine abbey known as Saint-Chaffret was founded by monks of the Abbey of Saint-Chaffre in Monastier-en-Velay on the site of a Roman temple destroyed during the Arab invasions.
In 1148, the Sénanque Abbey was established under the patronage of Alfant, Bishop of Cavaillon, and Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona, Count of Provence, by Cistercian monks who came from Mazan Abbey in the Ardèche. The image of the Sénanque Abbey surrounded by its bright fields of lavender has been promoted all over the world.
After reconstruction was needed post-WWII, Gordes began attracting artists, including Marc Chagall and Jean Deyrolle, who discovered the village in 1947 and later drew more attention from the artist community.
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Gordes, France
Luxury villa rentals in gordes, france.
As the luxury property rental market has exploded worldwide, renting a luxury villa in Gordes has become the preferred choice for accommodations in Provence. Only Provence has the largest selection of luxury properties in the region.
Benefits of Luxury Villa Rentals in Gordes
One of the many benefits of renting a luxury villa in Gordes is having a genuinely private yet authentic experience in Provence, complete with in-home chef services. Many of Only Provence’s villas are within walking distance from the village of Gordes itself.
Below are some of the few great benefits of a luxury villa over other traditional accommodation options.
- Personalized experiences such as private chefs and organized tours and activities;
- Privacy and exclusivity;
- A dedicated villa manager and staff;
- A sense of feeling at home while staying in a private luxury villa;
- Private luxury villas in Gordes are ideal for groups of families or friends traveling together.
The famous 5-star Bastide de Gordes offers stunning views over the Luberon.
Another attractive option is the lovely Le Petit Palais D’Aglae, which offers spa services on the Route de Murs.
Transportation Options to Gordes
We recommend renting a car to explore this exceptional village and its region, as it is not easily accessible by public transport. The main international airport, used by most European carriers, is Marseille (MRS), only 80 km from Gordes, roughly a one our drive. If coming by TGV train (fastest), the closest option is to travel to Avignon TGV Station and drive to Gordes (40-45 minutes). Below are the train times to the Avignon train station.
- 2 hours 40 minutes from Paris
- 3 hours from Roissy Charles de Gaulle
- 1 hour from Lyon, and
- 30 minutes from Marseille
Parking in Gordes, France
While parking can be scarce in Gordes, there are some parking options available for visitors to easily explore this picturesque village. There are three paid parking lots conveniently located near the main attractions of the village, allowing visitors to park their vehicles and wander through the charming streets on foot.
Other Facts About Gordes
- You won’t find a wooden building in Gordes (or fences for that matter). All buildings are required to be made of the beautiful stone Provence is known for and use terra cotta roof tiles.
- The castle, located in the center of the village, dates back to 1031 and was partially rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1525.
- Space is limited in a fortified hill village. For protection during turbulent times, Gordes developed an underground network of more than 50 rooms dug into rock, now called the Saint-Firmain Palace cellars. Once used as storage areas and artisan’s workshops, this subterranean labyrinth also provided hiding places and escape routes.
- Surrounding the village are many little, quiet, well-preserved hamlets. The largest, in the valley southwest of Gordes, is called Les Imberts, which has it’s own 18th century church and two soccer stadiums. Consider renting a luxury villa in one of these hamlets for a peaceful getaway.
- Filmmakers are taken with Gordes’ magnificent setting. Scenes from several mov-ies and television mini-series, including A Good Year, Mistral’s Daughter, A Year in Provence and Mr. Bean’s Holiday were filmed in Gordes.
Interested in renting your own private luxury villa in Gordes ? Contact Only Provence to get the inside scoop and plan your holiday in the Luberon!
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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in " Jumping the Picket Fence ”. In 2021, she published “ Light Through the Cracks ,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon , Amazon.uk , and Amazon.Fr .
Gordes, France: Guide to Provence’s Famous Hilltop Village
The most famous hilltop village in Provence is undoubtedly Gordes, France. Perched high up on a hill with a view of the Luberon, Gordes is a must-visit village.
I have personally been to Gordes a handful of times and am always enchanted with the charm of the cobblestone streets, views, and history. The village has changed over many generations, with a long history dating back to Roman times and then through the Middle Ages. Over the years, Gordes has become a hub for art, attracting artists and writers.
Today, Gordes has a bit of everything. And while small in size, the experience is quintessential Provence. For myself, Gordes is one of my favorite villages to visit when exploring the region — and it’s even one of my favorite villages to stay in Provence for incredible bucket list hotels set on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse.
So if you’re planning a visit to Provence, be sure to put Gordes at the top of your visiting list. I’m going to share everything you need to know about visiting, and some hotel recommendations if you want to stay overnight.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Gordes:
- Airelles Gordes, La Bastide , for the best luxury hotel in town
- Mas de la Beaume , for the best traditional, boutique hotel in town
- Les Bories & Spa , for the best countryside hotel near town
For more guides on Provence, don’t miss my guides to the South of France with toddlers , charming countryside hotels in Provence , and places you can’t miss in Provence !
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Provence is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here .
The Complete Guide to Gordes, France
A bit of history about gordes.
Its most present roots are in the arts. Over the years, artists like Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely have come to Gordes to stay. Chagall even settled in the village post-war, and Vasarely in the 1970’s opened his first art museum in town. Every year, cultural events and festivals bring in many visitors throughout the summer, a reminder of the art alive today.
But long before that, there was a much more “spirited” tight-knit community during the war. The area was under German occupation until 1942, and the Vaucluse department and Gordes took part in active resistance activities. As such, Gordes was awarded a “Croix de Guerre,” a French military honor awarded to soldiers and units for acts of bravery and distinguished service during World War I and World War II. Gordes was recognized for its role in the broader resistance network and its endurance through the hardships of occupation.
Things to Know About Visiting Gordes
Getting to Gordes Village By Car
I highly recommend renting a car when visiting Provence. If you’ve rented a car, self-driving is the easiest way to get Gordes. Like most of Provence, you’ll take small country roads that wind around lavender fields and the Luberon. You’re about 40 minutes from Avignon, 50 minutes from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence , and just over an hour from Aix-en-Provence.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Where to Park When Visiting Gordes
Parking in Gordes can be the most challenging part which is why I always suggest arriving early morning or later in the afternoon. On market days, in particular (Tuesday), the parking can be very challenging, so plan for an earlier start. You will need to pay to park and walk up or into the village as it is pedestrian only. The two main lots are this parking lot at the bottom of the hill (10-minute walk up) or this preferred main lot just about the village (5-minute walk down).
Getting to Gordes Village By Public Transport
You can access Gordes by bus, the most convenient is from Gare de Cavaillon where you can take the bus line 917 to Place du Château in Gordes in 30 minutes. To get to Gare de Cavaillon, you can take the train from Avignon in 35 minutes.
How Much Time to Visit Gordes
You could easily see Gordes in a half-day visit if you plan to stroll the village, see a few sights, and have a meal. With that said, you may find yourself wanting to enjoy Provencial life here, and wanting to come back for a slow afternoon with a drink on a terrace.
Travel Tip: For what it’s worth, I typically visit Gordes 2-3x each trip, once for market day, a dinner, and an afternoon.
Where to Stay in Gordes
Gordes is home to several bucket-list hotels well worth considering as a destination themselves. These are my favorite ones that you wouldn’t have to ask me twice to stay at.
- Airelles Gordes, La Bastide — A 5-star hotel with panoramic views of the Luberon Valley, this is one of the best hotels in Provence. The terraced hotel is home to five restaurants, stunning pools, a Sisley Spa, and incredibly well-designed rooms. If I could pick one hotel to splurge at, it would be La Bastide de Gordes.
- Mas de la Beaume — Set on the sloped edge of town, this beautiful boutique hotel offers an outdoor pool with views of the Luberon Valley and Alpilles’ mountain range and quintessential Provincial-styled rooms that open to lush gardens and stone terraces.
- Les Bories & Spa — Set about 5 minutes from town, this countryside stay sits on a large 8-hectare property surrounded by natural parks. It’s home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor/outdoor pools, and a well-established spa.
- Domaine Les Martins — This charming bed & breakfast gives you a feeling of having your very own villa. Just out of town, it is a luxurious stay with retreat-style rooms, some even having kitchens.
- Le Jas de Gordes — Close to Gordes, this is the best choice for a luxury boutique hotel that is well-priced. It has a private terrace with a pool, thoughtfully designed rooms, and close to all the sights.
- Villa HautVallon — This is a boutique “chambre d’hotes” where you stay in a guesthouse on the property. There are only a handful of rooms, but the experience is very intimate with luxury guest rooms.
The Best Things to Do in the Village of Gordes
Explore town: historical sights, shops, and cobblestone lanes.
One of the best things to do in Gordes is simply go for a stroll. You can walk the whole village in under 30 minutes, but take your time strolling around and following the little lanes that intertwine. Across the village, there are several boutiques to visit.
The Best Shops in Gordes
A few shops I love to pop into are Le Miel Peyron , Le GABOUTON Chapellerie , Un weekend a Gordes , Maison Brémond 1830 , and Vanille & Lilas .
L’Eglise Saint Fermin (Church of Saint Fermin)
An 18th century church known for its serene setting was created for the Bishop of Uzes, Saint Fermin. This church is well worth a pop-in if you can. We had the chance to stop by when a band was playing and it was one of the most lovely experiences. Hours are open daily.
Le Château de Gordes
In the heart of the village is the historic, medieval fortress chateau that is still open today to visit. Its roots go back to the 11th century when it was first built in 1031. It is €5 to enter, and seasonal exhibits plus a Christmas market are housed here during the Christmas season. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm seasonally.
The Caves of the Palais Saint Firmin (Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin)
If you’re looking to escape the heat, go visit the caves of Gordes. It was a place where the villagers stored goods from everything from olive oil to grain. You’ll learn about how they excavated it and learn more about the National Heritage Site. Hours are 10:30 am to 1 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm daily. It’s €5 to €6 to enter.
Enjoy Market Day
Market day is Tuesday mornings when loads of stalls open up to the public. Fresh produce, regional ingredients, and more are available to shop. It’s a lively day to visit Gordes, I recommend an early start to beat the crowds.
Soak in the Sunset From the Famous Viewpoint
You’ve likely seen the photos of Gordes sitting out in the distance where the limestone rock village is glowing in the sun. The viewpoint of this ‘les plus beaux villages de France’ is one of the best sights to see and I’d recommend the end of the day to do so. This is the exact location , and just past it, there is a small parking lot on the left. It may take a few tries to park, but once there it’s a 5-minute walk.
Village des Bories
Village des Bories is an open-air museum located just 10 minutes from Gordes. This historic site showcases a collection of traditional dry-stone huts, or “bories,” that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These structures were originally used by local farmers for storing crops and livestock.
Typically open from April to October, with hours usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admissions are Around €6 for adults, with discounts available for children and groups.
Abbey de Senanque
One of my favorite spots to visit near Gordes is the stunning Abbey de Senanque , a Cistercian monastery located in the serene Sénanque Valley near Gordes. Founded in 1148, this abbey is renowned for its picturesque setting amidst fields of lavender, which bloom beautifully in the summer. The abbey remains an active monastery, with Cistercian monks living and working on-site.
Open daily from April to October, with hours usually from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Admissions are €7 for adults or you can join a guided tour for more.
Best Restaurants in Gordes, France
La trinquette.
One of my favorite dinners in Gordes was La Trinquette . You need to book well in advance. It’s more casual, but the food is incredible, with classic dishes and a stunning terrace. There is one table upstairs on a terrace which you can reserve specifically.
Le Cercle Républicain
We came into the cafe Le Cercle Républicain on two different occasions because the views were just so amazing. The first was for a morning coffee, and then the second time was for a drink before dinner. There is a small terrace and back room with incredible views.
Le Fournil de Mamie Jeanne
For all baked goods like pastries, fresh bread, and more, come here.
Le Potager Du Chateau
It’s the village store that does a bit of everything. From fresh pressed juice to prepared dishes, you can get a bit of everything at this market-style store.
Dining at Airelles Gordes
The luxury hotel houses several restaurants to choose from if you’re looking for Michelin-starred dining and elevated experiences. Over the years, I typically like to go to the bar and sit on the terrace (it is space-dependent), where I’ve enjoyed afternoon tea. If you want to book ahead, the three best-rated restaurants on site are the L’Orangerie , Clover Gordes , and La Bastide de Pierres .
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My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
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Xx, Jessica
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