Why Gordes Deserves Its Reputation

Gordes has been named one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France) — and one look at its tiered stone houses cascading down a steep cliff face explains why. The village's silhouette, especially at golden hour when the limestone glows warm against the sky, is one of the defining images of Provence. But beyond the view, Gordes offers history, art, excellent food, and some of the best walking country in the Luberon.

Getting to Gordes

Gordes sits in the Vaucluse department, roughly 30 kilometres east of Avignon and 40 kilometres from Aix-en-Provence. A hire car is essentially required — the village has no meaningful public transport links. The approach road from the valley below offers the classic panoramic view of the village; pull into the viewpoint car park before ascending into the village itself.

What to See and Do

The Village Centre

The heart of Gordes is its compact main square, dominated by the imposing Renaissance château. The château hosts temporary exhibitions and is worth entering for its remarkable fireplace and the views from its windows. The narrow, winding lanes of the village — all dry-stone walls, climbing roses, and ochre-painted shutters — are a pleasure to explore on foot.

The Village des Bories

A short drive below Gordes, the Village des Bories is an extraordinary collection of ancient dry-stone dwellings called bories. These corbelled stone huts were used by shepherds and farmers for centuries — some structures date back thousands of years. The site has been carefully preserved and offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-modern rural life in Provence.

Sénanque Abbey

Just 3 kilometres north of Gordes in a secluded valley, the 12th-century Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in France. Active Cistercian monks still live and work here. The abbey is surrounded by lavender fields (spectacular in July) and produces its own lavender products and honey, available in the small shop.

Walking and Cycling

The Luberon Regional Natural Park offers outstanding walking and cycling routes from Gordes. The Sentier des Ocres near nearby Roussillon and the trails through the Gorges de la Véroncle are particular highlights. Mountain bikes can be hired in the area for those who prefer two wheels.

Where to Eat

Gordes has several excellent restaurants. The village square offers brasserie-style dining with views, while smaller restaurants in the surrounding lanes serve traditional Provençal cuisine — daube (slow-braised beef), aïoli, tian de légumes, and fresh goat's cheese. For a special occasion, a number of upscale restaurants in nearby mas (farmhouses) offer exceptional regional cooking in beautiful settings.

Practical Information

  • Parking: Use the main car park below the village — the historic centre is largely pedestrianised. Arrive early in summer as parking fills quickly.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning before tour groups arrive, or late afternoon when the light is most beautiful and day-trippers have left.
  • Market day: Tuesday morning market in the village square.
  • Nearby villages to combine: Roussillon (ochre village, 10 min), Ménerbes (10 min), Oppède-le-Vieux (15 min), Bonnieux (15 min).

Staying in Gordes

Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in converted mas just outside the village to simple chambres d'hôtes. Staying overnight lets you experience the village after the day-trippers have gone — when the lanes quiet down, the swallows swoop overhead, and Gordes reveals its most enchanting self.