Gordes
Gordes ('most beautiful villages of Provence') is 38 km east of Avignon, in the Luberon district of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Tourist Information and places to visit
Gordes is a beautiful traditional Provencal 'village on a rock' with narrow cobbled streets that wind ever higher through the tall, ancient houses to the church and castle at the top, with views across the Luberon mountains and region. It is often said to be the most photogenic of the Provencal villages - no mean accolade, given the competition. And it is the most visited of all the villages in the region.
A large part of the attraction of Gordes, curiously, is when it is seen from across the valley. From here you can appreciate the whole village running in terraces down the slope of the hill, with carefully planted Italian Poplar trees and plants breaking the whiteness of the village. This (on a sunny day) is one of the great views of France!
The village itself, while very attractive, almost fails to live up to the high expectations that this view has prepared you for. But it is still highly recommended! Many of the houses, in the white stone of the region, are now pristinely restored, with fine period doorways and windows, and interspersed with luxury shops and restaurants (especially around the village square). The highlight of Gordes is...Gordes itself. It is a simply lovely, traditional Provencal hilltop village, and has a myriad of narrow and cobbled streets that wind their way ever upwards to the church, castle and fine views that await you at the top.
The castle, also now lovingly restored, was rebuilt in 1525. As well as some fine features, including a grand renaissance staircase and ornate fireplace, it also houses a museum of art exhibits - a trend set by artist owner Victor Vaserely who rented the castle for a long period during the 20th century.
As with all of these stunningly attractive Provencal perched villages, visiting Gordes outside high season is preferable.
Nearby
Abbaye de Sénanque is a beautiful 12th century abbey in the valley near Gordes (and still has resident monks). Squeezed between lavender fields and hills, with simple architectural lines, this is to me a 'perfect' abbey. After following the road the few kilometres from Gordes to the abbey, be sure to find time to carry on a few more kilometres along the same road - it is one of the most scenic roads in the region, as it winds its way through the craggy hills of the petit Luberon.
Village of the Bories. Sitting on the edge of the Vaucluse mountains, the bories are ancient stone dwellings, dating back up to 3000 years. The Village of the Bories is now classified as a National Monument, and is a fine example of such a village, with numerous buildings, sheep-pens, bread ovens etc to explore.
See also 'Luberon' in the Holiday Ideas section for other villages in this region.
See more pictures of Gordes
Visit Gordes (Provence, Vaucluse) travel, gites and hotels
Best Prices on Hotels in Gordes - Guaranteed
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The Gordes hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Gordes is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Provence gites for Gordes holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Provence Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Gordes for places to visit near Gordes including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Gordes in our Provence forum Airports near GordesAvignon airport at 33 km Marseille airport at 52 km Nimes airport at 88 km Toulon airport at 137 km Gordes property for saleSee Provence property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Gordes
- Most beautiful villages in France
Places to visit near Gordes, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Gordes.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
22 km: Apt (market town) 15 km: Bonnieux (beautiful Luberon village) 8 km: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (Popular village) 12 km: Lacoste (Marquis de Sade village in Luberon) 24 km: Lourmarin (Most beautiful village) 20 km: Luberon Natural Park (Scenic highlight) 9 km: Menerbes (Most beautiful village) 10 km: Roussillon (Most beautiful village)
See also Gordes (version Francais)
