Gordes

Visit Gordes, Provence

Gordes, one of the most beautiful of the 'most beautiful villages of Provence', is 38 kilometres m east of Avignon and in the very scenic Luberon district of Provence.

Explore Gordes

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.

An important part of the attraction of Gordes is the view of the village 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!

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.

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 castle, the most important historical monument in the village and 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.

Local highlights

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 our Luberon travel guide for lots more scenic villages close to Gordes.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Vaucluse (the region and department for Gordes) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Gordes: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Gordes

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Suggested places to visit near Gordes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Le Beaucet 10km; Lacoste 10km; Venasque 10km; Bonnieux 13km; Pernes-les-Fontaines 15km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 15km; Apt 16km; Carpentras 20km; Lourmarin 21km; Cucuron 24km; Sault 26km;

Gordes tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (0km) : Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges (Sorgues) - religious monument (9km) : Jarditrain - remarkable garden (13km) : Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (13km) : Gorges de Régalon - site of natural beauty (17km) : Gorges de la Nesque - site of natural beauty (18km) : Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron) - religious monument (23km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (23km) :

See more places and a map at places near Gordes