Gordes
Gordes: Between Heritage and Luxury, Discover One of France’s Most Beautiful Villages
The Most Beautiful Village in France?
Gordes is a stunning perched village located in the south of France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Known for its picturesque stone architecture and narrow streets, Gordes attracts many visitors each year. The village also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and is surrounded by beautiful Provençal landscapes. It is an ideal place for lovers of history, culture, and nature.
To discover
in Gordes
5 Reasons to Visit Gordes
Its splendid 11th-century castle.
The Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey and its lavender fields.
The panoramic view over the entire Luberon.
The Saint-Firmin Church and its magnificent frescoes.
The surrounding trails, especially those of the Ochres.
Vacationing in Gordes
In Gordes, Provence, you can enjoy many activities during your vacation. You can visit the medieval village of Gordes, explore the castle and the Sénanque Abbey, and take in the stunning landscapes of the Luberon massif!
Summer Holidays
The castle is a remarkable sight to behold. First mentioned in 1031 under Guillaume d’Agoult, lord of the area, his descendants further fortified it, earning the title of “nobile castrum” (noble castle) in 1123. During the 14th century, the castle underwent significant renovations, with its walls and towers elevated to better alert and protect local peasants from the “great companies,” groups of unemployed mercenaries who turned to a life of crime. Numerous families resided within its walls, especially during the Wars of Religion (1562–1598), but the castle was never taken. The most notable family to live there was undoubtedly the Bourbon-Condé princes, relatives of the Bourbon royal family.
Bertrand Rambaud de Simiane, lieutenant general of Dauphiné and the first baron of the area, rebuilt the castle in a Renaissance style between 1525 and 1541. Taken over by revolutionaries in 1789, it was not damaged but instead given to the town. Over the years, it housed a town hall, a bar, a communal school, and even a refectory.
Transformed into an art museum, the castle displayed works by Victor Vasarely from 1970 to 1996 and later by Belgian artist Pol Mara from 1996 to 2011.
Many parts of the castle, especially the stone interior staircase and engraved fireplace, remain largely intact to this day.
The Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey is a Cistercian religious building still in operation. Founded as a monastery in 1148, it gained abbey status two years later, forming the “three Provençal sisters” with two other Cistercian abbeys in the region. The abbey’s population quickly grew, and to meet its needs, the monks called on “lay brothers,” secular “brothers” who worked the land to provide food for the abbey. They began building barns to store their surplus and quickly made money through sales. This lifestyle distanced the abbey from its original vow of poverty. However, the monks made efforts to return to their former ways, with some success. Unfortunately, most were murdered in 1544 during the Wars of Religion, and the building was set on fire. By the late 17th century, only two monks remained in the abbey ruins until it was purchased as national property and fully restored around 1791. The building was again bought in 1857, returning to the Church’s hands. The abbey was expanded, and a congregation of 70 monks settled there once more. Now a priory of the Lérins Abbey (the purchaser of the building), its congregation of monks has regularly received new members. The last Cistercian monks arrived in 1988, and some (about 6) still live there today.
Your Holiday Home in Gordes
- 10 pers.
- Heated pool
From
3600€
to
6000€
/ week
- 8 pers.
- Heated pool
From
3750€
to
5500€
/ week
- 8 pers.
- Heated pool
From
3200€
to
5100€
/ week
If it rains, why not visit the Moulin des Bouillons, a 2000-year-old animal-powered mill (meaning that human or animal physical energy was required) that was part of olive oil production. The building has since been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of stained glass work.
Golf Courses Nearby
Places to Visit in Gordes
If you’re looking for activities during your vacation, Gordes has much to offer!
Family Holidays
Restored between 1969 and 1976, this grouping of stone houses built without cement is known as the “Village des Bories.” Despite their appearance, they were not made for habitation but served as resting places and storage for equipment or livestock. Nonetheless, many coins and work tools (including axe blades) have been found. Open as an open-air museum for over 30 years, this site offers a chance to immerse yourself in the typical lifestyle of Provençal shepherds and farmers of the 17th century.
Romantic Getaway
The Saint-Firmin Church is typical of Provençal architecture, at least from the outside. Inside, the quality of the paintings and engravings is truly impressive. Worn by time, the church is undergoing restoration to return it to its former glory and vibrant colors. When looking at the choir, behind the main altar, you can see a crack snaking along the wall. This “scar” dates back to a violent seismic activity… from 1909!
Vacation with Your Dog
Thanks to its proximity to the Luberon, Gordes offers many walking opportunities with your four-legged friend. We’ve chosen to highlight this one for its rich scenery: La Balade des Bories et de la Sénancole. A bit of greenery, a bit of history, and a bit of water!
Come to Gordes
With its 4804 hectares of area, the commune of Gordes is served by many roads. The two main roads are the D15 and D102.
To visit Provence, the airports in Marseille, Montpellier, and Nice are the most recommended.
From Avignon TGV station, you can take buses 915 and 917 to reach Gordes.
The Luberon Massif offers many trails for mountain biking.
Nearby Towns to Gordes
- Cabrières-d’Avignon: Approximately 5 kilometers.
- Goult: Approximately 6 kilometers.
- Lagnes: Approximately 7 kilometers.
- Roussillon: Approximately 7 kilometers.
- Oppède: Approximately 8 kilometers.
Time in Provence has selected the best restaurants in the region for you.