Gordes
A landmark hilltop village with sweeping views and timeless Provençal character.
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Gordes captures the essence of the Luberon with its dramatic setting, historic character, and refined village life.
Gordes rises from the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse with one of the most dramatic profiles in Provence. Stone houses, vaulted passageways, and terraced lanes appear to cling to the cliffs, offering long views across the Luberon valley. The village feels both historic and polished, with small boutiques, cafés, and art galleries tucked among narrow cobblestone streets.
The atmosphere shifts throughout the day. Mornings begin quietly with soft light across the stone façades. By midday, terraces fill with visitors arriving for lunch or an afternoon stroll. The village is especially striking in July when lavender blooms in the valley below. Gordes holds a strong cultural identity shaped by its residents, known for their independent spirit and long history of protecting the village. Today it remains a must-see destination in the region, offering scenery, charm, and access to nearby landmarks.
A Brief History of Gordes
Gordes has been shaped by many periods of settlement. Evidence of Roman activity remains visible throughout the area, and the site continued to grow as a fortified hill village during the early Middle Ages. In the eighth century, a Benedictine abbey was built on the ruins of a Roman temple, reflecting the region’s long religious and cultural development.
By the medieval period, Gordes had established itself as a strategic stronghold overlooking the Luberon valley. Its elevated position offered both protection and control, leading to the construction of ramparts, towers, and tightly packed stone houses. The village’s layout reflects centuries of defensive planning, with narrow streets designed to slow movement and shield inhabitants during times of conflict.
Beneath the village, an extensive network of underground cellars, storage rooms, and workshops was carved directly into the rock. These spaces supported daily life and commerce while providing refuge and protection. This hidden layer of Gordes remains one of its most distinctive features and a testament to the ingenuity of its early inhabitants.
A defining moment in the region’s history occurred in 1148, when Cistercian monks founded the Abbey of Sénanque in the valley below Gordes under the patronage of regional nobility. Built in austere Romanesque style, the abbey became a spiritual and agricultural center, later surrounded by lavender fields that would become some of the most recognizable images of Provence.
In the twentieth century, Gordes experienced a cultural revival. After World War II, artists such as Marc Chagall and Jean Deyrolle were drawn to the village’s light, architecture, and landscape. Their presence helped reestablish Gordes as a center of artistic inspiration, shaping its modern identity as one of France’s most celebrated and photographed villages.
Food & Drink in Gordes
Gordes hosts its weekly market on Tuesday mornings. The stalls fill the village square with produce, cheeses, baked goods, and seasonal products. It is an easy way to enjoy local flavors while taking in the lively atmosphere.
Gordes offers a mix of cafés, terraces, and refined restaurants. The village’s elevated position gives many dining spots wide views over the Luberon. Menus focus on regional ingredients, seasonal produce, and classic Provençal dishes. For up-to-date recommendations, refer to TripAdvisor or trusted local guides.
To help you navigate, visit our Google Maps link for Gordes where we have tagged our preferred spots across the city:
Wineries near Gordes include:
- Domaine de la Verrière in Goult
- Aureto in Ménerbes
- Domaine de la Citadelle in Ménerbes
Most vineyards close on Sundays and during lunch hours.
Boulangerie Cayrol Thierry. 2 Rue de l’Église
Boulangerie de Mamie Jane. Route Neuve
Hours vary by season.
Small épiceries are scattered throughout the center.
Gordes has several small food shops and one “supérette”:
• Utile Gordes on Rue de la Poste
For larger supermarkets, the closest option is:
• Super U in Coustellet, open daily with limited hours on Sundays.
Things to Do in Gordes
Our Top Pick
Art & Culture
Outdoor Activities
Day Trips from Gordes
Activities For Children
Our Top Pick
Walk up through the village toward its highest point, where the castle and church rise above the layered stone houses and terraced streets. As you climb, the views begin to unfold in stages, revealing rooftops, olive groves, and the wide sweep of the Luberon valley beyond.
From this elevated perch, the landscape opens fully. Vineyards, hills, and distant villages stretch across the horizon, offering one of the most recognized panoramas in Provence. Take time to pause, observe the shifting light, and understand how Gordes’ position shaped both its history and its enduring appeal.
Afterward, wander through the upper lanes at an unhurried pace. Small shops, galleries, and quiet terraces create a natural path back toward the heart of the village, allowing the experience to transition gently from grand viewpoints to the intimate details of daily life.
Art & Culture
Art and culture in Gordes are shaped by centuries of history, religious foundations, and the natural light that has inspired artists for decades. The village holds a range of landmarks and galleries, while nearby sites offer deeper connections to the region’s medieval and monastic past. Together they create a rich cultural experience within a compact, walkable setting.
- Château de Gordes. A central landmark with exhibitions and strong views.
- Abbey of Sénanque. A working Cistercian monastery known for lavender fields and traditional production of honey and lavender essence.
- Village des Bories. An open-air site of dry-stone huts, walls, and historic structures dating back to pre-Roman times.
- L’Eglise Saint-Fermin. A church with architectural details and artwork reflecting centuries of local craftsmanship.
- Local galleries. Gordes has a number of small galleries showcasing regional artists and contemporary work.
Outdoor Activities
The landscape around Gordes offers easy access to scenic walks, lavender fields, and quiet roads that wind through the Luberon. The terrain is ideal for short village routes, longer countryside walks, and gentle cycling. Open views, stone paths, and natural light make outdoor time feel simple and rewarding.
- Scenic walks through terraced lanes, stone paths, and quiet viewpoints.
- Lavender fields near Sénanque during June and July.
- Country roads ideal for cycling between Gordes, Roussillon, and nearby hamlets.
- Photography routes with views of the village from surrounding hills.
Day Trips from Gordes
Gordes sits in a central position within the Luberon, making it an excellent base for day trips. Within a short drive you reach villages, vineyards, markets, and cultural landmarks that show different sides of Provence. Each destination offers its own rhythm, giving you plenty of options for half-day or full-day outings.
- Roussillon. Ochre cliffs and colorful streets.
- Ménerbes and Goult. Wine estates and quiet village squares.
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Markets and antique shops.
- Bonnieux and Lacoste. Hilltop villages with cafés and scenic routes.
- Avignon. Museums, papal history, and cultural sites within a short drive.
Activities For Children
Children enjoy simple walks through the winding streets, viewpoints with open space, and the outdoor areas surrounding the Village des Bories. The Lavender Museum nearby provides an easy, interactive visit. Family-friendly hikes and shaded paths are found in the countryside between Gordes and Sénanque.
- Explore the castle exterior and surrounding square, where wide spaces make it easy to roam
- Walk the upper village lanes, discovering stone stairways, arches, and viewpoints
- Visit the Village des Bories nearby to see traditional stone huts and learn how people once lived
- Enjoy short countryside walks just outside the village
- Stop for gelato or pastries while wandering the village center
- Take a short drive to Abbey of Sénanque, where open fields and paths offer space to explore
Villas Near Gordes
Frequently Asked Questions About Gordes
Answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Aix is known for its fountains, historic squares, art museums, markets, and refined lifestyle. The city has a strong cultural identity shaped by architecture, gastronomy, and daily outdoor life.
Yes. The historic center is compact with pedestrian streets, making it easy to move between squares, cafés, shops, and museums on foot.
Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures, open terraces, and active markets. Summer is warmer and busier but full of events. Winter is quieter with fewer crowds.
Aix is known for calissons, olive oil, fresh produce from local farms, cheeses, pastries, and seasonal Provençal dishes served in bistros and restaurants across the old town.
Three to four days allow you to explore the city, visit nearby villages, see art sites, and enjoy the markets. Longer stays work well for day trips to the Luberon or the Alpilles.
You can rent a car for quick access to villages such as Lourmarin, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy. Local buses serve some routes. Private drivers are available for longer outings and vineyard visits.
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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.