Last Updated on 14th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Picture good Gordes sits nestled within the Provençal countryside and is a must-see for individuals who love postcard worthy vistas, medieval structure, and rural France. Here’s your final information to the finest issues to do in Gordes, in addition to what to know earlier than you go.
Gordes is a ‘village perché,’ which implies perched village in English and is typical of the French countryside, significantly within the south of France, with the ;ajority being positioned in Provence.
As its title would counsel, a perched village is often nested on the aspect of a hillside and had been usually fortified, constructed slightly below a chateau.
The villages additionally normally function a lavoir (public wash basin), small chapel or church, and quite a few slim streets. Since these form of villages are set on the hillside, you must put on comfy footwear and anticipate to stroll a good few set of stairs!
Where is Gordes?
Gordes is a provençal city within the area of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur within the division of Vaucluse. The nearest large metropolis is Avignon, although that is over 45 minutes away by automobile! Closer cities of notice embrace Apt and L’Isle Sur la Sorgue.
Residents of the city are referred to as Gordiens (Gordians in English) and the city itself lies on the base of the Vaucluse Mountains, a lush mountain vary lined in a blanket of forests and grasses that kinds a part of the prealps. The perched village sits round 340 metres above the valley ground and affords gorgeous views of the Luberon.
What is Gordes identified for?
Gordes is undoubtedly one of the crucial well-known cities in Provence and its picturesque nature has attracted loads of well-known residents over time. Today, the city is ‘the place to be,’ as referenced by the tremendous eating prospects and luxurious inns (which definitely don’t come cheaply!)
The guide was additionally referenced in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, which stays one of many finest books about Provence. In occasions passed by, André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara, amongst others all stayed within the city.
The homes are a pale limestone shade, with the constructing blocks hewn from native rock. This offers the city a uniform nature when considered from a distance and makes it seem to glow when bathed within the Provençal daylight.
The great thing about the city is akin to that it’s listed as certainly one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’ (one of the crucial lovely villages of France). And sure, earlier than you ask, that is certainly an actual society and solely a handful of excellent cities and villages are chosen to be part of it!
How lengthy do you must go to Gordes?
Thanks to its small measurement and ease of entry to get round on foot, you’ll be able to simply see all of its principal points of interest over the course of a day, or perhaps a lengthy afternoon. You received’t want greater than 4 or 5 hours to take pleasure in every thing Gordes has to supply and luxuriate in a drink at certainly one of its eateries.
A historical past of Gordes
The space surrounding Gordes has been inhabited since at the very least Roman occasions, and the stays of skeletons, amphorae, and columns, amongst different issues have been discovered within the space.
The title Gordes really comes from the Celtic phrase Vordense, which was ultimately translated into French (by way of a number of variations) as Gordes. Gordes has been strategically necessary as varied occasions all through historical past, together with throughout WWII, when it was an energetic resistance village.
Things to do in Gordes
Viewpoint
If you’ve ever looked for images of Gordes, then undoubtedly you’ll have loved a photograph that’s taken from the highest viewpoint of Gordes. This spot is positioned on Google Maps as ‘Town View Point Gordes’ and the handle is 13 Rte de Cavaillon.
There’s a spot to park your automobile on a lay by on the left hand aspect of the street when driving away from the village and from there it’s a brief stroll of round 50 metres to succeed in the point of view. Just be ready to attend a short time to take a photograph as this spot can get fairly busy!
Stroll the previous city
Truth be instructed, as with many rural settlements in France, there’s not a lot in Gordes by means of points of interest however as a substitute the true appeal of the place lies in its sheer magnificence and laid again ambiance. As such, among the best methods to get to know the city is to easily stroll round and permit Gordes to disclose itself to you.
Château de Gordes
One of the extra commanding buildings on the town is that of the Château de Gordes (Gordes Castle) which finds its roots all the way in which again within the Eleventh-century (the primary attestation of the fort was again in 1031).
Rather apparently, lords of Gordes by no means really resided within the fort, however had been more than pleased to gather taxes from the close by residents. Over the ages, the Castle has had many makes use of, included as a grain storage and as a jail. Today, the fort operates as a museum which you’ll be able to go to for a price.
Eglise Saint Firmin
The principal church in Gordes is devoted to Saint Firmin, who was a senator from Pamplona and have become a Christian earlier than changing into a martyr. The church itself was constructed within the 18th-century within the Romanesque fashion and is free to go to.
Théâtre of terraces
One of the extra distinctive points of Gordes is that it’s set amongst various terraced slopes, formed by farmers, and a few of which have since been transformed right into a terrace. In the summer season months, theatre performances are held within the open air on the fringes of city.
Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin
Those who’re searching for an indoor exercise to flee the warmth of the summer season solar would do effectively to go to Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin, which is a former set of caves which can be thought thus far again 1000 years.
Lost to the annals of time, the caves had been rediscovered by a household round 60 years in the past and have since been reworked right into a museum. A go to to the museum begins with a brief movie, adopted by exhibitions showcasing the restoration of the caves and what they had been previously used for.
Get a drink
There are two choices for having fun with a drink in Gordes which I beloved. I visited Gordes in 2021 after which once more in 2022, that means that I sampled each choices and may extremely suggest each! The first choice is to go to Le Cercle Républiain.
Drinks are actually moderately priced (at just a few euros for a beer or lemonade) and one of the best half is that you would be able to head out to the terrace behind the bar. This terrace balcony has only a handful of tables and chairs which provide gorgeous views onto the Gordes countryside.
The different choice is much more costly, however is greater than value it when you’re in Gordes for an important day (or simply fancy treating your self). You can head to the Airelles Gordes, la Bastide, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink within the lodge’s swanky outside terrace (that was even featured in Season 3 of Emily in Paris).
Market
There is probably nowhere to take pleasure in native recent meals greater than on the market, and like most cities in France, Gordes has its very personal weekly market. The market is held each Tuesday morning.
As effectively as native produce akin to cheeses, fruits, and greens, you’ll discover quite a lot of different French goodies on the market akin to honey and lavender merchandise, which make for the good memento out of your journey.
Senanque Abbey
One of probably the most well-known locations to see lavender in Europe, not to mention in France, is on the Abbey of Senanque, which will be discovered near the pleasant village of Gordes. Famed for its rows of purple blooms set in opposition to the backdrop of a medieval ecclesiastical constructing, it’s also possible to go to the inside for a price.
What to know earlier than visiting Gordes
This is likely one of the busiest villages within the area and so that you’ll need to go to earlier within the day and mid-week if potential. The excessive season is in July and August when temperatures will be fairly excessive so make sure to pack loads of water, a solar hat, and appropriate clothes.
There is a vacationer workplace within the very coronary heart of the village the place you’ll be able to decide up brochures detailing a prompt city stroll in addition to different solutions for issues to do within the close by area. After all, when you’re visiting Gordes then you must mix it with a visit to the close by Senanque Abbey.
There’s various parking on the fringes of city (on the street which ends up in the Senanque Abbey). As of some years in the past, it’s important to pay for parking and key in your licence plate on the machine, so make sure to have a debit card or money on the prepared. There’s not that a lot parking within the centre of the city so be ready to park additional out and stroll in.
How to get to Gordes
By far the simplest solution to get to Gordes is by renting your personal personal automobile. This will will let you journey across the space at your personal leisure. Check automobile rental comparability costs right here.
There is public transportation to succeed in Gordes, although that is positively not as handy as you’ll should get two completely different buses from Avignon. Another choice when you don’t need the fuss of driving is to guide a guided go to from Avignon like this one or a guided go to from Aix-en-Provence like this one.
Where to remain in Gordes
Thanks to its standing as one of the crucial lovely villages in France, there are a selection of various lodging choices out there to go well with various completely different tastes and budgets. Here are a few of our greatest picks primarily based on worth and web-reviews:
Affordable luxurious: Situated a brief distance away from Gordes centre, this lovely pet pleasant lodge boasts highlights akin to a seasonal pool, spa and wellness centre, and a bar on web site. Check costs and availability right here.
Luxury: For an unforgettable keep in Gordes, you’ll need to verify your self into this five-star lodge. As effectively as breathtaking view over the Luberon panorama, facilities embrace a pool, spa, and air-conditioning. Check costs and availability right here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves canines, books, journey, pizza, and historical past. A fan of all issues France associated, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the following sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She presently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.