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Gordes

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Gordes

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About Gordes

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Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Gordes is the quintessential Provençal hilltop village. Perched on the foothills of the Vaucluse Mountains, facing the Luberon massif, this mineral gem seems to spring from the cliff. The village is entirely built of dry-stone blocks of blond limestone, which take on a spectacular orange hue at sunset. At its summit stands an imposing Renaissance castle (which houses art exhibitions) and a majestic church, overlooking a maze of cobbled streets, vaulted passageways, and grand houses of prominent citizens. Gordes is more than just a picture postcard: it is a cultural hub that has captivated artists such as Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely. Beyond its ramparts, the local heritage continues with the famous Village des Bories (ancient dry-stone sheepfolds) and Sénanque Abbey, nestled in a lavender-covered valley. Despite its worldwide renown and summer crowds, the village has managed to preserve its soul and an austere elegance that makes it an essential stop on any trip to Provence.

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

The biggest pitfall in Gordes is parking and the crowds in the middle of the day. My insider tip: Don't head straight for the center. First, stop on the D15 departmental road (coming from Avignon/Cavaillon) at the "Belvédère de Gordes" (marked on Google Maps). This is where you'll get the legendary panoramic view of the village, the one you see on all the posters. For the visit itself, arrive before 9:00 a.m. Not only will you find a spot in the gendarmerie parking lot (the closest to the center), but you'll also enjoy the cool morning air and golden light on the stone buildings before the tour buses arrive. If you want to avoid the high prices of the terraces in the main square, get lost in the narrow streets that lead down to the lower part of the village: you'll find hidden viewpoints overlooking the Luberon plain without any other tourists around. Finally, if you visit the nearby Sénanque Abbey, be aware that you need to book a time slot for the interior, but the hiking trail that connects the village to the abbey offers a superb 1.5-hour walk in the middle of the garrigue, far from road traffic.