Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in Provence area, and it’s also considered to be one of the most beautiful in France. Many artists have stayed in the village of Gordes, such as André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara to name a few. With just 2.000 inhabitants, Gordes is very popular especially in the summer when it hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, concerts and exhibitions.
Where to stay:
Of course at the stunning 5* La Bastide de Gordes Hotel, just at the entrance of the town, overlooking the Luberon mountains.
What to see:
The castle/chateau. Dating back to the 10th century it was remodeled during the Renaissance. You can visit it and the museum that it houses, the Pol Mara museum, contemporary Flemish painter and inhabitant of Gordes.
The cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace.
Saint-Firmin church, of Romanesque origin, transformed in the 18th century.
The Saint Jacques Chaplaincy.
The White Penitents Chapel.
A Good Year filming location. Yes, the same restaurant where Fanny Chenal worked in the movie, and the same fountain where Max sat waiting for her to finish her work. There it is, just as romantic as it was in the movie. It’s right next to the castle/chateau and the tourist office entrance. On Tuesdays you can find the Farmers Market here.
Nearby:
The Abbey of Sénanque is a true gem of Romanesque art and it has become a symbol of Provence. Set in the bottom of a small valley, it is still occupied by Cistercian monks. In the summer (July) you will see the most amazing lavender fields there.
The Bories Village, where all the buildings are constructed entirely of dry stone walls, is just a few kilometers away from Gordes, in Provence .
The Moulin des Bouillons is a former olive oil mill.
Where to Eat
Besides dining in the fabulous La Bastide de Gordes Hotel Restaurants, we also enjoyed one dinner outside the hotel, in a lovely place called La Trinquette. It's tiny, but just 3-min walk from the hotel, just make sure to book a table prior to your visit. We also enjoyed the wine of the same vineyard, Chateau La Canorgue, where A Good Year Movie was filmed and what we visited later on on our trip!
How to get there
Rent a car, you will need it in Provence! Gordes village is just 30min from Avignon, 2h40 from Paris by TGV and one hour from the capital by plane, 45min from the Marseille-Provence Airport in Marignane and two hours from Nice and the French Riviera.
More info: www.gordes-village.com
