Gorgeous Gordes, France

Gordes is a beautiful hilltop village located in the Luberon region of Provence, France. We loved Gordes enough to make another trip back when our family came to visit. It's truly once of the most charming and picturesque villages in all of France, and is consistently voted the most beautiful village in France. If you find yourself yearning for the South of France life, Gordes is the epitome of what France has to offer.

Stop for a day trip or stay for a weekend to soak up the sunshine and Provence charm. Here are some of our favorite things to do and see in Gordes:

Visit the Castle: The Château de Gordes is a historic castle located in the center of the village. It was built in the 11th century and served as a residence for the local aristocracy. Today, it houses the Pol Mara Museum, which showcases the works of the Belgian painter Pol Mara.

Explore the Village: Gordes is a charming village with narrow streets, stone houses, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Take a stroll through the village and admire the architecture and the views. You can do this on repeat for 3 days and it won't get old!

Visit the Abbey of Sénanque: The Abbey of Sénanque is a Cistercian monastery located just outside of Gordes. It was founded in the 12th century and is still home to a community of monks. The abbey is known for its beautiful architecture and its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer. If you can time your trip in late June or August, you'll be rewarded with one of the most iconic pictures in Provence.

Visit the Village des Bories: The Village des Bories is a historic site located just outside of Gordes. It consists of a collection of stone huts, called bories, that were used by shepherds and farmers in the past. The site provides a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Luberon region.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine: There are several restaurants in the village that offer delicious local, seasonal cuisine. Enjoy le petit dejeuner at Boulangerie Mamie Jane, check out L'Outsider, a small, family owned restaurant for an intimate lunch and end the day at La Trinquette for an elegant dinner with breathtaking sunset views.

Attend a Festival or Event: Gordes hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festival of Chamber Music and the Lavender Festival in August. These events provide a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. We happened to be there for a concert where they made local bites and served pastis, not as many people spoke much English but that was part of the fun so brush up on your French P's and Q's!

Gordes is a beautiful village with a rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It's a great destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and culture of Provence. We loved Grordes in the Spring through early Summer where this tiny village becomes alive with festivals and local visitors from the Provence region.