Gordes is among the prettiest villages in the Vaucluse department of France. Perched high on a cliff. This hilltop village is built on the slopes 340 meters above the valley floor, overlooking the delightful scenes of the Luberon is a must-see for travelers leading the way to the south of France.
The village has a colorful history, having overcome the plague, earthquakes, and bombings. Its residents are called Gordians who are remembered for their courageous spirit. Its impressive views and lighting fascinated artists in the 50s and 60s, giving Gordes an artsy prestige that still survives today.
The narrow streets made of cobblestone named “calades” formulate a maze-like corridor through the village that sits as a sentinel town. It also shows off a legendary market, outstanding restaurants, and wonderful places to stay.
Planning a trip to this gorgeous village? Here are Things to do in Gordes!
Address to Reach the Town: Place du Château, 84220 Gordes, France
Explore Castle of Gordes
Located at the heart of the village, the Gordes Castle has been standing there for more than a thousand years. 50 kilometers (31.06 miles) to Avignon’s east and in the center of Gordes village lies Chateau de Gordes, the castle of the first and most dominant feudal family in Luberon.
The castle has withstood several wars and various ownerships from among the royals since its construction in 1031. Refurbished in 1525 with a north and south side in Renaissance style with two round towers on each side. Its architecture proposes a remarkable link between the Middle Ages and the golden Renaissance period.
The towers worked out as a lookout and strategic dwelling for placing artillery. In 1789, the castle was confiscated by revolutionaries and later became a historical monument along with its towers.
Entry is €5, and it frequently houses art exhibitions by local artists. It’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. At Christmas time, the château emcees the annual Xmas market in Gordes and entrance is free. You must include this in your things to do in Gordes itinerary.
Location: France, Gordes, Unnamed Road、84220
Website: www.gordes-village.com
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Esteemed as the iconic Provencal symbol,
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is another thing to do in Gordes. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Provence. It is at the base of a small valley and is the residence of the Cistercian Monks. Abbey is known for its excellent Romanesque architecture that continued to be unchanged over the past 900 years and the vast lavender garden outside its walls.
From the 12th to 13th century, the abbey was constructed to furnish all the needs of the brotherhood so they don’t need to go outside. Monks have dwelled under a vow of silence, they are only allowed to speak in the Chapter room in the abbey ever since. The jaunt of this heritage site permits you to access the church, cloister, dormitory, chapter room, and heater room. Guided audio sessions are available in many languages.
The monks now turn a profit growing lavender. You’ll find it planted in beautiful rows in front of the abbey – where it flowers and looks suburb in summer. They also cultivate honey and greet visitors on retreat or for hourly tours.
Visit earlier and you’ll also prevent the crowds for those perfect Provence lavender photos. A small fee of €8 for adults, €5 for students, and €3.50 for kids is charged to tourists which goes to the upkeep of the abbey and the monks.
Location: 84220 Gordes, France
Website: www.senanque.fr
L’Église Saint Firmin
Saint Fermin is one of the most visited places in the Gordes. Constructed on the grounds of an old 12th-century Romanesque church, this location was dedicated to the Bishop of Uzes in the 18th century.
Within the church there are eight chapels, each of small size, dedicated to patron saints of various professions, like shoemakers and blacksmiths, to watch over their livelihoods. Its receded church colors are a miracle in the Luberon light and the Italian-style painted interior deserves to be seen.
You should surely stop by and see this beautiful chapel and admire its gorgeous painted interior.
Location: 84220 Gordes, France
Lavender Field
For travelers as well as locals, lavender is more than just a plant. The Provence lavender fields are an ingredient of the decor and contribute to the region’s renown around the world.
To appreciate the most beautiful fields of lavender in Provence visit Sénanque Abbey, near the Gordes in Luberon, which is tracked down in the middle of a field of lavender, rendering it very photogenic when they are in bloom: the place’s sacred atmosphere is augmented by the spectacle of flowers, adding to the site’s provençal, countryside calmness, and beauty.
If visiting the Ochre village of Roussillon from Gordes, especially during July and August don’t forget to visit the lavender fields. Wheeze in the air of the freshness, take in the views of the pretty purple which was listed in things to do in Gordes, and get intimate enough to see the gorgeous lavender blooms. See you for the next lavender flowering period, in this part of France lavender is the scent of summer.
Visit the Gordes Viewpoint
For the astonishing views of Gordes from unique angles drive over the viewpoint of the Gordes. From a viewpoint on the way into Gordes, the most iconic photos of the village are taken. It is tracked down on the hill upon the contrary side of the Gordes via the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur France Highway D15. Just type “Town View Point Gordes” into Google maps and it’ll put forward the location.
There isn’t a lot of parking around the viewpoint, and you’ll wish to get there before dark shadows descend over the lower half of the village. This area is certainly considered the best place for your Instagram stories and to see in the Gordes. It’s a slight way out of the village, so visit Gordes lookout point on your way in or your way out.
A site is also an excellent place for sighting sunrise and sunset and also for a picnic.
Cellars of Saint-Firmin Palace
Come discover the world that lies beneath Gordes by stopping by the Cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace. Which rambles a variety of artistic elements, provides knowledge of life in Gordes from the Middle Ages onwards, and offers visitors an incredible opportunity to fascinate themselves in the history of this mystery be the world.
This semi-troglodytic location was both built by man and engraved out of the rock, gives visitors a journey to the heart of the Gordes’s mysterious history, thanks to the presence of archaeological remains of the village’s activities during the Middle Ages like olive oil mill, silos, cisterns, etc. Here you will get an overview of the stay with a documentary about the site’s history and restoration.
A light show and audio guides seize you through every stage of the visit. Presentation of the object found during the restoration of the Cellars and relics used during the site’s previous periods. An entertainment area and boutique can be found at the end of the visit. The gardens overlooking the Cellars may be specially opened upon request for groups and students.
The place has immense tourists you should visit this place as it is one of the best things to do in Gordes.
Location: Rue du Belvédère, 84220 Gordes, France
Gordes Market Day
Every visit to any French town should constitute a visit to its local markets. The Gordes market doesn’t dishearten tourists in search of legendary French produce. In Gordes, Tuesday morning is dedicated to visiting the local markets. From 8 am to 1 pm, stallholders assemble in the shadow of the gorgeous Gordes castle letting you wander through the stalls, protecting yourself from the Provençal sunshine in the shadow of spectacular Renaissance architecture.
This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, and a lot of Provençal articles, such as outputs made from lavender, olive wood, and the popular Marseille soap. The market sells numerous food types, Roam the booths savoring fresh loaves of bread and local lavender-infused honey. Smell the flowers, try out the straw hats and baskets, chewing the plump fruit as you appreciate one of the best views over the valley.
Remember to bring cash for a convenient transaction. These are the things to do in Gordes! Hope you have liked it!