An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Gordes, France

Last Updated on 16th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Picture perfect Gordes sits nestled in the Provençal countryside and is a must-see for those who love postcard worthy vistas, medieval architecture, and rural France. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Gordes, as well as what to know before you go.

Gordes is a ‘village perché,’ which means perched village in English and is typical of the French countryside, particularly in the south of France, with the ;ajority being located in Provence.

As its name would suggest, a perched village is typically nested on the side of a hillside and were often fortified, constructed just below a chateau.

The villages also usually feature a lavoir (public wash basin), small chapel or church, and numerous narrow streets. Since these kind of villages are set on the hillside, you should wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk a fair few set of stairs!

Where is Gordes?

Gordes is a provençal town in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in the department of Vaucluse. The nearest big city is Avignon, though this is over forty five minutes away by car! Closer towns of note include Apt and L’Isle Sur la Sorgue.

Residents of the town are known as Gordiens (Gordians in English) and the town itself lies at the base of the Vaucluse Mountains, a lush mountain range covered in a blanket of forests and grasses that forms part of the prealps. The perched village sits around 340 metres above the valley floor and offers stunning views of the Luberon.

What is Gordes known for?

Gordes is undoubtedly one of the most famous towns in Provence and its picturesque nature has attracted plenty of famous residents over the years. Today, the town is ‘the place to be,’ as referenced by the fine dining possibilities and luxury hotels (which certainly don’t come cheaply!)

The book was also referenced in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, which remains one of the best books about Provence. In times gone by, André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and Pol Mara, among others all stayed in the town.

The houses are a pale limestone shade, with the building blocks hewn from local rock. This gives the town a uniform nature when viewed from a distance and makes it appear to glow when bathed in the Provençal sunlight.

The beauty of the town is such as that it is listed as one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’ (one of the most beautiful villages of France). And yes, before you ask, this is indeed a real society and only a handful of outstanding towns and villages are selected to be a part of it!

How long do you need to visit Gordes?

Thanks to its small size and ease of access to get around on foot, you can easily see all of its main attractions over the course of a day, or even a long afternoon.

You won’t need more than four or five hours to enjoy everything Gordes has to offer and enjoy a drink at one of its eateries. With this being said, if you want to see the town without the crowds of the day trippers then you could consider an overnight stay.

A history of Gordes

The area surrounding Gordes has been inhabited since at least Roman times, and the remains of skeletons, amphorae, and columns, among other things have been found in the area.

The name Gordes actually comes from the Celtic word Vordense, which was eventually translated into French (through several variations) as Gordes. Gordes has been strategically important as various times throughout history, including during WWII, when it was an active resistance village.

Things to do in Gordes

Viewpoint 

If you’ve ever searched for photos of Gordes, then undoubtedly you’ll have enjoyed a photo that is taken from the top viewpoint of Gordes. This spot is located on Google Maps as ‘Town View Point Gordes’ and the address is 13 Rte de Cavaillon.

There’s a spot to park your car on a lay by on the left hand side of the road when driving away from the village and from there it’s a short walk of around 50 metres to reach the viewpoint. Just be prepared to wait a short while to take a photo as this spot can get quite busy!

Stroll the old town

Truth be told, as with many rural settlements in France, there is not much in Gordes by way of attractions but instead the true charm of the place lies in its sheer beauty and laid back ambiance. As such, one of the best ways to get to know the town is to simply stroll around and allow Gordes to reveal itself to you.

Château de Gordes

One of the more commanding structures in town is that of the Château de Gordes (Gordes Castle) which finds its roots all the way back in the 11th-century (the first attestation of the castle was back in 1031).

Rather interestingly, lords of Gordes never actually resided in the castle, but were more than happy to collect taxes from the nearby residents. Over the ages, the Castle has had many uses, included as a grain storage and as a prison. Today, the castle operates as a museum which you can visit for a fee.

Eglise Saint Firmin 

The main church in Gordes is dedicated to Saint Firmin, who was a senator from Pamplona and became a Christian before becoming a martyr. The church itself was built in the 18th-century in the Romanesque style and is free to visit.

Théâtre of terraces 

One of the more unique aspects of Gordes is that it is set amongst a number of terraced slopes, shaped by farmers, and some of which have since been converted into a terrace. In the summer months, theatre performances are held in the open air on the fringes of town.

Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin

Those who are looking for an indoor activity to escape the heat of the summer sun would do well to head to Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin, which is a former set of caves that are thought to date back 1000 years.

Lost to the annals of time, the caves were rediscovered by a family around 60 years ago and have since been transformed into a museum. A visit to the museum begins with a short film, followed by exhibitions showcasing the restoration of the caves and what they were formerly used for.

Get a drink

There are two options for enjoying a drink in Gordes which I loved. I visited Gordes in 2021 and then again in 2022, meaning that I sampled both options and can highly recommend both! The first option is to head to Le Cercle Républiain.

Drinks are really reasonably priced (at a few euros for a beer or lemonade) and the best part is that you can head out to the terrace at the back of the bar. This terrace balcony has just a handful of tables and chairs which offer stunning views onto the Gordes countryside.

The other option is a lot more expensive, but is more than worth it if you’re in Gordes for a special occasion (or just fancy treating yourself). You can head to the Airelles Gordes, la Bastide, where you can enjoy a drink in the hotel’s swanky outdoor terrace (that was even featured in Season 3 of Emily in Paris).

Market 

There is perhaps nowhere to enjoy local fresh food more than at the market, and like most towns in France, Gordes has its very own weekly market. The market is held every Tuesday morning.

As well as local produce such as cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, you’ll find a variety of other French goodies for sale such as honey and lavender products, which make for the perfect souvenir from your trip.

Senanque Abbey

One of the most famous places to see lavender in Europe, let alone in France, is at the Abbey of Senanque, which can be found close to the delightful village of Gordes. Famed for its rows of purple blooms set against the backdrop of a medieval ecclesiastical building, you can also visit the interior for a fee.

What to know before visiting Gordes

This is one of the busiest villages in the region and so you’ll want to visit earlier in the day and mid-week if possible. The high season is in July and August when temperatures can be quite high so be sure to pack plenty of water, a sun hat, and suitable clothing.

There is a tourist office in the very heart of the village where you can pick up brochures detailing a suggested town walk as well as other suggestions for things to do in the nearby region. After all, if you’re visiting Gordes then you should combine it with a trip to the nearby Senanque Abbey.

There’s quite a lot of parking on the fringes of town (on the road which leads to the Senanque Abbey). As of a few years ago, you have to pay for parking and key in your licence plate on the machine, so be sure to have a debit card or cash at the ready. There’s not that much parking in the centre of the town so be prepared to park further out and walk in.

How to get to Gordes

By far the easiest way to get to Gordes is by renting your own private car. This will allow you to travel around the area at your own leisure. Check car rental comparison prices here.

There is public transportation to reach Gordes, though this is definitely not as convenient as you’ll have to get two different buses from Avignon. Another option if you don’t want the fuss of driving is to book a guided visit from Avignon like this one or a guided visit from Aix-en-Provence like this one.

Where to stay in Gordes

Thanks to its status as one of the most beautiful villages in France, there are a number of different accommodation options available to suit a number of different tastes and budgets. Here are some of our best picks based on price and web-reviews:

Affordable luxury: Situated a short distance away from Gordes centre, this beautiful pet friendly hotel boasts highlights such as a seasonal pool, spa and wellness centre, and a bar on site. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury: For an unforgettable stay in Gordes, you’ll want to check yourself into this five-star hotel. As well as breathtaking view over the Luberon landscape, amenities include a pool, spa, and air-conditioning. Check prices and availability here.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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