GORDES, FRANCE: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PROVENCAL HILLTOP VILLAGE
It’s hard to picture a more perfect summer setting than the Luberon region in the South of France, particularly the hilltop village of Gordes. This part of Provence is home to fabled villages, castles, Provencal markets and blooming flower fields, and Gordes is the ideal home base to see all of it. The village itself sits in the heart of Luberon, a small labyrinth of stone maisons, historic churches and cobbled lanes that are the dreamiest start and end to the day. I absolutely adore this village. Below is my complete travel guide to Gordes including the best historical sites, scenic viewpoints, flower bloom dates, hotels, restaurants, cafes, travel tips and more.
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This panorama of Gordes is one of my favorite views in Provence.
GORDES TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of France is the Euro. Most places take credit card, but it’s always handy to have cash for smaller purchases.
- MORNINGS IN GORDES – If you plan to visit Gordes early morning to avoid the crowds, note that most of the restaurants and boutiques that give the village a lot of its character will be closed. They all open later in the morning.
- FLOWER SEASON – Time your trip carefully and you just might visit Provence during one of the seasonal blooms. The red poppies typically bloom end of April through May, lavender fields early July and sunflowers in mid-July.
There are adorable boutiques scattered throughout Gordes.
HOW MANY DAYS IN GORDES
The little village can easily be experienced as a day trip. In fact, most tourists visit from other areas of Provence for just a few hours. If you prefer more than just a taste of the village, Gordes is a wonderful home base for exploring the Luberon region. One of the besT hotels in Provence is located in the village, along with delicious restaurants and a central location for day trips to Roussillon, Bonnieux, Loumarin, Valensole, etc.
I love the blue shutters in Provence.
WHEN TO VISIT GORDES
- MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER – Shoulder season typically offers comfortable weather and fewer crowds than summer (September is my favorite month of the year to visit). Note that the region’s red poppies bloom throughout the month of May.
- JUNE-AUGUST – This is the busiest time of the year in Provence. Temperatures are hot, and hotel prices soar. The lavender fields bloom in early July, and sunflowers a bit later in the month.
- NOVEMBER-MARCH – Crowds thin out this time of the year when the weather is cold, and businesses close for the off season.
Most tourists arrive to the village by late morning.
PLACES TO VISIT IN GORDES
THE CAVES DU PALAIS SAINT-FIRMIN
An amazing network of caves that date back to the Middle Ages sit below the village of Gordes. The caves are built into the rocks, the remains of an olive oil mill, cistern, silo, a chapel and more. There are seven levels to the underground labyrinth, and three are open to the public to explore April through November.
CHURCH OF SAINT FERMIN
What was originally a small 18th century church in the middle of Gordes was eventually demolished and rebuilt into a much grander church. The current stone structure is a fixture for the village, recognizable even when admiring the hilltop from afar.
EXPLORE THE VILLAGE
The best way to experience Gordes is to wander the little village on foot. It’s small, pedestrian-friendly and takes a mere couple hours to explore the labyrinth of cobbled alleyways lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
GORDES CASTLE
Rebuilt in the 16th century, Gordes Castle is a stunning example of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The little village surrounds the towering castle, an absolute marvel that has all the feels of a fairytale.
GORDES MARKET
Market day in the village is Tuesdays, from approximately 8 AM to 1 PM. Little stalls that sell flowers, produce, cheese, hats, art, jewelry and more surround the castle in the middle of the village.
GORDES VIEWPOINT
This cliffside viewpoint of the village is one of the prettiest panoramas in all of Provence. I’ve visited at sunrise to avoid the crowds, as well as midday, and I prefer the midday experience. There are less people early in the morning, but the village view is a blown out by the rising sun. The exact viewpoint is here, and a handful of parking spots are here.
A lovely viewpoint from the main parking lot in town.
WHERE TO STAY IN GORDES
This bucket list hotel is home to one of the most spectacular pools in the region. Set in a 16th century stone maison in the heart of the village, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is a Provencal dream. There are 34 rooms and six lavish suites that exude French charm boasting stone archways, antique furnishings, portrait paintings and draperies. The property is a medieval dream accented with lavender, olive groves, cypress trees and terraced gardens. This is one of the loveliest places to stay in Provence.
The rooms and suites at Domaine de l’Enclos don’t have a lot of character and are in need of a refresh, but the location and pool setting of this converted farmhouse are lovely.
Domaine les Martins is a lovely bed and breakfast that sits at the foothills of the Gordes village. The property dates back to the 1600s, but the stone buildings have been completely restored and updated. Provencal details abound around the domaine including stone walls, archways, blue shutters, fountains and cypress trees.
Another beautiful Provencal house that has been restored, Le Jas de Gordes is a short drive from the village of Gordes. The property houses 22 simple rooms, a pool, a fountain and the loveliest garden setting.
The best viewpoint of the village is located here, and parking for the viewpoint is here.
PLACES TO EAT IN GORDES
LA BASTIDE DE PIERRES
Absolutely delicious Italian spot that serves a selection of homemade pastas, fresh breads and pizza. The line for La Bastide de Pierres starts to form before opening, best to make a reservation and request a table outside on the ridiculously cute terrace.
LADUREE TEA SALON
Overpriced? Yes. But Laduree sure is a lovely spot in the village to sit down for a cup of tea, coffee and a pastry at breakfast.
LA TRINQUETTE
La Trinquette is a lovely dinner spot that sits on a cobbled street in Gordes – all the Provencal feels. The terrace views are particularly stunning. Reservations recommended.
LE MAS
This Michelin star restaurant sits in an old farmhouse, overseen by chef Alexis Osmont. The courtyard setting is lovely, portions are generous and prices are high.
Breakfast and macarons at Laduree.
GET AROUND GORDES
Gordes is a hilltop village that can really only be explored on foot. Visitors can park in one of the paid parking lots and then walk into the town center. The most central parking lot that sits in the middle of the village is located here, but it’s very small.
Happily exploring every corner of the storybook village.
GET TO GORDES
The closest airport to Gordes is the Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) located approximately 50 km away. You’ll need a car to reach Gordes, and to explore the surrounding Provence region of France. The towns and villages are spread out. Most major car rental brands have locations inside the airport.
La Bastide de Pierres is an delicious Italian spot in town – reservations highly recommended.
