Gordes

Pop. : 2,127

The Department of Vaucluse

38 km. east of Avignon.
Take route N100 towards Apt then D2 northeast.

Standing on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse, Gordes is one of the "in" villages of Luberon where many movies stars and artists have made their home.

Its houses of white and gray stone rise up in a spiral around the rock where thevillage is set. At the very top is the church and the castle which face out onto the hills of the Luberon.

Due to its privileged position, its exceptional charm and its typical architecture, Gordes has been listed as "one of the most beautiful villages of France".

While strolling around the tiny streets which climb up between the tall houses, you will discover here and there beautiful old doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored, and on the other side, there is the panorama of the valley and mountains of Luberon.

Once at the top of Gordes, you can see the fortified castle enclosing the city hall and the Pol Para museum (Flemish contemporary painter), The odd village of the "borie" is intriguing. Bories are little round huts built in stone and were at one time used by shepherds or hunters.

Historic sites to see:

The castle.
Bories village.
Senanque Abbey (1148).
St. Firmin church (1704).
Pol Para Museum.
The Moulins de Bouillons Museum
(olive presses dating back to the 16th century)

Activities:

Tuesday morning market.
Hiking.
Mountain biking.
Various cultural and artistic events.
Art and arts and crafts galeries.
Summer events :
theater, concerts, opera.

Lodging:

Hotels
Guest Houses - Bed & Breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
1 campsite.