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Village · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Gordes
Stone village perched on a hill of the Monts de Vaucluse, on the edge of the Luberon, with a Renaissance castle at the top and houses that step down the slope.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gordes
Gordes is one of the most visited villages in the Parc naturel régional du Luberon. It sits atop a rock in the Monts de Vaucluse, facing the Luberon mountain, and is listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. The light-stone houses lean against one another down the slope toward the château at the highest point.
The Château de Gordes was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style and dominates the central square. Around it, stone streets with steps, arches and shops lead to viewpoints over the valley. The most photographed view of the village is from the road that arrives from Cavaillon, on the bend just before the entrance.
The region has hundreds of bories, dry-stone huts stacked without mortar. The Village des Bories, about 2 km from the centre, brings together a restored group of them. The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is 4 km away in a valley to the north.
Gordes attracts many visitors in summer. Once a week there is a marché in the square with regional products. Parking is paid and located at the village entrance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the village. With Sénanque and the Village des Bories, half a day.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, outside coach arrival times. Spring and autumn are quieter than summer. The surrounding lavender usually blooms from mid-June to mid-July. Check the day of the marché before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 40 km from Avignon, via Cavaillon or L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Public transport is limited; the easiest option without a car is an organized Luberon tour departing from Avignon.
Tip
Stop at the viewpoint on the road that approaches from the south for the classic photo of the village. Combine Gordes with Sénanque and Roussillon on the same day. Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are stone and steep.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gordes
Can you go to Gordes without a car?
It’s difficult: the bus is infrequent and doesn’t link the villages well. The most practical option without a car is an organized tour of the Luberon, which departs from Avignon and visits Gordes, Sénanque and Roussillon.
What are the bories?
They are huts made of dry stone, stacked without mortar, used by farmers and shepherds. The Village des Bories, near Gordes, contains a restored group of them open to visitors.
When is the Gordes market?
There is a weekly market in the morning, in the castle square and nearby streets. Check the day before you go.