Gordes is among the loveliest villages in the Vaucluse department of France.
This hilltop village built on the slopes Monts de Vaucluse is famous for its white stone buildings and houses that are perched on the mountainsides. The narrow streets made of cobblestone called calades create a maze-like path thru the village that stands as a sentinel town overlooking the Luberon and Calavon valleys. Its strategic location provided refuge for its residents during the Middle Ages and Second World War. It was bombed in 1944 for being an active resistance center. The surviving 10th-century castles were remodeled during the Renaissance era and exist today as famous tourist attractions. Visit the magnificent chateau housing the Pol Mara Museum that was also the residence of a modern Flemish artist. Planning a trip to this gorgeous hilltop village? Check out our list of things to do in Gordes, France for an amazing visit.
1. Visit the abbey of Our Lady of Senanque
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is at the base of a tiny valley and is the residence of the Cistercian Monks. It is the iconic symbol of Provence known for its perfect Romanesque architecture that remained unchanged in the past 900 years and the vast lavander garden outside its walls. From the 12th to 13th century, the abbey was built to provide for all the needs of the brotherhood so they don’t need to go outside. The tour of this heritage site allows you access to the church, cloister, dormitory, chapter room, and heater room. A small fee is charged to visitors which goes to the upkeep of the abbey and the monks.
2. Be enthralled by the limestone structures of Village of Bories
Another unique Gordes attraction is Village des Bories (formerly called Les Cabanes) located 270 miles (434.52km) above the sea and 2.48 miles (4 km) from Gordes. You’ll wonder how these cluster of huts called Borie was made from stacks of limestones. These were built during the 17th to 18th century when people relied on farming to alleviate their families from poverty. The peasants rushed to the hills to till the land and build their communities. Using the dry stone masonry technique, these irregularly shaped limestones are dug up from the ground and put together without using cement, earth, or lime to create their dwelling place, cattle stalls, and farmhouses. This area is now a most visited open-air museum in Vaucluse where visitors have a glimpse of how people lived during the Renaissance period.
3. Explore Castle of Gordes
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 powerful feudal family in Luberon. The castle has survived several wars and different ownerships from among the royals since its construction in 1031. It was rebuilt during 1525 to 1541 with a north and south side in Renaissance style with two round towers on each side. The towers served as a lookout and strategic location for placing artillery. In 1789, the castle was seized by revolutionaries and later became a historical monument along with its towers.
4. Enjoy breathtaking views of Gordes
Drive over to the Town View Point and see the breathtaking view of Gordes village from a different angle. To get there, you can drive your car up to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France Highway D15. From a hill on the opposite side of the village, you can see the entire Gordes from top to bottom. It’s a picturesque scene that is worthy of an Instagram post. The viewpoint is accessible by any vehicle. It has lots of parking space (which is a rarity in the village proper). Open 24 hours a day, anyone can visit the viewpoint to take lots of pictures or watch the sunrise or sunset over this gorgeous village while having a mini picnic in your car with your loved ones.
5. Wine and dine at La Trinquette
This small-town bar and restaurant serves authentic French, Mediterranean, and European cuisine for lunch and dinner. They also serve late-night entertainment with a live band and a wide selection of fine wines. Their covered balcony with bistro table settings is perfect for dining alfresco with a plate of their finest tapas paired with a bottle of Cotes du Rhone. Watch the golden sunset over the dry stone castle and buildings as the perfect ending to your day.
6. Delve deep into the cellars of Palais Saint-Firmin
Book a tour of Saint Firmin Palace and explore a network of underground caves built during medieval times. These caves represent the Gordes citizens’ troglodyte lifestyle and contain oil mills, pipes, and cisterns they used for crafts and industrial purposes. The caves were also hiding places during wars or attacks. You will be provided a 3D video and MP3 device translated in 10 languages to guide you through the 50 cellars spread over seven levels. These are connected together by alleyways and stairs. The tour ends in a tiny museum with an exhibit of artifacts that were found in the cellars.
7. See amazing stained glass art
The Museum of Glass and Stained Glass (Musée du Verre et du Vitrail) is located in the center of Luberon’s Regional Natural Park. You’ll be amazed at how the artist interpreted the use of glass over seven centuries, from the ancient Egyptian times to NASA’s scientific research. It’s one of three museums built on the vast property of Frederique Duran who is a world-famous artist and glassmaker. The museums showcase most of the artworks of Duran in various mediums - duralinox, canvas, paper, and glass. Visit the museum in the months of April to October where it is open for public viewing except on Tuesdays. Explore the museum by joining a day tour for 20 people riding a bus or a guided bike tour for 12 people.
8. Indulge in the finest French wines and Italian dishes
Drink and dine with a bottle of one of the finest French wines paired with classic Italian and Burgundy cuisine including pizzas. Book a table and bring your date or the entire family for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The traditional French rustic interiors are updated with a fresh coat of paint and furnished with comfy dining areas. Dine in style while you are being serenaded by the live bands that perform nightly. Enjoy alfresco dining out on the terrace with a view of the amazing cityscape. If you haven’t had enough, you can order their signature pizza for takeout.
9. Shop for lovely jewelry at Le Parfum Des Pierres
If you are looking for a lovely keepsake to bring home as a memento of your trip or as a souvenir to give away to your loved ones, then come over to Le Parfum Des Pierres (translated as the perfume of stones). Each piece of jewelry they sell is painstakingly handcrafted by the jeweler Elie Lallemand. The precious stones are created into breathtaking necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earring using techniques like embroidery braiding and spiral interlacing. Treat yourself to one-of-a-kind custom jewelry though pricey is worth every penny.
10. Walk the trails of Gorges de Veroncle
Bring your best outdoor shoes and embark on a walking tour of the Gorges de Veroncle. Some tours may start from the road to the entrance of the valley. After following a winding track and climbing a slope, you can follow the trail alongside a riverbed and follow waymarks until you reach the ruins of a mill at the bottom of the gorge. Follow the trail of the riverbed and you’ll pass mills, cairns, cauldrons, sinkholes, an old castle, and finally end at the lovely village of Murs. The scenery you pass along the way is both picturesque and challenging that’s worthy of a thousand pictures.
Read also: Top 10 things to do in Arras, France
from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-gordes-france-707616.html
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