Beautiful Gordes
You are welcomed to another sweet town with blue shutter windows, impressive cars, twisting cobbled pathways, iron chaired cafes and wicker basket holidayers taking a leisurely French-style stroll. Gordes, a town in the Luberon region, which I’m sure most of you have heard about, as it is often referred as the crown jewel of Provence. If any of you have watched one of favourite movies, “A Good Year”, many of the scenes have been filmed in this cosy town. Being such a picturesque place, Gordes was home to many artists including Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely and today it is listed as “one of the most beautiful villages of France“.
When driving to Gordes, where Route de Cavaillon (D15) and Chemin de Gaumaud meet, you are welcomed by the façade of the perched hilltop town and this is the first spot you are destined to take a photo of the spilling village. Here you can spot the luxurious Bastide de Gordes and see the roads climb up the town that are all surrounded with olive groves and lush fields of wine.
Wandering through the little streets, it is much like any other provincial town that feels like a step back in time where everything is beautiful and well preserved. The town is filled with museums, restaurants, little shops and wandering people who have all come to admire the location. Market day is on Tuesday, if you are in the midst of planning your Provence itinerary. It is very quintessential where you can shop for straw baskets, lavender infused products and all things linen. We stopped for an espresso in the restaurant by the fountain, the same spot where the movie had its restaurant. Steeped in medieval heritage, this perched village boasts stone houses seamlessly integrated into the landscape, creating an architectural masterpiece that has earned it the distinction of being one of the "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). The castle and narrow cobblestone streets whisper tales of centuries gone by, inviting exploration of its rich past. Gordes not only enchants with its historical allure but also offers a cultural haven where local artisans showcase their crafts in bustling markets, and gastronomic delights celebrate the region's culinary heritage. Visitors are drawn to the panoramic views of the Luberon Valley, the warm hues of the sunset reflecting off limestone walls, and the inviting cafes lining the charming squares. Gordes, with its harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, is an irresistible invitation to experience the quintessential essence of Provence. For those seeking an authentic journey through time and tradition, Gordes stands as a testament to the enduring allure of this enchanting region.
From muted violets and mauve tones, this is the region where lavender fields come alive from June to August. Gordes is surrounded with blooming fields and if you are here in season, make sure to visit the Notre-Dame de Senanque that is a Cistercian abbey. Despite the fact that we missed the lavender season by a month as we visited in September, Gordes is a village worth exploring. During the day, we visited other little villages nearby such as Menerbes, Cucuron and Lourmarin as everything is close to each other.
