On vacation in the Luberon, we arrive in a Provencal village suspended between sky and hills. Here, every stone seems to tell its own little story... So here we are, hanging on the "lips" of this perched jewel, over which its castle proudly watches over the valley. It's a real pleasure to stroll along its cobbled streets (we learned they were called "calades"), winding between small squares and craftsmen's workshops. Tempted? Wondering what you can do in Gordes to make the most of this picture-postcard setting? Follow us as we take you on a tour of the must-sees and must-do's in this superb Vaucluse village!
1. Climb to the Gordes viewpoint
Before even entering the village, we made an obligatory stop at the Gordes viewpoint, on the road to Cavaillon. What a sight! All we wanted to do was rush off to discover this superb hillside village! But we took our time to savour the view of the Luberon massif stretching as far as the eye could see... So we stayed for a long time, simply admiring... and, of course, taking a few photos!
Petit Futé Tip: if you can, come at the end of the day : as the sun declines, the light gilds the façades and the panorama becomes downright magical.
2. Stroll the calades of Gordes
It was a real pleasure for the whole family to stroll through the calades of Gordes. These narrow (and sometimes steep!) cobbled streets took us from surprise to surprise. We had the delicious impression of traveling back in time, simply by following the cobblestones. The highlight was that magical moment when the sunlight reflected off the pale stone, giving the village an almost golden glow. So yes, it's a bit of a climb, but with each ascent, a new panorama is revealed, and you soon forget the effort!
Book now: this one-day tour of the Luberon villages departing from Aix-en-Provence.
3. Visit the Château de Gordes
In the heart of the village, it's impossible to miss the Château de Gordes. Standing for almost a thousand years, it gives the village its air of impregnable citadel. Originally a medieval fortress, it has been remodeled over the centuries, from a XIVᵉ century military bastion to a more refined Renaissance residence. History, style, everything we love!
As the tour unfolds, it's not hard to imagine the life that once animated it. And the building has lived many lives! Passing garrisons, school, post office and, until recently, town hall... Today, its majestic halls host exhibitions and visitors as curious as we are. In short, a superb journey through the history of Gordes... with the added bonus of a splendid view over the valley!
Good to know: château de Gordes is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4. What to do in Gordes Travel back in time at the Village des Bories
Just a few kilometers from Gordes, we fell in love with the Village des Bories. Here, everything is built in dry stone, without any mortar. We have to admit: this ancestral know-how is truly admirable! Walking through this hamlet frozen in time, we had the impression of plunging back into the Provence of yesteryear, where farmers settled to work the land, cultivate crops and shelter their herds. The site is listed as a Monument Historique, but above all, it's a formidable lesson in humility and raw beauty, against the backdrop of the Luberon!
Good to know: dogs on a leash are allowed on this not-to-be-missed site, which is open every day, all year round.
5. Discover the many art galleries
When strolling through Gordes, it's impossible to miss the art galleries nestled in the heart of the stone buildings! We visited them with curiosity, drawn sometimes by an unusual sculpture , sometimes by a vibrant canvas , or even a photo that captures the special light of Provence. The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, for example, had a number of works on display, allowing us to discover both works of art and one of Gordes' must-see attractions.
6. Discover the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs
The chapelle des Pénitents Blancslet's talk about it! Because beyond its new artistic function, its history remains interesting. Built in the XVIIᵉ century by the Pénitents Blancs brotherhood, it originally served as a place of prayer and gathering for the lay faithful engaged in works of charity. We found it moving to imagine the silent processions that once animated the heart of Gordes. In fact, although the chapel has been desecrated, it still retains its charm and peaceful atmosphere.
7. A change of scenery at Sénanque Abbey
We fell in love with Sénanque Abbey. After a short drive, here it is, magnificently set in its green valley, surrounded by hills and lavender fields. What a sight, what a thrill!
Founded in the XIIᵉ century, this Cistercian abbey, among the most beautiful in France, exudes an immediate impression of serenity: its Romanesque lines and silence immediately invite you to slow down, breathe, contemplate. We were lucky enough to spend time here in summer, when the lavender blossoms transform the place into a living postcard. We really recommend it! The bright purple, the Provencal fragrances and the majestic silhouette set in the middle of nature... It's a must-see at least once!
Read the article: Lavender Routes in Provence: the best tours
8. What to do in Gordes Learn more about olive oil
While in Gordes, we took the opportunity to learn more about olive oil, a veritable treasure of the Vaucluse region. We headed for the Moulin du Clos des Jeannons, a family-run business nestled among the olive trees. Here, everything exudes passion and know-how: 27 hectares under cultivation, nearly 6,000 trees and a wide range of oil flavors! From free and convivial tastings to the discovery of regional products, the visit is very pleasant.
The icing on the cake: we set off to explore a signposted path through olive groves and restanques. A great family outing, with the added bonus of a lovely view of Gordes!
9. Stroll through the Gordes market
On Tuesday mornings, Gordes comes alive with its weekly Provencal-style market. In the narrow streets and on the Place du Château, colorful stalls beckon and entice us, brimming with goat's cheese, Luberon wines, olives and other sun-drenched fruits. As gourmands, we even snapped up a huge piece of tomme and some delicious olives!
Good to know: in summer, Gordes hosts the Wine and Olive Oil Fair (early August). In December, a magical Christmas market takes place in the village's most emblematic locations.
10. Explore the Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin
Our visit to Gordes went from surprise to surprise. The caves of the Palais Saint-Firmin were no exception! Listed as a Historic Monument, they literally plunge beneath the village, in a semi-troglodytic maze both carved out of the rock and built by human hands. Strange, unusual, historic: everything we love!
Between silos, vats and the remains of an ancient oil mill, it's easy to imagine the intense craft activity that animated Gordes in the Middle Ages. The visit is punctuated by well-made explanatory videos, but what really impressed us was the mix of hidden history and sensations. We came away with the impression of having touched the underground soul of the village..
11. What to do in Gordes Visit the church of Saint-Firmin
Let's continue our local visits with the church of Saint-Firmin, built in the XVIIIᵉ century. Its role? To replace the former medieval church that had become too small to accommodate the faithful. The interior surprised us with its warm atmosphere: elegant woodwork, colorful murals, everything exudes vitality! You get the feeling that this place has lived through the centuries, but that it's still going strong thanks to recent restorations. A short stopover, but a perfect complement to the discovery of Gordes' heritage.
Related article: Where to go for a spiritual retreat in France? The 11 most beautiful places in 2025
12. Take advantage of Gordes' summer activities
Gordes comes alive in summer! Music, laughter, sharing... and starry skies in the background. For example, every summer at the Théâtre des Terrasses, the evenings take on a festive air: concerts, theater, comedy... As soon as night falls, the stage lights up and the artists come into play. The setting? A rocky cliff, the Luberon Massif, the gentle warmth of Provence, a refreshment bar within earshot... Quite simply, it's like being invited to a secret show, in the heart of a real little paradise!
13. What to do in Gordes The must-see summer events
If, like us, you're visiting Gordes in summer, there are two cultural events that really stand out. The first is the Marché des Terroirs, which is bound to attract us gourmands. On the program: local producers, tastings, artisans, sometimes even a brass band to add a touch of charm!
Another not-to-be-missed event: "Art et Créations à Gordes". In perfect harmony with the artistic ambience of the village, talented artists exhibit their "made in France" works on the château's forecourt. Perfect for bringing back a little souvenir from your vacation!
Related article: Top 25 most beautiful villages in France in 2025
Where to stay in Gordes?
Findingcheap accommodation in Gordes can be quite difficult, as the area is one of the most popular in the Vaucluse. But we'll give it a try!
- The best value for money
You'll be staying in a green setting at Le Carcarille, a magnificent establishment offering charm and comfort. Book your quiet room in Gordes here.
- The best view
Get ready for a dream stay at Mas des Romarins, in the heart of the Luberon. The view over the village of Gordes is superb, and the breakfast is excellent! Click here to book your room.
- The warmest
Le Verger is a lovely Gordes address to book here, promising a lovely welcome. The place is quiet, restful and a lovely pool makes for a refreshing dip in summer!
Good to know: for cheaper accommodation during your stay in Gordes, it may be worth looking at Cavaillon.
Where can I park to visit Gordes?
Let's face it, parking in Gordes isn't easy! However, several parking lots are available:
- The Gendarmerie parking lot, ideal for buses and camper vans.
- Parking de la Poste, very central.
- Parking de la Combe, close to the center.
- Charles de Gaulle parking lot, quite large.
- Charité Saint-Eutrope parking lot, perfect if you want to start your visit from the château.
- Parking du Réservoir, a little further away, but quiet and often less crowded.
Good to know: coming early in the morning (around 8-9 a.m.) changes everything. There are fewer cars, it's quieter to park and you can start your walk when the village is still peaceful!
Which beautiful villages to visit around Gordes?
If you've enjoyed Gordes, don't hesitate to discover all the other things to do in the Luberon, like Roussillon and its Sentier des Ocres. This is surely the most striking site from our point of view, with its colorful cliffs and ochre-colored sandy soil. Unusual and magnificent! Near Gordes, you can also visit Goult and its jerusalem mill. Unlike most of its counterparts, this one can be visited, and its story is very interesting. Last but not least, we recommend a visit to the Cedar Forest around Gordes, which stretches over three communes: Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes.
Related article: The 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region in 2025
Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages we've visited in the south of France. Some even agree that it's one of the most beautiful villages in the world! However, there's still plenty to see and do in the Vaucluse, including Avignon and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Give in to temptation and spend at least a week or two here: you won't regret it!
The last article: The 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region in 2025
