The 11 essential things to do in Gordes

Visit Gordes: what are the best things to do and to see in this perched village of Vaucluse, which is part of the most beautiful villages in France?

Located in the heart of the region Provence Alpes Cotes d’Azur , in the Vaucluse, come visit Gordes. Just 40 kilometers away Avignon , do not miss visiting this charming village perched on the hillside, hung at 340 meters above sea level.

Gordes is a real muse for artists, who like to come imbue with its charm. As for you, you will have no choice but to succumb to its old stones and its winding alleys.

Everything here is to see, to admire, or to photograph: the view of the village perched when you arrive at the distance, its majestic castle, its impressive church, its pretty little museum or its calades... And many more treasures! So you're wondering what to do in Gordes? We're telling you everything here:

1. The heart of the village

Before leaving on the assault of every unmissable place held by the village of Gordes, take the time to stroll in its heart. Cross its small, winding paved streets and stop at different points of view to admire the Parc du Luberon for some memorable clichés.

At the turn of the calades, admire the vaults and other arches, the sundial, and the houses in stone old, decorated with climbing vegetation. Look for the dates engraved in the limestone stone, take a break in the shade of a square, rocked by the sound of a fountain... Just enjoy this quiet and relaxing atmosphere, but also full of history.

2. The Castle

If you will visit Gordes, impossible not to be subjugated by the imposing fortress castle, which proudly dominates the village. Dating from the 10th century, the feudal castle was redesigned to the Renaissance, making it more "accommodating".

The castle of Gordes is today an unmistakable place of visit, as well as a cultural space dedicated to exhibitions.

3. The church

If you are looking for what to do in Gordes, then head to the very pretty church of Saint-Firmin, of Romanesque origin. The church as you see it today was built in the eighteenth century.

It then takes the place of the old medieval church, which has become too small to accommodate all its parishioners. The interior is amazing, thanks to a renovation that took place in 2017.

4. The Calades

A « calade » is the name given in Provence, on a street made of stones, placed vertically on the slice. Gordes is full of it and this is especially what makes its charm. These typical paved alleys were built at the time to facilitate the movement of donkeys.

5. The Caves of the Palais Saint Firmin

If you come to visit Gordes, do not miss a tour by the village cellars, classified as Historical Monument. These caves are actually a semi-troglodytic site, because they are dug into the rock. The visit takes you to the heart of the village’s history, through archaeological vestiges dating from the Middle Ages. Olive oil mill, silos, vats...

You will discover the incredible testimony of artisanal activities at the time, in a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere.

6. The Chapel of White Penitents

Located in the heart of the village, we know very little about its history. Some say she would have been the seat of a brotherhood. The archives mention it only from the 17th century, which gives it a secret and mysterious side... Today, it serves as an exhibition room for some artists.

7. L’Aumônerie Saint Jacques

Another thing to do in Gordes is the Aumonerie Saint Jacques. At the turn of a calade from the village, this hostellerie welcomed the pilgrims who went to Santiago de Compostela. But it was long considered a chapel or a guard room.

8. To be seen near Gordes

The Bories Village

When you go to Gordes, do not miss a small 4 km detour, to visit the Bories Village. You will discover small huts built entirely of superimposed dry stone.

This place, classified as Historical Monument, is the magnificent testimony of an ancestral art of building, and a know-how that is now missing.

The Abbey Notre Dame de Sénanque

The Abbey Our Lady of Senanque , symbol of Provence is a place not to be missed under any pretext if you will visit Gordes.

Only 3 km from the village, this sublime Romanesque building dating from the 12th century is still inhabited by Cistercian monks.

At the time of lavender bloom, the place, which is surrounded to be cultivated, is simply magical, is ultra photogenic!

Le Moulin des Bouillons

What are you still looking for in Gordes? So we recommend visiting the Moulin des Bouillons. This former oil mill, dating from the Gallo-Roman era is very well preserved. It retraces the history of olive oil and soap Marseille in the Mediterranean.

It is located 5km from Gordes, in St Pantaléon, in the heart of a sublime bucolic park of 3 hectares.

Museum of glass and stained glass

On the same site as the Moulin des Bouillons, discover this charming museum, which retraces the history of glass and stained glass. You can admire a large collection of ancient objects through an interesting educational path.

How to go to Gordes?

You want to go to Gordes and ask yourself how to get there? They tell you everything here!

By car

From Avignon, you'll find around 50 minutes' drive, following the road D900 . Then you can either borrow a stretch of highway A7 (paying) either complete the journey by the D15 , which only extends for a few minutes the journey.

Air/train/bus

If you fly, the nearest airport is Marseille-Provence Airport, located 75 km away. You can then reach Cavaillon or Avignon by bus or train. From these cities you can take a local bus line to go easily to Gordes.

For your flight tickets, do not hesitate to consult the offers on the flight comparison Skyscanner , which will help you find the best prices.

Where to stay in Gordes?

If you choose to visit Gordes, we recommend reading our article "Where to sleep in Gordes". You will find all the most beautiful hotel addresses, but also apartments, to stay in the nearby village.

However, it is a small village, which is extremely well known. The offer of accommodation is not very large, and rather expensive. So don’t forget to book in advance. With the help of this Compare hotels , you will find the cheapest rates, according to your departure dates.