Gordes France Guide: Best Things to Do in Gordes, One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Provence
The Luberon region of Provence is filled with charming hilltop villages, colorful Provençal markets, and beautiful flower fields. Of all the villages in the Luberon, Gordes is the most famous, and for good reason. Recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this hilltop gem attracts travelers from around the world who want to experience the best of Provence.
In this Gordes travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know for your visit: how to get to Gordes, the best things to do in Gordes, and where to find the postcard-perfect photo spots that make this village so iconic.
During my 10-day South of France trip, I paired a visit to Gordes with another stunning Luberon village, Roussillon, in the same day. If you’re planning a trip to Provence, make sure to check out my full 10-Day South of France Itinerary for tips on how to organize your route.
A quick tip, Provence is best explored with a rental car. Book with Discover Cars for the best prices – I always choose a trusted company like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt within the search results.
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How to Get to Gordes:
Gordes is located in the Luberon region of Provence, making it an easy stop on a Provence itinerary. The best way to reach Gordes is by car, as public transportation is limited. Renting a car also gives you the flexibility to explore nearby Luberon villages like Roussillon, Bonnieux, and Lourmarin.
The closest major transport hubs are Avignon (about 40 minutes by car), Marseille (1 hour 15 minutes), and Aix-en-Provence (1 hour).
Wherever your point of renting a car is, I recommend booking with Discover Cars for the best prices – I always choose a trusted company like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt within the search results.
Since we started our trip in the French Riviera, we rented our car from Nice and stopped by the Verdon Gorge and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie prior to arriving to the Luberon.
Where to Park While Visiting Gordes
Since the streets inside the village are narrow and mostly pedestrian, cars are not allowed to drive through the center. Therefore you’ll have to park and walk around on foot in the village.
There are a few designated parking lots around the village. Refer to this map and click on the P signs for the specific address. Parking in Gordes can be tricky, especially during the summer months when the village attracts many visitors. We drove to one of the lots in the city and it was full so we were directed to another one nearby. Try to visit earlier in the morning to beat the rush.
The parking lots have a machine to pay at, and there was a long line to use the machines. Instead you can download this app called paybyphone, and pay without waiting. The zone number is listed on the machines. We did this and let the people waiting in line know as well, and everyone was happy!
Where to Stay in Gordes
We didn’t stay in Gordes during our trip, but I certainly would stay at any of these hotels on a future visit.
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide – This is the most iconic luxury hotel in Gordes, perched right on the cliffside with sweeping views of the Luberon Valley. The property combines a historic château with elegant modern touches, featuring multiple pools, a Sisley spa, and fine dining restaurants. If you’re looking for the ultimate Provençal luxury experience, this is it.
Les Bories & Spa – Located just outside the village and nestled within an 8-hectare estate of olive trees, lavender, and traditional stone huts (bories), this five-star hotel is a peaceful retreat with true Provencal charm.
Le Clos de Gordes – An adults-only B&B that feels like a cultivated Provençal hideaway. About 4 km from the village, this spot charms guests with elegantly styled rooms, a serene garden and pool, and breakfasts featuring local and homemade delicacies.
Le Jas de Gordes – A charming boutique hotel located just outside the village center, surrounded by olive trees and gardens. It has a beautiful pool, cozy Provençal-style rooms, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Where We Stayed:
We stayed in a nearby village of Bonnieux, in a hotel called Capelongue. This has become one of my favorite properties ever! It’s about a 25 minute drive from this hotel to Gordes.
Best Things to Do in Gordes France
1. Explore the Village Streets
I visited Gordes without much of an itinerary, and honestly, that’s part of the charm of exploring Provencal villages. The village is small enough that you can simply wander through its narrow alleys, discovering honey-colored stone houses, little boutiques tucked into corners, and endless viewpoints that look straight out of a postcard. When we arrived, local artists were painting scenes of Gordes in the open air, which made the whole experience feel even more magical.
2. Visit Château de Gordes (Gordes Castle)
Standing tall at the heart of the village, the 11th-century Château de Gordes is a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Today, the castle houses the Musée Pol Mara and hosts art exhibitions throughout the year. It costs €6 to enter.
3. The Caves of the Palais Saint-Firmin (Les Caves du Palais Saint-Firmin)
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Gordes is the Caves of the Palais Saint-Firmin, a network of underground cellars carved directly into the rock beneath the village. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these caves once housed olive oil mills, cisterns, and workshops.
Today, the caves have been carefully restored and opened to visitors. It’s a great way to cool off if you’re visiting during the summer heat. First you watch a short film, then walk through the vaulted chambers that feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see original presses, cisterns, and carved stairways that reveal how villagers used this subterranean world for storage and production.
The entrance is tucked away on a quiet street in the heart of Gordes, and this happens to be one of my favorite streets in Gordes.
4. Market Day in Gordes
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, don’t miss the Gordes market. Each of the Luberon villages have a designated market day, and Gorde’s is on Tuesdays. Stalls spill through the streets selling Provençal specialties like lavender, honey, cheese, olives, and local crafts. For any market day visits, I recommend arriving early as parking will be limited.
5. Gordes Viewpoint
Chances are, if you’re visiting Gordes, you’ve seen this photos of this viewpoint.
This is the exact location. It’s a panoramic pull-off that offers the postcard image of this famous hilltop Luberon village. From here, you can admire the honey-colored stone houses cascading down the hillside with the rolling Luberon countryside stretching out behind them.
There is a small parking lot near the viewpoint, but it is just a handful of parking spots. We just walked from the town to the viewpoint, which took about 15 minutes.
6. Abbaye de Sénanque
Just a few minutes outside the village, this 12th-century abbey is surrounded by lavender fields that bloom spectacularly in June and July. It’s still home to Cistercian monks, and guided tours are available.
Where to Eat in Gordes
La Bastide de Pierres – A cute Italian spot serving homemade pastas and pizza. Their terrace is super adorable.
Le Mas – A Michelin star restaurant by chef Alexis Osmont in a lovely courtyard setting.
Bastide de Gordes – Located in the luxury hotel Bastide de Gordes
La Trinquette – Cozy and casual situated on a stunning terrace.
Clover Gordes – This restaurant was featured in Emily in Paris. Chef Jean-François Piège runs the show here, and the views from the terrace can’t be beat.
Conclusion
With its timeless beauty, historic landmarks, and unbeatable views, Gordes truly lives up to its reputation as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Definitely carve out some time to explore this beatiful hilltop Luberon Village when visting Provence.
If you’re planning a longer journey, check out my 10 Day South of France Itinerary and my other France travel guides for inspiration.
