Postcard-perfect Gordes is one of the most strikingly handsome villages in Provence.
The town’s houses are made from pale limestone hewn from local rock. They create a glowing appearance in the Provencal sunlight.
Unsurprisingly, Gordes’ beauty earned it a spot on the list of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (the most beautiful villages in France).
Peter Mayle mentioned Gordes in his famous book, A Year in Provence. In the past, the town hosted notable figures like André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely, and Pol Mara.
Perhaps it’s too pretty for its own good. Gordes is the Luberon Valley’s #1 site, attracting hordes of visitors.
In this guide to Gordes, I give you a mini history of the town and tell you exactly how to spend one day in Gordes.
Quick Tips
- Try to visit in spring or fall.
- Wear comfy shoes for the cobblestones
- Don’t miss the viewpoint when entering (on the right) or exiting the town (on the left).
- There are scads of great eateries. Make reservations!
Mini History of Gordes
Gordes occupies a strategic site used since prehistoric times.
The name Gordes actually comes from the Celtic word Vordense, which was eventually translated into French as Gordes.
In the Roman period, an oppidum (fortified Iron Age settlement) was built there. In the Middle Ages, inhabitants living on the plain sought refuge in the fortified town.
Gordes was never taken, even during the Wars of Religion. What almost did Gordes in, however, was attrition at the turn of the 20th century, as citizens left for factory jobs.
But modern art came to the rescue. Andre Lhote, Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarley and others discovered the village and came to paint in the luminous Provence light.
Their painting bliss was cut short, however, when the Germans destroyed the village during WWII. A monk from Senaque Abbey intervened to prevent further damage.
After that, the town was largely rebuilt. Despite being relatively “new,” it retains its old world charm.
In 2006, Gordes was featured in Ridley Scott film A Good Year starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
One Day In Gordes Itinerary
Here’s an hour by hour itinerary for spending 1 day in Gordes.
Viewpoint
As you are driving into the city, you’ll come across a pullout viewpoint where you can park and snap the most iconic photo of the town. It’s on the right hand side.
This spot is located on Google Maps as “Town View Point Gordes” and the address is 13 Rue de Cavaillon.
It’s an exceedingly busy spot. So, you may have to wait awhile to get the perfect photo.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at a Local Café Or Market
Start your day with a traditional French breakfast at a local cafe. Enjoy a croissant, pain au chocolat, and a cup of coffee while soaking in the charming atmosphere.
I recommend Cercle Republicain. You order at the bar. In the back, there’s a lovely little terrace with views.
Alternatively, if you are visiting on a Tuesday morning, you can take in the Gordes Market.
You’ll find local food stuffs, lavender, gourmet food, cheese, artisanal goods, and even clothing.
10:00 AM – Visit the Gordes Castle
One of the most impressive landmarks in town is the Chateau de Gordes. It’s a historic fortress that dates back to the 11th century, with its first mention in 1031.
Despite its grandeur, the lords of Gordes never actually lived in the castle. Instead, they preferred to collect taxes from the nearby residents while residing elsewhere.
Over the centuries, the castle has served multiple purposes. It’s been used as a grain storage facility and even functioned as a prison.
Today, the Chateau de Gordes has been transformed into a museum, the Musee Pol Mara. Visitors can explore its ancient halls and learn about its storied past.
For a small fee, you can wander through its rooms, admire the architecture, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
11:00 AM – Stroll Through the Village
No visit to Gordes is complete without a leisurely stroll through the town’s narrow, cobbled streets.
Admire the beautiful limestone and caramel colored houses. Visit small boutiques and art galleries. And take plenty of photos of the picturesque scenes.
The Rue de Belvedere wraps around the outside of the town, giving you some great photo opps of the village and valley.
12:00 PM – Visit the Church of Saint-Firmin
Be sure to stop by briefly at the Church of Saint-Firmin. It was built in the 18th century, but it doesn’t seem that “new.”
It was constructed after the medieval church that formerly occupied the town became too small. It was demolished, along with 20 houses to make way for the church you see today.
It’s a lovely historical site with a serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.
The murals are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a parade of saints, including St. Firmin.
1:00 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Gordes’ renowned restaurants or keep it simple at a cafe. Sample Provencal cuisine, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
There are many creperies and cafes to be had. You can also pick up a sandwich at Le Panier Gourmand.
For a splurge, you can head to Ladurée. It’s a renowned French luxury bakery and sweets maker, most famous for its double-decker macarons.
2:30 PM – Visit the Village des Bories
After lunch, head to the nearby Village des Bories, an open-air museum showcasing ancient stone huts used by shepherds. It’s a short drive or a pleasant walk from Gordes.
4:00 PM – Explore the Sénanque Abbey Or Roussillon
Later, take a short drive to the Sénanque Abbey, a beautiful 12th century monastery surrounded by lavender fields (if visiting during lavender season).
Enjoy a peaceful tour of the abbey and its gardens.
Alternatively, to see another village perche, head to nearby Roussillon. It’s one of France’s most beautiful villages.
What makes this village exceedingly unique is its vibrant palette of orange-red ochre colors, which create a stunning contrast against the dark green hills and the dramatic canyon.
6:00 PM – Cocktails Or Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard
I’ve visited Gordes twice, mostly recently in May 2024.
The best place to get a cocktail, though pricey, is La Bastide. You can enjoy a drink in the hotel’s swanky outdoor terrace.
Another good option with views is Cercle Républiain, which I mentioned above.
Alternatively, you could visit a nearby vineyard for a wine tasting experience. Sample some of the finest wines of the region and enjoy the scenic views.
For example, you can check out:
- Domaine de la Citadelle (guided tours and tastings and a corkscrew museum)
- Château la Canorgue (organic wines and tours by appointment)
- Domaine de Tara (wine tasting and tours)
7:30 PM – Dinner with a View
Gordes is loaded with gourmet eateries. You can enjoy a delightful meal as you watch the sunset.
Some options include:
- L’Orangerie (Michelin starred, French cuisine with a twist)
- Pèir : Pierre Gagnaire (one of the world’s best chefs)
- Le Carillon (modern European food in nearby Goult)
- La Trinquette (classic Provencal dining with a terrace & balcony)
- Le Mas (modern cuisine in a farmhouse)
- L’Outsider (steak and fish)
Make reservations on the Fork app!
Tips For Spending One Day in Gordes
How To Get To Gordes
Gordes isn’t easy to get to with public transportation.
Gordes does not have a train station. The nearest train stations to Gordes are in Avignon, Cavaillon, and L’Isle sur la Sorgue. From there, you can take a taxi.
It’s easiest to drive to Gordes. I would park at the Parking des Platanes lot. Located at the town, this parking lot is convenient for accessing the village on foot.
It’s a paid parking area with a reasonable number of spaces. From there, it’s a short uphill walk into the village center.
You can also visit Gordes on a guided tour from Avignon or a tour from Aix-en-Provence.
When To Visit Gordes
Not in the summer! It’s absolutely packed with people and very hot.
Try spring instead, when the cherry trees are in bloom. Or fall, when the leaves turn golden. In the off season, temperatures will be much more comfortable.
How Long To Visit Gordes
Thanks to its small size and ease of access to get around on foot, you can easily see Gordes over the course of a day, or even a long morning or afternoon.
Where To Stay In Gordes
In Gordes itself, you should check out La Bastide de Gordes is a five-star hotel offers stunning views of the Luberon Valley and combines historic charm with modern luxury.
The property features beautifully decorated rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Hotel les Bories & Spa is just 5 minutes away. It’s trimmed with olive trees and lavender and boasts lovely views.
Le Phébus & Spa – Relais & Châteaux (near Joucas) is a 5 star hotel offering up luxurious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a relaxing spa, and beautiful gardens.
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches – Relais & Châteaux (also near Joucas) is a 5 star hotel located in a restored farmhouse. The hotel has a beautiful outdoor pool, a renowned restaurant, and views of Gordes.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Gordes in one day. You may find these other southern France travel guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
- One day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
- One day in Toulouse itinerary
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