Village of Gordes, sentry of Luberon

Hilltop villages are a distinctive feature of the Vaucluse region and their narrow streets wend their way around the rocky spur taking you all the way to the top where you will find a fortified castle. The village of Gordes is no exception to the rule and is hailed as one of France’s ‘Most Beautiful Villages’. A number of prominent personalities go their for their holiday away from prying eyes, tucked away in this peaceful little corner of Provence overlooked by a magnificent Cistercian abbey.

A walk around the village of Gordes is well worth a visit while you staying at Les Fontaines campsite. Here you find everything you need for an unforgettable day. Opposite the Luberon mountains, the village of Gordes stands proud like a guard keeping watch. Rome around the narrow, winding streets, have a drink in a shaded square and let yourself be guided by the treasures of its heritage.

Abbey of Sénanque

The Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque in the village of Gordes dates back to the 12th Century and is still occupied by a community of Cistercian monks who still grow lavender in the fragrant fields around the property. Here, there is an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation and the abbey is open to visitors. Don’t miss out on this moment of peace and tranquillity.

Thousand-year-old castle at the top of the village of Gordes

The Château de Gordes at the top of the village dominates the whole valley and gives Gordes a citadel feel. More than a castle, it’s a thousand-year-old fortress, its foundations dating back to 1031. Today, it has a cultural centre which hosts numerous exhibitions.

Look at the ‘calades’, narrow cobblestone streets laid in a very specific way that take you to the top of the village of Gordes.

After climbing up to the Château when you will undoubtedly be feeling rather hot, now’s the perfect time to explore the lower parts of the village of Gordes. The Palais Saint-Firmin cellars are a troglodytic site boasting a variety of archaeological features as well as evidence of the last craft professions that were practised there, like the oil mill.

Village of Bories

4 km from the village of Gordes, the village of Bories is evidence of an ancestral art that involved constructing dry stone wall buildings. Located mainly on the hillside, these little houses were used as shelters for shepherds of farmers. Some are very well preserved and the village of Bories is well worth a visit.