11 Best Things To Do in Gordes, France

Located in the Luberon region in Provence, the village of Gordes is perched on a cliff.

It is a must-visit for those heading towards the south of France, with its long history, stunning views, and a distinct vibe that attracts artists and creative types.

Those who plan to visit Gordes will be thrilled to know that the village has a great market, good restaurants, and cozy places to stay. But what about the best things to do in Gordes? There’s quite a lot, and here are some of the best activities in Gordes, France.

11 Best Things To Do in Gordes, France

1. Visit le Château de Gordes

Located at the heart of the village, Gordes Castle has been around for almost a thousand years.

The architecture of the castle is a mix of what structures were like during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era, owing to its renovation in 1525.

The castle is home to various exhibits by local artists and one of those places to visit in Gordes that shouldn’t be missed.

During Christmas, the castle hosts the yearly Christmas market in Gordes that’s visited by both locals and tourists alike.

2. See the L’Eglise Saint Fermin

The 12th-century Church of Saint Fermin is one of the best places to see in Gordes, if only for its faded colors that looks amazing in the Luberon light.

In the 18th century, this church was consecrated for the Bishop of Uzes (Saint Fermin).

Within the church are eight small chapels dedicated to patron saints of a particular profession, such as blacksmiths and shoemakers.

Stop by to see these chapels, as well as the beautifully painted interiors.

3. Visit the abbey of Our Lady of Senanque

Built from the 12th to 13th century, the abbey was built as a residence of the Cistercian Monks.

Regarded as an iconic Provencal symbol, the abbey is now one of the most visited Gordes attractions. It is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, a brilliantly preserved structure with lavender fields surrounding it.

Pay this site a visit to see the church, the beautiful cloister, chapter room, and dormitory – a glimpse of the life of the monks over the centuries.

4. Wander around the town’s cobbled lanes

Wandering the cobbled streets of Gordes, France is a fun way to explore the area. It is a small place and quite easy to navigate.

Visitors who decide to just stroll through Gordes without a map will most likely discover a cute cafe or shop, an ancient gateway, and beautiful views of surrounding areas in between the houses built on the hillside.

Wandering the charming streets is one of the best things to do in Gordes that allows visitors to get to know this Luberon gem.

5. Stop by the View Point

For breathtaking views of Gordes from a different angle, drive over to the View Point.

This is located on a hill up the opposite side of Gordes, via the  Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France Highway D15.

This area is truly “Instagrammable” and among the best places to see in Gordes. The viewpoint is also an ideal place for watching the sunrise, sunset, and having a picnic.

6. See the limestone structures of Village of Bories

Visitors who are interested to know how a farming community lived during the Renaissance period might want to check out the fascinating village of Bories.

An easy ten-minute drive from Gordes, the place got its name from the limestone structures called borie, which dominates the community.

Dating back to the 17th century, these were built on the hills by people who relied on farming.

These houses, barns, and cattle stalls are considered as fine examples of the dry stone masonry technique. The village is now an open-air museum and one of the top attractions near Gordes.

7. Admire stained glass art

A different kind of presenting art – done in glass and stained glass awaits at the Musée du Verre et du Vitrail.

Easily one of the best places to visit in Gordes, it is was built on the vast property of the world-renowned artist and glassmaker Frederique Duran.

The glassworks and art displayed in the museum showcase the artist’s interpretation of how glass was used over the centuries – from the Egyptian times to the modern scientific researches done by NASA.

These renditions were done in canvas, duralinox, glass, and paper.

8. Visit the lavender fields

If visiting the ochre village of Roussillon (it’s a must!) from Gordes especially during July and August, stop by the lavender fields.

Breathe in the freshness, take in the views of lovely purple, and get close enough to see the beautiful lavender blooms. In this part of France, lavender is the scent of summer.

Stop for awhile, walk among the fields, and take some photos. If you’re in Gordes and want to make the most of your trip, seeing the surrounding areas such as the lavender fields is a must.

9. Take a trip to the Ochre Village of Roussillon

Another nearby place to visit when in Gordes is the famous ochre village of Roussillon.

Often listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Roussillon is known for its well-maintained ochre houses.

Situated on a hill along with line and oak trees, this pretty village is a great place to explore on foot.

Take a leisurely stroll starting with the main square, then the town hall, the 17th, and 18th-century houses, traditional Provençal church and bell tower all in ochre shades from soft gold to deep red.

There’s also the short and easy Ochre Trail that takes visitors to an old quarry, with stunning views of the valley along the way.

10. Learn how olive oil is made

There are olive orchards in and around Gordes which provide for their small industry of making olive oil.

Visit an olive oil mill and see how they make this oil that has many uses – from cooking to keeping the skin healthy.

A Gordes attraction in itself, the local art of making olive oil still uses the traditional stone wheel to mash the olives into oils.

Shops around Gordes also sell products made from olive oil – from the kind used in cooking to massage oils, body creams, and soaps.

11. Shop at the Gordes Market

Every visit to any French town must always include a visit to the local market. In Gordes, Tuesday mornings are dedicated to shopping at the market set up in the town center.

Remember to bring cash for an easy transaction. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, fresh produce, and local goodies.

Some of the best things to buy here are cheeses, charcuterie, herbs, and spices (grab some Herbs de Provence!), lavender products, nougat, olive products, handicrafts, and local art.

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