For the ultimate travel experience, you need to visit Gordes, France. Gordes has it all, making it a gem in France. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Gordes!
Where is Gordes?
Gordes is a small village of 800 people located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in southern France. It lies on a hillside at an altitude of 650 feet and has a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Sainte-Croix.
This atmospheric locale was used as a filming location for A Good Year (2006), starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.It won a couple of Academy Awards in 2006. The movie is must watch for the Provence lover, and even more lovers of French Wine!
What makes Gordes, France special?
What’s special about Gordes is that it is one of only three towns in France that are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that every inch of its 300 acres has been preserved and protected by law. Thanks to its list designation, certain buildings such as bridges and schools cannot be altered or demolished. The town’s prime location just 30 minutes outside of Avignon also makes it a prime destination for tourists looking for natural beauty and relaxation.
Getting to Gordes:
- Nice Airport
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (French: Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur; IATA: NCE, ICAO: LFMN) is an international airport located at Nice on the south east coast of France. The airport handled 4,780,413 passengers in 2016 making it both France’s second largest airport after Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Europe’s sixth busiest airport by passenger traffic.
- Cannes Mandelieu Airport
The nearest major airport is Cannes Mandelieu Airport (about 80 km or 50 miles away). However, there are several airlines that fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is a little closer (about 60 km or 37 miles away). From either airport you’ll need to hire a car if you plan on staying in any of these towns.
Where to Stay:
- Stay at Le Jas de Gordes:
If you want to know what five-star comfort in Provence looks like, head straight for Le Jas de Gordes. This former 17th century monastery is tucked into one of Provence’s most charming hillside villages and features a dozen suites with views over breathtaking gardens.
The cuisine at Le Jas de Gordes is just as divine as its surroundings: Chef Stéphane Raimbault serves up Mediterranean delights made from locally sourced ingredients that are sure to please even your most discerning palate. And when it comes time to relax, there are plenty of ways to do so at Le Jas de Gordes: take a dip in the outdoor pool or soak in one of two indoor hot tubs before retiring to your suite where you can enjoy private terraces or fireplaces.
- Stay at Mas de la Beaume:
If you’re looking for a romantic place in Provence that offers incredible views of your surroundings, stay at Mas de la Beaume. This gorgeous bed and breakfast is built on top of a hill in a small village and has its own pool so you can swim in privacy whenever you please.
Where To Eat in Gordes?
This restaurant is located in a converted windmill and overlooks some of France’s most picturesque rolling hills. With warm, wooden walls and rustic tile floors, it transports you from bustling city life to an isolated French farmhouse in minutes. It’s not uncommon for tables here to be filled with tourists visiting from nearby Roussillon—but don’t let that deter you; they come because they know they can get a truly authentic French dining experience here.
- Le Carillon:
With its stunning location and wonderful food and drinks, Le Carillon is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Gordes. If you’re looking for a true culinary experience while visiting Provence, Le Carillon is your spot. Since we visited on a Friday night during high season, we made reservations ahead of time.
What To Do In Gordes France?
- Visit The Cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace:
If you’re planning a trip to Gordes, you have to make time for a stop at The Cellars of Saint Firmin Palace. This wine cellar is housed inside a 13th century abbey and is full of colorful history and delectable wines. As its name suggests, it also has a royal history with ties to Catherine de Medici.
- Visit Chapel of the White Penitents:
Located on a hill about an hour out of Avignon, southeast along a winding road through vineyards and olive groves, you’ll find a holy man cave. (Not really.) In reality, it’s an incredible 14th-century chapel carved into one side of a stone cliff. The location alone makes it worth visiting; add in history and gorgeous views and you have one helluva structure.
Looking for more travel inspiration in France? Make sure to check out the full guide to Provence and the full guide to the French Riviera!
