When it comes to listing the most beautiful villages in France, you can be sure that Gordes will feature prominently. It must be said that this village perched among the hills of Vaucluse has everything going for it. A magnificent setting and a heritage steeped in history. To get to Gordes, you follow a winding road that winds its way between stone walls and olive groves. Gordes suddenly appears around a bend, a golden stone vessel perched atop a hill. Don’t miss the opportunity during your CAMPING HOLIDAY IN VAUCLUSE to visit this town, which is one of Provence’s must-see destinations.
Gordes, a terraced village
Due to its hilltop location, Gordes has always been a defensive position since Gallo-Roman times. However, it was in the Middle Ages (11th century) that it acquired a castle to protect the surrounding population during periods of war or invasion. The castle underwent major alterations during the Renaissance. Unlike the medieval church, however, it was fortunate enough to survive. Built in the 12th century, the church became too small and was demolished and rebuilt in the 18th century. It is this church, Saint Firmin, that we can visit today. The castle, massive and adorned with round towers, can be visited for both its architecture and its art exhibitions.
To reach the castle, you must climb the narrow cobbled streets that wind up the hillside. In Provence, these cobbled streets are called calades. They are lined with charming Provençal houses whose colourful shutters contrast beautifully with the pale stone. As you stroll along, take the time to admire the stunning views over the Luberon.
Gordes, an underground town
When visiting Gordes, it would be easy to settle for just the tip of the iceberg. And that would already be quite something! But the town hides real treasures underground. It is built on a gigantic underground network. Due to lack of space, people lived above ground and the underground passages were used for crafts. Unfortunately, this underground Gordes, often buried under embankments, is no longer visible. To get an idea of what troglodytic Gordes looked like, you can visit the cellars of the Palais Saint Firmin. Beneath an elegant Renaissance palace, this troglodytic site immerses you in the hidden history of Gordes. During a visit to these cellars, you will discover how Gordes’ craft activities (oil mill, silos, bread oven, etc.) were organised in the village’s basement. This underground complex is truly exceptional. It is organised on seven levels, over a height of 20 metres! It consists of around fifty cellars connected by corridors and staircases.
Be sure to explore and discover the hidden side of this hilltop village during your camping holiday in Gordes in Provence.
City of art
Like other villages in Provence, Gordes attracted artists. The first to settle in Gordes in 1940 was André Lhote, a painter and writer. He undertook to restore the village, which had fallen into oblivion following the rural exodus of the 19th century. Under his influence, many artists came to settle in Gordes. Among the most famous were Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarelly, Victor Spahn, Pol Mara and photographer Willy Ronis. The artistic tradition of Gordes has been preserved ever since. The town hosts exhibitions within the walls of the château. As you wander along the cobbled streets that wind their way up the hillside, you will also discover numerous painters’ and sculptors’ studios, as well as art galleries.
Places to visit around Gordes
Outside the village, but still within the municipality of Gordes, there are several sites that are well worth a visit. The Village des Bories is a typical hamlet of temporary dwellings found in Mediterranean countries. These limestone dwellings complemented the permanent village during the seasonal farming period. The one in Gordes is a beautiful example of this Provençal tradition. The Abbey of Sénanque was founded at the same time as the church of Gordes, in the 12th century. However, it has been perfectly preserved. Set amid lavender fields, this abbey is one of the three Cistercian “sisters” of Provence, along with the abbeys of Thoronet and Silvacane. The Glass and Stained Glass Museum is nestled in a 3-hectare park. Its 600 m² of exhibition space tells the story of glass and stained glass. Three wonderful visits to enhance your camping holiday in Gordes.
Our campsites in Gordes
A selection of campsites with a majority of pitches for tents, caravans, vans or motorhomes near Gordes.
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