Picturesque Gordes Village- a Gem in the Heart of Provence
Picturesque Gordes did not make the first cut when we were planning every town/village we wanted to explore in Provence. (Don’t worry, I am still asking myself ‘why’ especially since it is classified as one of the plus beaux villages in France!) However, when we somehow managed to have an extra day, we headed straight to Gordes.
To say the view is breathtaking is an understatement as he view is beyond description!
Point de vue
The drive up to this lovely hilltop village has some magnificent views! Keep look-out for the “Point de vue” sign and pull into the parking area if you want to take photos. We walked up along the pedestrian path but upon returning to the car noticed a road that descended (Chemin de Bel Air). This little road was untraveled and afforded more spectacular views.
One thing I find fascinating about picturesque Gordes is that during World War II, this village was an active center for the resistance against the occupying forces. Impose this information onto the fact that for centuries it has withstood multiple invasions which force the people to move higher and higher as they sought refuge. It makes perfect sense!
10th Century Château serves as an art exhibition site
The 10th century château and the Romanesque church of Saint-Firmin dominate the view from afar.
Inside the château we enjoyed an art exhibit and some amazing architecture.
However, by far my favorite view of this typical provencal square was the view as we exited the château.
La fontaine de la Place Genty Pantaly
We explored the streets in quiet solitude that is not likely reflective of the high level of activity during the summer months. Picturesque Gordes was, in fact, pretty much ours alone save for a few cyclists.
Lovely views peaked out from between the buildings, enticing us to take paths that wound around the exterior of the village. These paths also have “point de vue” notations on Google maps.
Market day was the previous Tuesday so all was quiet.That’s great for taking photos but the drawback is that there are fairly few options for dining.
We found two boulangeries open and brought bread and breakfast goodies to take home with us and finally found a restaurant tucked between two rock walls, the most imposing of which was part of the castle. The food was excellent!
We spotted this curious top to a gate as we walked back to our car. It is a miniature of a borie hut.
Leaving Gordes, don’t miss the signs for the Village des Bories. They are fascinating! Read about our visit to the Village des Bories here.
Bonsoir!Merci pour les infos de la France que vous avez m’envoyé. Je voudrais savoir pourquoi le bus 133 ne circule pas entre Valensole (Champs De Lavandes) l’aprés-midi jusqu’a 18 heures par exemple à la gare sncf de Monosque puisque les gens peuvent retourner à la gare d’Aix-En-Provence de cette gare de Monosque? Il n’y a pas d’autres solution dans l’après-midi des transports, les taxi sont chèr, c’est combien? Merci!
Bonsoir, Je ne suis pas agent de voyage. Je pense que vous me confondez avec quelqu’un d’autre, parce que je ne vous ai transmis aucune information.