Gordes is one of France's most beautiful and picturesque villages, where steep streets meander between houses built directly onto the rock of the surrounding landscape. Adding to the rustic charm of the village, a well-preserved fortress dominates the area's painterly landscape, which is itself awash with shades of lavender and blue. Gordes is located 39km from Avignon and 19km from Cavaillon, a town renowned for its fragrant and tasty melons.
OTHER ACTIVITIES Gordes offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as rambling, mountain biking and hot-air ballooning, so visitors of all tastes (and energy levels!) will be able to explore the beautiful landscape and countryside that surrounds Gordes itself. The resort also offers arts & crafts galleries, as well as local shops and restaurants.
THE AREA Whilst staying in Gordes, a visit to the Pol Mara museum is highly recommended, as is a trip to "Le Village des bories", a village made up of small beehive-shaped stone houses formerley used by shepherds and hunters. Further out of town, the 12th century Abbey of Semanque is also a highly recommended day trip.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION All information provided on these pages in intended for guidance purposes only, and is not contractual. The most up to date local information, please contact the resort's tourist office.
A region known famed its wild natural environment, and benefiting from mild temperatures, Provence boasts a gentle landscape of vineyards and lavender fields growing in the heart of mountains, interspersed by rivers. The region has also been inspiration to numerous artists, and visitors with a keen eye will perhaps recognise the landscapes that inspired painters such as Van Gogh and Cezanne. Whilst in Provence, visitors can choose between soaking up the culture by visiting the Gourdon chateau or the Sènnaque Abbey, or simply soak up the sun with a trip to Fayence or the Cote d'Azur. For those hoping to sample a wide variety of regional cuisine Provence does not disapoint, with seafood featuring heavily on most menus accross the regions, and visitors will find Provincial food more Medittearean, rather than typically "French". Train stations: Toulon. Airports: Toulon/Hyères.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.