The dreamvillage Gordes
The village of Gordes is a natural beauty that you cannot deny. It is noteworthy that Gordes, just as Roussillon, is named one of the ‘les plus beaux villages’ of France. The view on top of the hill is breath-taking, and the authentic buildings are utterly beautiful.
Gordes is likely to be the most famous village in the Vaucluse. When you enter the village by car you immediately find the central square with the ancient castle. It might be busy in the high season; therefore, it is advised to park your car a little bit further away.
The castle dates back to the 16th century. It is built to replace the other castle that dates back to the 11th century. The building is now used as a museum, housing the work of the Flemish artist Pol Mara whom have lived in Gordes. This gives an interesting contradistinction, modern art in an ancient building.
In the past years, Gordes has hosted several film crews who shot material from the village and the area. Next to that, it is the hometown of several artists. When you walk through the small streets you will find many small shops and galleries that sell their art. It is, of course, possible to enjoy French cuisine in Gordes. There are plenty of restaurants to discover whom work with local and fresh products.
A warning is in place: The small streets of Gordes are going up and downwards. Due to that and the fact that they are consisting of boulders makes it sometimes hard to walk on them. Especially for physical disabled people this could be problematic.
Sénanque Abbey
A place that we do not want to keep from you, when you are in the area of Roussillon and Gordes is Sénanque Abbey. This abbey is still in use and is located in the middle of beautiful lavender fields.
These lavender fields are probably the most photographed of the entire country. Sport enthusiasts can use a trail towards the abbey from Gordes. A beautiful, 9 kilometre walk through Provencal scenery.
The abbey, founded in 1148, was set to be a subsidiary abbey to the one in Mazan. With the profits of agriculture, the monks were able to build a church, this took place from 1160 until 1180. The abbey was partly ruined by religious wars in 1544. The fortunate abbey life came to an end. The last monk of Sénanque died in 1780.
The monks arrived back in 1926 but had to leave soon again since the French government banned religious orders. In 1969, a culture historic centre moved into the abbey. Since 1988 the abbey was turned back into its old glory when the Cistercian monks moved into the building. They live from the profits of the lavender and the abbey’s souvenir shop. It is possible to visit the abbey with a guide on set times.
Village des Bories
The last tip in the area of Gordes is Village des Bories. The village is located around 2 kilometres West from Gordes. The village creates the delusion of its visitors walking through a Provencal village in the bronze era. The bories (huts) are built in the style of that time.
The huts were originally used to house the animals (sheep). Later on, they were used as temporary shelters and not long after that, they were in use as permanent shelter. The owner of the grounds decided to renovate in 1977. Nowadays the villages are classified as a historic monument.
The village is split up in seven different groups of huts. Every hut has its own specific function. You will see the houses, stables, sheep folds, pig stables, corn-sheds, chicken barns etc. The village proves that there was an economic, social and cultural structure in ancient times. A fun and educational place to visit with the whole family.
