Name: Gordes Town Guide
Address: SE

Gordes — The Lavender Crown

Gordes is the poster village of Provence — a cascade of pale stone houses tumbling down a cliff face in the Luberon, crowned by a Renaissance château and backed by lavender fields that turn purple every June. It's been classified as one of the and, unsurprisingly, has attracted artists, writers, and weekending Parisians for decades.

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

3 km north of Gordes, the 12th-century Cistercian abbey sits in a hollow surrounded by lavender fields. It's the most photographed abbey in France — especially in late June when the lavender blooms. The monks still live here, producing honey and lavender essence.

Village des Bories

A collection of dry-stone huts () dating back centuries, preserved as an open-air museum. The construction technique — no mortar, corbelled roofs — is unique to the Luberon region.

The Luberon — Gordes' wider landscape — the Luberon massif, its geology, flora, and protected natural park — on La Terre.

Food & Drink

Provençal markets dominate — olive oil, goat cheese, honey, melons
with olives or lardons
Luberon rosé — from the vineyards below the village
The weekly Tuesday market is small but excellent

When to Visit

Late June–mid July: Lavender season — Sénanque Abbey is at its most photogenic
April–May: Wildflowers, mild temperatures, small crowds
July–August: Very crowded; parking is challenging — arrive early