Gordes

Gordes is a hilltop village in the Luberon, in the Vaucluse department, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Built in dry stone on a hillside, it overlooks the valley with wide views across the Luberon massif and surrounding vineyards. The Renaissance château at the heart of the village now houses the town hall and occasionally hosts exhibitions. Nearby, the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque, surrounded by lavender fields, is one of the most photographed sites in the region, particularly during the July bloom. The Village des Bories, a cluster of traditional dry-stone huts, reflects the area's older rural architecture. Cobbled lanes, known locally as calades, and limestone houses give the village its distinctive Mediterranean character. A weekly market takes place every Tuesday morning, selling local produce, olive oil, cheese and honey. Gordes also serves as a convenient base for exploring other Luberon villages such as Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs, and Ménerbes. The warm, dry Provençal climate makes walking and cycling popular for much of the year.