Perched dramatically on a limestone ridge overlooking the Luberon valley, Gordes is one of the most picturesque villages in France. Its white‑stone houses seem to rise from the cliff face and its maze of narrow cobbled streets leads to viewpoints, galleries and historic monuments. Artists such as André Lhote, Marc Chagall and Victor Vasarely found inspiration here and helped put the village on the map.
If you’re planning a trip to this famous Provençal village, this Ultimate Gordes Travel Guide 2025: Best Things to Do & Where to Stay in the Hill‑Top Village will cover everything you need to know: when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, what to do, where to eat and how many days you’ll need. We’ll also share tips on renting a car, booking activities and travel insurance. Ready to start planning? Read on!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Gordes?
Gordes can be enjoyed year‑round, but the seasons each offer a different experience.
Spring & Fall
From May to early June and September to October, the weather is pleasant and the village is less crowded. Travel experts note that these months have warm days, cooler evenings and fewer tourists compared with high summer. You’ll be able to enjoy the lavender fields starting in late June, but without the peak‑season crowds.
Summer
If you’re visiting for the lavender bloom or summer festivals, plan for June to August. Expect hot temperatures – often around 30 °C, and busier streets. Book accommodation and restaurant reservations well in advance.
We travelled to Gordes toward the end of August, and the weather was still very hot. While we enjoyed warm evenings and lively markets, we were disappointed to discover that the lavender blossoms had already been harvested the fields had turned green and the purple rows we’d dreamed of photographing were gone. If seeing lavender is high on your list, visit from late June to mid‑July, when the flowers are in full bloom and the surrounding abbeys and fields are at their most photogenic. By mid‑August, most of the harvesting is complete and the bloom is over.
Winter
Winter is the quiet season. Many hotels and restaurants close, and the Mistral wind makes the village feel chilly. Visit between November and March only if you’re looking for solitude and don’t mind limited services.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Gordes is compact, with around 2,000 inhabitants. You can explore the main sights in one day, but staying two nights lets you wander the village at a relaxed pace and take day trips to nearby attractions. If you plan to explore more of the Luberon, allocate three to four days.
How to Get to Gordes
By Car
Driving is the easiest way to reach Gordes and explore the Luberon. Public transport is limited, and bus services between villages are sporadic offbeatfrance.com. Rent a small car, think Fiat 500 or Vauxhall Corsa to navigate narrow roads and tight parking spots. We use Discover Cars to compare rental deals; full insurance is a smart add‑on when driving unfamiliar roads. The main parking area in Gordes is Place de la Charles de Gaulle; arrive before 9 a.m. on market days and pay via the PayByPhone app.
By Plane
The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), about 70 km from Gordes. From there, rent a car or book a shuttle to the Luberon. You can also fly into Avignon, Aix‑en‑Provence or Nice and drive to the village.
By Train
While Gordes doesn’t have a train station, you can travel by TGV to Avignon or Aix‑en‑Provence and then rent a car for the final leg. There are limited buses from Avignon to Gordes, but they don’t run frequently and are not ideal for day trips.
Where to Stay in Gordes, Top Luxury Hotels
With several luxury properties in and around Gordes, choosing the right hotel can be tricky. Here are three top picks in the village and one nearby château where we stayed.
La Bastide de Gordes (Airelles)
Set in a 16th‑century Provençal palace, La Bastide de Gordes offers terraces and gardens overlooking lavender fields and olive groves. Inside, the hotel features period furnishings that evoke 18th‑century Provence. You’ll find multiple restaurants, including the Michelin‑starred Clover Gordes, and a Guerlain spa with indoor pool and hammam. Check rates on Expedia and TripAdvisor.
Les Bories & Spa
Located on an eight‑hectare estate of olive trees and lavender, Les Bories & Spa offers 34 elegant rooms and suites. The property’s gourmet restaurant serves contemporary cuisine using herbs and flowers from its gardens, and the spa features a large pool and aromatherapy treatments. Check prices on Trip.com and TripAdvisor.
Le Mas des Herbes Blanches
Just outside Gordes in Joucas, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches is a luxury hotel with 48 rooms and suites, a gastronomic restaurant, spa, outdoor pool and pet‑friendly facilities. It’s ideal for travellers seeking a tranquil base near the village. Check rates on Expedia and TripAdvisor
Our Choice: Le Phébus & Spa
We stayed at Le Phébus & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property between Gordes and Roussillon. With 30 rooms and suites, some with private pools, this hotel feels intimate and exclusive. Chef Xavier Mathieu’s Michelin‑starred restaurant serves refined versions of Provençal classics, and the spa offers a full menu of treatments. The hotel’s location outside the village means you’ll need a car, but it’s a peaceful retreat after busy days of sightseeing. Compare prices on Expedia and TripAdvisor
For a detailed review of our stay, see our post: Hotel Le Phébus & Spa in Provence – your luxury escape amid vineyards and lavender.
Things to Do in Gordes & Surroundings
From historic monuments to markets and nearby villages, Gordes offers plenty to fill your itinerary. Here are the highlights:
Explore the Château de Gordes
This imposing castle dates back to the 10th century and was remodelled during the Renaissance. Today it houses the Pol Mara museum, dedicated to the Flemish painter who lived in Gordes. Climb to the ramparts for panoramic views.
Visit the Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the streets around the château transform into a bustling market. Browse stalls selling local produce, cheeses, honey and crafts. Arrive early to find parking and bring cash for purchases.
Saint‑Firmin Church & Cellars
The village church has Romanesque origins and has been expanded over centuries. Nearby, the cellars of the Saint Firmin Palace feature semi‑troglodyte tunnels carved into the rock, a fascinating glimpse into the village’s underground history.
Wander the Calades & Viewpoints
Gordes is full of narrow calades (cobbled lanes) that twist and climb around stone houses. Each turn reveals a new view over the Luberon valley. Take your time wandering, snapping photos and soaking up the atmosphere.
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions
Village des Bories: An open‑air museum of dry‑stone huts just outside Gordes.
Abbaye de Sénanque: A 12th‑century Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. Visit in June–July when the lavender is in bloom.
Moulin des Bouillons: A well‑preserved olive oil mill.
Troglodyte mills in the Véroncle gorges: Hiking trails lead to these ancient mills carved into the rocks.
Where to Eat in Gordes
Gordes’ dining scene ranges from informal wine bars to gourmet restaurants. Here are four favourites:
| Restaurant | Highlights |
|---|---|
| La Trinquette | A relaxed wine bar with a terrace overlooking the valley. Enjoy tapas like beef tartare and coquilles St-Jacques, and a great selection of local wines. |
| La Bastide de Pierres | An Italian-style bistro opposite the château serving wood-fired pizzas and antipasti – perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. |
| Les Bories Gastronomic Restaurant | Located at Les Bories & Spa, Chef Grégory Mirer offers contemporary cuisine using herbs from the hotel’s gardens. Ideal for a special evening. |
| Carcarille – Hôtel Restaurant | A French restaurant just outside the village serving seasonal dishes and local favourites. |
If you’re looking for a sweet break rather than a full meal, stop at the Ladurée tea room on Place du Château. This famous French pastry house offers coffee, tea and its legendary macarons on a shady terrace in the heart of Gordes.
Travel Essentials
Car Rental
Exploring the Luberon is easiest by car. Compare prices and reserve your vehicle through Discover Cars. Opt for a small car to navigate narrow roads and allow for easier parking.
Travel Insurance
Unexpected situations can happen while travelling. Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance. Companies like VisitorsCoverage offer coverage for flight cancellations, lost luggage and medical emergencies.
Priority Lounge Access
Start your journey in comfort by booking access to airport lounges. Programs like Priority Pass provide quiet spaces with food, Wi‑Fi and showers, making long travel days more enjoyable.
Book Activities
For guided tours, wine tastings or boat trips, we recommend booking through Viator and Get Your Guide. These platforms offer curated experiences across Provence. Reserve ahead to ensure availability, especially during peak season.
Fun Fact: Those Cat Photos
You might notice large photographs of cats decorating walls around Gordes. These images are part of an art installation by German photographer Hans Silvester, who is famed for his photos of the cats of the Greek islands. In 2024 the Château de Gordes hosted an exhibition of his work, and the village allowed many of his cat portraits to be displayed outdoors. They add a whimsical touch to the village’s historic streets.
Final Thoughts
We hope this Ultimate Gordes Travel Guide 2025: Best Things to Do & Where to Stay in the Hill‑Top Village helps you plan a memorable trip to one of France’s most beautiful villages. Whether you visit during the fragrant lavender season or the quieter months, Gordes offers a unique blend of history, culture, scenery and gastronomy. Stay in a luxury hotel, explore ancient monuments, enjoy meals on sun‑dappled terraces and remember to pack your camera for those iconic views. This guide is designed to provide all the information you need for a perfect visit, from planning your itinerary to booking your stay.
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