Standing on the edge of the plateau of Vaucluse, Gordes is one of the "in" villages of Luberon where many movies stars and artists have made their home. Its houses of white and gray stone rise up in a spiral around the rock where the village is set.
At the very top is the church and the castle which face out onto the hills of the Luberon. Due to its privileged position, its exceptional charm and its typical architecture, Gordes has been listed as "one of the most beautiful villages of France".
While strolling around the tiny streets which climb up between the tall houses, you will discover here and there beautiful old doorways, arcades and walls of flat stone perfectly restored, and on the other side, there is the panorama of the valley and mountains of Luberon.
Once at the top of Gordes, you can see the fortified castle enclosing the city hall and the Pol Para museum (Flemish contemporary painter), The old village of the "borie" is intriguing. Bories are little round huts built in stone and were at one time used by shepherds or hunters.
But whatever you do, you must not miss the fabulous Abbey of Senanque hidden in the green valley. Cistercian manks still live there producing honey, lavender essence, and liqueurs.
The whole twelfth century ediface is open for visits.
Gordes is without a doubt worth seeing. The village has a world wide reputation due to its famous inhabitants and Peter Mayle's book "A Year in Provence" certainly helped.
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