Did you visit La Provence yet? if not you definitely need to plan a visit next year.
As you all know by now I have a special flair for the south and southeast of France, and lately I am trying to visit the villages known as “les plus beaux village de France”. Today i am heading to Gordes.
Built on the foothill of the Mont Vaucluse facing the Luberon, Gordes is known as most beautiful village in La Provence, with all its cultural events in the summer, its museum, concerts and exhibition.
Gordes is three hour by train from Paris, two and a half hour driving from Nice, and 45 min from Marseille Airport.
We arrived around 3 pm, at La Bastide du Gordes, a Beautiful Palace in the heart of the village with spectacular view.
The hotel has a different nice restaurant. First, we tried L’Orangerie restaurant where they serve meals in a typical Provencal style in a bistro setting with a selection of Mediterranean products. We enjoyed meals on the terrace amidst the raised gardens with a panoramic view of the Luberon valley. However, breakfast at L’Orangerie was my favorite: an impressive, colorful and tasty buffet. Then we tried at night RESTAURANT PÈIR de PIERRE GAGNAIRE, a three Michelin star restaurant where you can taste the best Provencal cuisine by showcasing and honoring the products and flavors of the region;
The town is built around a rock, and on the top are the church and castle. Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh were all inspired by the charm and romance of this little town. I really enjoyed walking the narrow streets, admiring the beautiful old stone houses, the mesmerizing sceneries and the history of art in each corner of the charming small galleries. Don’t miss The Moulin des Bouillons, a former olive oil mill which is very well preserved.
The Abbey of Sénanque – a gem of Romanesque art – has also become a symbol of Provence. Set in the bottom of a small valley 10 min away from Gordes, it is still occupied by Cistercian monks who harvest the lavender grown in its fields. Unfortunately, lavender was cultivated in August, so I didn’t enjoy the smell or the view, but if you are planning a trip to Gordes, June will be the best time.
