Perched dramatically on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau, Gordes is an exquisite hilltop village and one of the crown jewels of Provence. Maison Rohmer is located just a 5-minute drive outside the village or the most energetic could walk in around half an hour following the back country and hilly lanes/roads for around 2km.
The heart of Gordes is a mesmerising tangle of cobbled streets, honey-hued stone houses and centuries-old charm. With a history stretching back to the 1100s, Gordes is steeped in heritage, crowned by its imposing château and the ancient church at its summit. From here, panoramic views sweep across the sun-drenched Luberon countryside, dotted with lavender fields and cypress trees.
The ambiance is elegant yet authentic, with stylish cafés, restaurants and artist galleries nestled in shaded alleyways. It's easy to see why artists, writers and film stars have long been drawn to this timeless village. During the high season, its magnetic beauty attracts visitors from far and wide, yet its backstreets and scenic walking trails offer peaceful moments away from the bustle. Don’t miss the wonderful market on a Tuesday morning to stock up on seasonal delights, honey and lavender-based products.
Beyond Gordes, a tapestry of enchanting Luberon villages invites exploration. Roussillon dazzles with its ochre-hued cliffs and artists' studios, Ménerbes is a serene haven with fine wineries and historic charm, while Goult and Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt offer picturesque stone houses and panoramic walking paths.
For authentic local flavour, Apt’s Saturday morning market is a feast for the senses, brimming with olives, cheeses, lavender honey, and more. Closer to home, the smaller village of Coustellet is ideal for practical needs, with supermarkets, charming food shops and a farmers’ market every Sunday.
No visit is complete without a day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its elegant canals and famous brocante market on Sundays – a treasure trove for antique lovers. For outdoor adventures, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse offers hiking and canoeing along the Sorgue River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forested hills. And for a taste of culture, Avignon’s papal palaces, medieval bridge, and summer theatre festival are just 45 minutes away.
From vineyard strolls to colourful market mornings, this is the Luberon at its most enchanting – and Gordes is the perfect base to savour it all.
The Region
With some of the most enchanting landscapes of Provence, the Luberon awaits with its idyllic perched villages, swathes of lavender, cherry trees, vineyards and dense forest.
Become captivated by the scenery as you potter around artistic Gordes with its atmospheric Tuesday morning market before heading to hilltop Ménerbes, the village that inspired Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’. Romantic Bonnieux enjoys the most glorious vistas, surrounded by a sea of vines and orchards, whilst red-hued Roussillon will take your breath away with its ochre landscapes and pine forests. They are all officially classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ in France.
Yet there are so many hidden gems to explore as well. Discover the historic doorways, windmills and summer cherries of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, then head to Goult to embrace its Provençal charm with little shops and pavement cafes. Surrounded by fields of lavender, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt is another historic jewel of the Luberon, often overshadowed by the handsome and historic town of Apt.
To the south of the Luberon, follow Albert Camus’ footsteps in Lourmarin, sip coffee by the picturesque bassin lined with plane trees in Cucuron and soak up the history of Ansouis – all three villages have a fine reputation for their high-end dining with a choice of Michelin starred restaurants.
Indeed, across the region look out for restaurant terraces serving Provençal cuisine with superb vistas alongside characterful markets showcasing seasonal delights from the Luberon and beyond (olives, melons, strawberries, cherries, truffles, chestnuts, lavender products and more). Most villages host a lovely weekly market whilst the largest in the Luberon is held on a Saturday morning in Apt. Just on the edge of the Luberon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is famed for its antique stores and Sunday morning brocante. Meanwhile, wine lovers should visit the vineyards and wineries of the region producing Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines.
The walking, hiking and cycling opportunities in the Luberon seem endless and you will also find horse-riding, rock-climbing and tree-top adventures as well as canoeing and kayaking along the Sorgue near Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Come across hiking trails for all abilities passing vineyards and forest or venture through the hills and mountain gorges for spectacular scenery. Cycling is also extremely popular – as well as more challenging routes, we especially love the family-friendly Véloroute du Calavon, a paved voie verte following a former railway line near the Calavon river passing poppies, lavender and orchards so typical of the Luberon.