Nestled in the heart of the Vaucluse Mountains in Provence, France, there is a village so incredible it’s been named one of the most beautiful in the world. Gordes is so gorgeous, it’s even rumoured to be the inspiration behind the charming village setting of Beauty and the Beast, and it makes the perfect peaceful holiday destination.
Overlooking the Luberon forests, its winding streets and historic stonework capture the beauty and calm of the French countryside. This village is even home to some truly awe-inspiring architecture – the majestic Gordes Castle, first mentioned in 1031 is a standout. Even better, every Tuesday the space in front of the castle is transformed into a market selling local art, spices, cheeses and much more.
The market lasts from 8am to 1pm and is perfect for a morning stroll – just make sure you bring a basket to fill with goodies.
If you’re not in Gordes on a Tuesday that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on local treats, the village is full of boutique shops stocked with lavender, jewellery and more.
If you want to escape the heat, then the caves of Gordes are a must-see.
These caves were used by villagers to store goods – everything from olive oil to grains – as well as a place to hide from the heat, or conflict.
The site is a fascinating glimpse of history where you can learn all about how the caves were excavated. It’s open from 10:30am to 1pm, then again from 2:30pm to 6pm daily.
Further afield, the surrounding countryside is packed with natural beauty. One must-see spot is Le Sentier des Ocres, famous for its amazing golden coloured rock formations and panoramic valley views.
Once used as an ochre mine, this canyon is next to the village of Roussillon – another gorgeous spot in Provence.
The canyon is incredibly deep as it was mined for many years but now it is used as a hiking trail for visitors, where you can explore the jaw-dropping beauty and colour of the landscape.
Gorde also has two abbeys and a castle to explore as well as stunning unobstructed views out across the valley.
The nearest airports are Marseille Provence Airport and Avignon Airport. Flights with easyJet from Bristol or London cost as little as £26 off season.