Château de Gordes, Gordes, France

For 1,000 years, the castle’s imposing proportions have dominates the valley and given the village its appearance as an impregnable citadel.

First mentioned in 1031, the medieval Château de Gordes was redesigned and extended in the 14th century when the region was under attack by the troops of Raymond de Turenne. But the coming of the Renaissance and the dream of a new way of life helped transform the feudal castle into a more welcoming residence.

Thus, beginning in 1525, Bertrand Rambaud de Simiane, whose powerful family reigned over most of the Luberon villages, was the first to start transforming the castle. The lords of Gordes never lived in the castle and were happy to just collect the revenues from the seigneury. It was used as a prison, a warehouse for storing harvests and to house garrisons. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, it was at the heart of the village life; there was a bar, school for boys, school cafeteria, post office, pharmacy and town hall.

The monumental Renaissance chimney is remarkable for its dimensions as well as the quality and beauty of its sculptures.

Today the castle is a cultural centre dedicated to exhibitions.

References:

ordes-village.com

User Reviews

AC Vu (7 months ago)
Beautiful village indeed. Highly recommend visiting before sunset 4 hours is enough to see the village and also avoiding crowdy.

Jc Frejya (7 months ago)
À must visit of this beautiful village. 10/10.

Emily (9 months ago)
Another lovely village town in the south of France. It is a hilly area with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Karen Williamson (2 years ago)
Gordes is a beautiful village high up in provence. Tips. Visit in early morning in high season before the crowds and it gets too hot. We arrived around 10.00am just as the shops opened on a Monday morning. There are parking places at this time in the morning. We parked a little outside the village at a car park at the top of the hill. When we arrived plenty of places. €6.00 for 4 hours at the car park we used. First 30 mins free. We walked back down the hill to the town. When we arrived back there was a large queue trying to pay for the car park that was full by then. If you are prepared to drive and walk a little further there is another car park a little way up further again. Once in the town, we popped into the patteserie, which had lovely croissants. Walked around the village and had two cappuccinos at L'Ardoise. The coffee was pleasant enough. The service OK not brilliant, others sat down after us but served before us. The girl who finally served us was friendly and nice I'm not sure I would eat there though, too stressful I think. Glad we just had a coffee. The town is definitely worth a look, but as said go early or late.

X R (2 years ago)
Gordes is a truly beautiful village, renowned for its stunning setting among lavender fields and its well-preserved medieval castle. It is situated on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The village is characterized by its narrow cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and charming squares. One of the main attractions of Gordes is its medieval castle, known as the Château de Gordes. This castle was originally built in the 11th century and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. Today it is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the castle and its various rooms, including the chapel, the guardroom and the stables, which house a museum showcasing the history and heritage of the region. Gordes is also famous for its proximity to the lavender fields of Provence. During the summer months, the vibrant purple hues of the lavender in full bloom create a breathtaking sight. The fragrant lavender fields stretch across the hills and valleys surrounding the village, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to explore. In addition to the castle and lavender fields, Gordes has many other attractions and activities for visitors. You can wander through the village's narrow streets lined with art galleries, boutiques and charming cafes. The village also hosts a weekly market where you can find local produce, crafts and regional specialties. The natural beauty of the area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. You can hike or bike in the nearby Luberon Regional Natural Park, which encompasses picturesque landscapes, including vineyards, olive groves, and more charming villages.

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