The Journal

Our Luberon notebooks

Practical guides, itineraries and good addresses, written by your hosts, to plan your stay in Gordes — or simply dream of Provence.

The region

The perched villages of the Luberon

From Gordes to Lourmarin — every hilltop village to discover from the villa.

Guide · Villages

The Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Luberon (2026)

A guide to the most beautiful hilltop villages of the Luberon around Gordes: Roussillon, Ménerbes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and more.

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Activities · Gordes

Things to do in Gordes, Complete guide

What to do in Gordes: château, Palais Saint-Firmin caves, Bories Village, markets, restaurants, hidden viewpoints. Complete 2026 guide.

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Village · Roussillon

Visiting Roussillon, the Luberon's Red Village

Visiting Roussillon: the Ochre Trail, the ochre village, the best viewpoints and practical tips. Just 15 minutes from Gordes.

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Village · Ménerbes

Ménerbes, One of France's Loveliest Villages

Visit Ménerbes: Peter Mayle's hilltop village, the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, and Saint-Hilaire Abbey. Just 20 minutes from Gordes.

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Village · Lacoste

Lacoste: Sade's Château and Artists' Village

Visit Lacoste: the Marquis de Sade's château, the artists' village, the quarries and the view of Bonnieux. 25 min from Gordes.

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Village · Bonnieux

Bonnieux, a hilltop village of cedars and vines

Visiting Bonnieux: the old church and its 86 steps, the cedar forest, the Bakery Museum. Just 25 minutes from Gordes.

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Village · Oppède

Oppède-le-Vieux, a reborn ghost village

Visiting Oppède-le-Vieux: the abandoned village brought back to life, the church of Notre-Dame-d'Alidon, the castle ruins. 25 min from Gordes.

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Village · Goult

Goult and the Jérusalem windmill, Luberon's secret

Visit Goult: the Jérusalem windmill, the conservatory of cultivation terraces, the fine restaurants. The Luberon's quietest village, 20 min from Gordes.

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Village · Lourmarin

Lourmarin, Albert Camus’ Village

Visit Lourmarin: the Renaissance château, the Friday market, Albert Camus’ grave. One of the most beautiful villages in France, 40 min from Gordes.

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Village · L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Comtat Venice & antiques

Visit L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: the moss-covered waterwheels, the Sunday market, the antique dealers and flea markets. Just 25 min from Gordes.

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Village · Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and the Source of the Sorgue

Visit Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: the source of the Sorgue, the most powerful spring in Europe, and the Petrarch museum. Just 25 minutes from Gordes.

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Village · Saignon

Saignon, a Hilltop Village Above Apt

Visit Saignon: the Rocher de Bellevue, the hilltop village and 360° views over the Luberon. 35 min from Gordes.

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Village · Venasque

Venasque, a Medieval Gem Below Mont Ventoux

Visit Venasque: the Merovingian baptistery, the Saracen towers, the AOC cherries. One of France's most beautiful villages, 30 min from Gordes.

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Site · Sénanque

Sénanque Abbey and Its Fields of Lavender

Visit Sénanque Abbey near Gordes: a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, lavender in bloom mid-June to mid-July, guided tours and opening times. Just 10 min away.

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Site · Bories

The Village des Bories in Gordes (stone huts)

Visit the Village des Bories near Gordes: a hamlet of dry-stone huts listed as a historic monument. History, opening hours and access — 10 min from the villa.

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Village · Apt

Apt, capital of the Luberon: market & candied fruit

Visiting Apt in the Luberon: the famous Saturday market, the world capital of candied fruit, the cathedral and the Park House. Just 30 min from Gordes.

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Villages · South Luberon

Cucuron and Ansouis, the Southern Luberon

Visit Cucuron and Ansouis, two of the loveliest villages in the southern Luberon: the Étang basin, the château of Ansouis, lanes and terraces. 40 min from Gordes.

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Villages · near Gordes

Joucas and Murs, secret villages near Gordes

Visit Joucas and Murs, two peaceful villages minutes from Gordes: flower-lined lanes, sweeping views, calm and nature. Just 10-15 min from the villa.

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Through the year

Lavender & seasons in Provence

When to come, where to see the lavender, and what to do each season.

Guide · Seasons

When to Visit Provence: A Seasonal Guide

When to visit Provence and the Luberon: when the lavender blooms, the weather month by month, and the best seasons to choose depending on what you're after.

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Seasons · Guide

When to see lavender at Gordes and Sénanque?

Exact dates of the lavender bloom in Gordes and at Sénanque Abbey: when to come, where to photograph, how to avoid the crowds.

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Lavender · 7 min read

The Lavender Routes of Provence: an itinerary

The lavender routes of Provence: Sénanque, Sault, Valensole, the bloom calendar and the best viewpoints. Starting from Gordes.

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Lavender · 7 min read

The Valensole Plateau: a sea of lavender

The Valensole Plateau: when to see the lavender, the best photo spots, the distilleries. About 1 hour from Gordes.

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Lavender · 6 min read

Visiting a Lavender Distillery near Gordes

Visiting a lavender distillery in the Luberon: how distillation works, the difference between fine lavender and lavandin, and where to buy genuine essential oil.

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Season · Spring

The Luberon in Spring: What to Do in April–June

The Luberon in spring: blossoms, hikes, markets and hilltop villages before the summer crowds. The ideal season to discover Gordes.

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Season · Summer

The Luberon in Summer: Lavender, Markets & Cool

The Luberon in summer: lavender in bloom, night markets, festivals, swimming and tips for beating the heat. High season in Gordes.

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Season · Autumn

The Luberon in Autumn: Harvest & Colours

The Luberon in autumn: grape harvest, the colours of vines and cedars, truffle season and soft light. A quiet, little-known season around Gordes.

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Season · Winter

The Luberon in Winter: Mistral, Calm & Light

The Luberon in winter: truffle markets, quiet villages, crystalline light and weather tips (the mistral). A different Provence to discover from Gordes.

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Lavender · Sault

Sault, the Lavender Capital of Provence

See lavender at Sault: the latest-blooming plateau in Provence (mid-July to mid-August), endless fields, a lavender festival and distilleries. One hour from Gordes.

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Season · Christmas

Christmas in Provence: markets, santons & 13 desserts

Experience Christmas in Provence: Christmas markets, santon fairs, the 13 desserts, nativity scenes and Luberon traditions. What to do in December near Gordes.

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On the road

Itineraries & day trips

From one day to a week — our tried-and-tested routes from Gordes.

Guide · Itineraries

Itineraries & Day Trips from Gordes

Itineraries from Gordes: one day, a weekend or a week in the Luberon, the ochre route, the wine route, the Verdon and Avignon.

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Itinerary · Luberon

3-day Luberon itinerary from Gordes

Tested 3-day Luberon itinerary from Gordes: Roussillon, Ménerbes, Lacoste, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Sénanque. Villages, views, restaurants.

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Itinerary · 1 day

Gordes and Around in One Day

What to do in Gordes in one day: the hilltop village, Sénanque Abbey, the Village des Bories and Roussillon. Our optimised itinerary.

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Itinerary · Weekend

A 2-Day Weekend in the Luberon

A 2-day weekend in the Luberon from Gordes: hilltop villages, the Ochre Trail, markets and restaurants. Our day-by-day itinerary.

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Itinerary · One week

One Week in the Luberon: The Perfect Itinerary

One week in the Luberon from Gordes: villages, lavender, ochre, wine, the Verdon and slow days. The perfect 7-day itinerary.

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Itinerary · Ochres

The Ochre Route: Roussillon, Rustrel, Gargas

The ochre route in the Luberon: Roussillon, the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel, the Bruoux mines at Gargas. Itinerary and tips.

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Itinerary · Wine

The Luberon & Ventoux wine route

The Luberon and Ventoux wine route: wineries to visit, appellations, tastings. Our wine-tasting itinerary from Gordes.

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Day trip · Verdon

The Verdon Gorges: a Day Trip from Gordes

The Verdon Gorges from Gordes: the Route des Crêtes, Lake Sainte-Croix and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. An unforgettable day trip.

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Day trip · Avignon

Avignon in a Day from Gordes

Avignon in a day from Gordes: the Palais des Papes, the Saint-Bénézet bridge, the ramparts and the festival. About 45 minutes' drive away.

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Great outdoors

Nature & outdoor activities

Hiking, cycling, rivers and the wide-open spaces of the regional park.

Guide · Outdoors

Outdoor Activities in the Luberon

Outdoor activities in the Luberon: hiking, cycling, canoeing on the Sorgue, rock climbing at Buoux, hot-air ballooning and swimming. All within easy reach of Gordes.

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Outdoors · Hiking

The Best Hikes in the Luberon

The best hikes in the Luberon: the Véroncle gorges, Mourre Nègre, the cedar forest, the ochre trail. Difficulty levels and insider tips.

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Outdoors · Ochre

Colorado Provençal de Rustrel: visitor guide

The Colorado Provençal de Rustrel: trails, timing, parking and tips. A spectacular ochre desert just 30 minutes from Gordes.

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Outdoors · Cycling

The Luberon by Bike: the Calavon Greenway

The Luberon by bike: the Calavon greenway (voie verte), the Luberon loop, bike hire and difficulty levels. Tips for setting off from Gordes.

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Outdoors · Water

Kayaking on the Sorgue: the float & our tips

Canoeing and kayaking on the Sorgue from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: the 8 km float, difficulty, season and good outfitters. 25 min from Gordes.

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Outdoors · Rock climbing

Rock Climbing at the Buoux Cliffs

Rock climbing at the Buoux cliffs: a legendary Luberon crag — sectors, grades and insider tips. Just 35 minutes from Gordes.

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Outdoors · Flight

Hot-air balloon ride over the Luberon

Float over the Luberon by hot-air balloon: a dawn departure, views of Gordes, Roussillon and the fields, operators and practical tips. A one-of-a-kind experience.

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Outdoors · Swimming

Swimming Spots in the Luberon: Rivers and Lakes

Where to swim in the Luberon: rivers, lakes and the Lake of Sainte-Croix. Our favourite cool-water spots for summer days near Gordes.

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Nature · Photo

The Most Beautiful Photo Spots in the Luberon

The best photo spots in the Luberon: Gordes at sunrise, Sénanque abbey, Roussillon, lavender fields and the Provençal Colorado. Locations, timing and tips.

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At the table

Food, markets & wine

Markets, wines, truffles and fine tables: Provence on a plate.

Guide · Food

Eating well in the Luberon: a food lover's guide

Eating well in the Luberon: Provençal markets, Michelin-starred restaurants, AOC wines, truffle, olive oil and local specialties. Our food lover's guide from Gordes.

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Food · Markets

The Loveliest Provençal Markets of the Luberon

The loveliest Provençal markets of the Luberon: Gordes on Tuesday, Apt on Saturday, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Sunday, Coustellet… Our complete day-by-day guide.

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Foodie · Restaurants

Best Restaurants in the Luberon, near Gordes

The best restaurants and fine dining in the Luberon around Gordes: Michelin-starred tables, village bistros and shaded terraces. Our trusted addresses.

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Gourmet · Wine

Luberon & Ventoux AOC Wines: A Guide

Luberon and Ventoux AOC wines: grape varieties, appellations, food pairings and where to taste them. Your guide to the region's wines from Gordes.

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Gourmet · Wineries

Wineries to Visit Around Gordes, Luberon

Wineries to visit around Gordes: tastings, cellar doors and the good life amid the vineyards of the Luberon and the Ventoux.

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Gourmet · Terroir

Provençal Specialties: Truffle, Candied Fruit, Melon

The specialties of Provence around the Luberon: black truffle, candied fruit from Apt, Cavaillon melon, calissons, nougat. Where to taste them.

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Gourmet · Olive oil

Provence olive oil: mills & tasting

Provence olive oil: PDO labels, olive varieties, mills to visit and tasting tips. A must of the Luberon's culinary heritage.

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Food · Truffle

Luberon Truffle & Its Winter Markets

Discover the Luberon black truffle: truffle markets (Apt, Carpentras, Richerenches), dog hunts, tastings and a season from mid-November to mid-March. Near Gordes.

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Food · Fruits

Cavaillon Melon & the Fruits of Provence

The Cavaillon melon and the fruits of Provence: cherries, apricots, figs, grapes. Seasons, markets and the best addresses around Gordes and the Luberon.

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Experience · Cooking

Provençal Cooking Class in the Luberon

Take a Provençal cooking class in the Luberon: market then stovetop, southern French recipes, workshops near Gordes. A delicious, hands-on experience to live.

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Food · Wine

Luberon Wine Tasting: Our Favourite Estates

Wine tasting in the Luberon: visiting the estates, tasting AOC Luberon and Ventoux wines, rosés and pairings. Our favourite cellars around Gordes.

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Plan your visit

Planning your stay in Gordes

Getting here, where to stay and practical tips for a great holiday.

Guide · Practical

Gordes Travel Guide: Plan Your Stay

Gordes travel guide: how to get there, where to stay, with family or as a couple, budget and practical tips to plan your holiday in the Luberon.

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Practical · Getting here

How to Get to Gordes: Plane, Train, Car

How to get to Gordes: Marseille airport, the Avignon and Aix TGV stations, car hire and travel times. Your guide to reaching the Luberon.

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Practical · Accommodation

Renting a villa with pool in Gordes: our tips

Renting a villa with pool in Gordes: how to choose, when to come, budget and pitfalls to avoid. Our hosts' advice for booking the right place.

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Practical · Family

Gordes with Kids: Things to Do as a Family

Gordes with family: activities with kids, swimming, cycling, farms and fun visits in the Luberon. Our ideas for a holiday everyone will love.

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Practical · Couples

Gordes for Couples: A Romantic Escape in Provence

Gordes for couples: the loveliest romantic spots, candlelit dinners, hot-air ballooning and moments for two in the Luberon. For an unforgettable getaway.

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Practical · Event

Planning a Wedding or Event in the Luberon

Planning a wedding or event in the Luberon: venues, seasons, where to lodge your guests and our tips for a Provençal celebration.

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Practical · Workation

Working remotely and workation in the Luberon

Remote work and workation in the Luberon: long stays, connectivity, a proper workspace and switching off after the screen. Working from Gordes in Provence.

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Practical · Weather

Luberon Weather Month by Month (Temperatures)

The Luberon weather month by month: temperatures, sunshine, rain, mistral and crowds. When to visit Gordes to suit your plans, with a handy summary table.

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Practical · Budget

Luberon Trip Budget: How Much Should You Plan For?

What does a Luberon holiday cost? Accommodation, car hire, meals, sights and activities. Real 2026 estimates and money-saving tips for a stay near Gordes.

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Practical · Transport

Getting Around the Luberon (Car, Bike, Bus)

How to get around the Luberon: renting a car, cycling, buses, train stations and airports. Can you visit the Luberon without a car? Tips from Gordes.

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Practical · Pets

The Luberon with a Dog: A Practical Guide

Travelling to the Luberon with your dog: dog-friendly villages, hikes, river swims and pet-welcoming restaurants. Our tips for a relaxed stay with your companion.

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Wellness · Spa

Spa & Wellness in the Luberon: Our Favourite Places

Spa, massage and wellness in the Luberon: bastide spas, olive oil and lavender treatments, yoga and retreats near Gordes. The art of slowing down in Provence.

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Beyond the Luberon

Escapes & towns of Provence

From Aix to the Calanques, the Pont du Gard to the Ventoux — the finest day trips from Gordes.

Guide · Day trips

Day Trips from Gordes: 12 Escapes Across Provence

The finest day trips from Gordes: Aix, the Calanques, Pont du Gard, Mont Ventoux, Arles and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Real driving times and our insider tips.

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Day trip · Aix

Aix-en-Provence Day Trip from Gordes (2026 guide)

Visit Aix-en-Provence in a day from Gordes: Cours Mirabeau, Cézanne's studio, fountains, the old town and the markets. Just 1 hour from the villa.

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Day trip · Calanques

Calanques of Cassis & Marseille from the Luberon

Discover the Calanques of Cassis and Marseille from Gordes: calanques by boat, Cassis harbour, the Old Port, access tips and the best season to go.

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Day trip · Alpilles

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Les Baux: a day trip

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence in a day from Gordes: Van Gogh, Glanum, Carrières des Lumières, hilltop village. Just 50 min away.

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Day trip · Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard from the Luberon (practical guide)

Visit the Pont du Gard from Gordes: UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct, swimming in the Gardon, museum, prices and access. Just 1 hour from the villa.

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Day trip · Arles

Arles & the Camargue in a Day from Gordes

Arles and the Camargue from Gordes: Roman arena, Van Gogh, Espace Van Gogh, pink flamingos, horses and bulls. Just 1 hour from the villa.

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Day trip · Ventoux

Mont Ventoux: the climb, cycling and the panorama

Mont Ventoux from Gordes: drive or cycle to the 1909 m summit, viewpoints, the villages of Bedoin and Sault. Just an hour from the villa.

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Day trip · Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Orange: Wine and Rome

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Orange from Gordes: taste the great wines of the Rhône Valley and see Orange's UNESCO-listed Roman theatre. Just 50 minutes away.

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Stay with us

Make it your home base.

All these Luberon treasures, minutes from your door. Discover Le Clos de Manon, in Gordes.

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