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 perched villages of the Luberon
From Gordes to Lourmarin — every hilltop village to discover from the villa.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Lavender & seasons in Provence
When to come, where to see the lavender, and what to do each season.
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.
Read the 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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Itineraries & day trips
From one day to a week — our tried-and-tested routes from Gordes.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →The Luberon & Ventoux wine route
The Luberon and Ventoux wine route: wineries to visit, appellations, tastings. Our wine-tasting itinerary from Gordes.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Nature & outdoor activities
Hiking, cycling, rivers and the wide-open spaces of the regional park.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Food, markets & wine
Markets, wines, truffles and fine tables: Provence on a plate.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Planning your stay in Gordes
Getting here, where to stay and practical tips for a great holiday.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →Escapes & towns of Provence
From Aix to the Calanques, the Pont du Gard to the Ventoux — the finest day trips from Gordes.
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.
Read the guide →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →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.
Read the article →