Things to do in Gordes

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Roussillon

Roussillon is a small town famous for its ochre landscape and traditional village style. It is built into the mountainside, with houses scattered along the hills. The exterior walls of the buildings display rich hues of red, orange, yellow, and ochre, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding green vegetation. The unique local colors come from the nearby rich ochre deposits. This natural mineral has long been used for pigment production and has also shaped the distinct regional character. The streets here are narrow and winding, with cobblestone paths connecting traditional residences, small squares, cafes, galleries, and handicraft shops, retaining a strong rural atmosphere of Provence.

2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque

Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is situated in a valley near Gordes in the Vaucluse department of Provence, France, and is a Cistercian abbey in France, as well as a representative medieval religious building in Provence. Founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks, the complex follows the Cistercian design philosophy of simplicity, restraint, and practicality. It is constructed primarily of stone, with a simple and solemn exterior. The abbey preserves its church, cloister, monastic living quarters, and public areas, while its arched structures, thick stone walls, and minimalist decoration showcase the typical characteristics of Romanesque architecture. Surrounded by mountains, the tranquil environment resonates with the life of prayer and contemplation that the monks have long pursued.

Town View Point Gordes

Town View Point Gordes is located in the town of Gordes, in the Vaucluse department of Provence, France, and is a classic spot to admire the overall view of this hilltop town. From here, you can clearly see the town's compact cluster of buildings, winding streets, and historic buildings perched on the heights, while in the distance, the rolling hills and open countryside of the Luberon region stretch out. In clear weather, the stone buildings take on warm tones under the sunlight, and the changing light of morning and evening gives the village different visual effects. Combining traditional hilltop architecture with the Provence countryside, this is an iconic vantage point for experiencing the local history and natural environment.

Le Sentier des Ocres de Roussillon

is a trail that blends natural wonders with human history, a gem of Roussillon, hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This path winds through former ochre mines, showcasing a wonderful view sculpted by both nature and humanity. Along the way, visitors will witness ochre canyons shaped by wind, water, and time, with rich layers of color ranging from golden yellow to deep red, as if entering a colorful dream. The trail is divided into two main routes: one is shorter, suitable for a leisurely stroll, and the other is longer, suitable for in-depth exploration. Here, visitors can not only enjoy magnificent natural views, but also learn about the geological background of the ochre, plant ecology, and the history and culture of Roussillon. Whether it is the soft light of dawn or the afterglow of dusk, this place offers unparalleled visual enjoyment and inner peace.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is located in the Vaucluse department of southern France. The department takes its name from the Vaucluse Spring, which boasts the most abundant flow of any spring in the region. As the fifth-largest spring in the world, it has an annual flow exceeding 600 million cubic meters. The abundant spring water converges in the west of the town into a clear stream that winds through the entire town. With hundreds of houses built along the riverbanks, it forms an idyllic summer retreat. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, breathing in the moist air and listening to the babbling water will leave you feeling refreshed. If you crouch down to take a sip of the spring water, you will experience a crispness far superior to Evian mineral water. The history of this town dates back to the 6th century. Every midsummer, tens of thousands of visitors flock here, eager to witness one of the largest springs in France with their own eyes. The main dining area is situated where the stream is widest and offers the best views. Ordering a coffee or a glass of wine here and dozing off beside the clear spring water makes for a precious, leisurely memory.

Château de Gordes

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Provence

Palais des Papes

The Palais des Papes stands majestically on the rocky heights at the northern end of the old town of Avignon, overlooking the Rhône River. It is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. In the early 14th century, the papal court moved to Avignon, and for nearly seventy years thereafter, several popes successively resided here, earning Avignon the title of "the papal city." The palace and fortress are integrated into one, with thick walls and multiple towers guarding its perimeter. Inside, it is divided into the old palace and the new palace: the old palace, built during the reign of Benedict XII, is simple and sturdy, with a strong defensive character; the new palace, expanded by Clement VI, is magnificent and grand, representing mature Gothic architecture, including the over-50-meter-long great chapel within its walls. Historical calamities have scattered most of the interior furnishings, making the architecture itself the main attraction—Giovannetti's frescoes on the domes and walls of the Saint Martial and Saint John chapels, the full-wall hunting scenes in the pope's study "Hall of the Stag," along with the lofty and spacious conference hall and the hall where cardinals once convened to elect the pope, still evoke the grandeur of the past. The tour route is quite long, with most halls now featuring plain stone walls, though the two small frescoed chapels and the "Hall of the Stag" are particularly worth close attention. The spacious halls make good use of the multimedia tablets available for virtual reconstructions, allowing visitors to "see" the original furnishings. From the palace's elevated terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of the old town's red-tiled roofs and the Rhône River, with the nearby Pont Saint-Bénézet also fully visible. The Avignon Theatre Festival, held every summer, uses the palace courtyard as one of its main stages—visiting during this time lets you experience the lively atmosphere that takes over the old town.

Vieille Ville de Gordes

Village des Bories

Lavender Museum

The French Lavender Museum (Musée de la Lavande), which mainly introduces the process of lavender cultivation and extraction of essential oils, is one of the must-see attractions for many tourists. The Lavender Museum was created in 1991 and is located in Kustre, in the heart of the Luberon Natural Park. In the museum, you can learn about the history, growth and products of lavender through pictures and videos. You can also recognize the production history of lavender spices and various production equipment for refining lavender oil. You can go to the attached store to buy some lavender perfume, essence, soap, etc. as souvenirs. There are two science and education films in the Lavender Museum, which explain the whole process of lavender from extraction, fractionation to processing, which is very exciting.