Gordes Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Gordes

Country	France
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Department	Vaucluse
Arrondissement	Apt
Canton	Gordes (chief town)
Intercommunality	none
Area ¹	48.04 km² (18.55 sq mi)
Population (1999)	2,092
• Density	43.547/km² (112.79/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	84050 /84220
Elevation	111–635 m (364–2,083 ft) (avg. 373 m or 1,224 ft)
¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Gordes is a charming village located in the south of France. It is known for its stunning beauty and historic stone buildings. Gordes is part of the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. About 2,092 people lived there in 1999. This village is often called one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France."

Discover Gordes: A French Gem
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Discover Gordes: A French Gem

Gordes is a very special place. It sits high up on a hill, offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The village is built with light-colored stone, which makes it blend in perfectly with the landscape. It looks like something out of a fairytale!

Where is Gordes Located?

Gordes is found in the southeastern part of France. It is in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This area is famous for its sunny weather, lavender fields, and olive groves. The village is also part of the Vaucluse department.

What Makes Gordes So Special?

Gordes is famous for its unique look. Its houses are built into the side of the hill. They are made from local stone. Many streets are narrow and winding. They are called calades. These streets are paved with stone. They add to the village's old-world charm.

The Castle of Gordes

At the very top of the village is the Gordes Castle. It is a very old building. Parts of it date back to the Middle Ages. Other parts were built during the Renaissance. Today, the castle is a museum. It also hosts art exhibitions. You can explore its ancient walls. You can also enjoy the views from its towers.

The view from north of the castle shows the ancient and the Renaissance parts.

The Village des Bories

Just a short distance from Gordes is the Village des Bories. This is a unique open-air museum. It shows how people lived long ago. The village is made up of many small, dry-stone huts. These huts are called bories. They were built without any mortar. They were used by farmers and shepherds. You can walk through this ancient village. It feels like stepping back in time.

The unique dry-stone huts at the Village des Bories.

Sénanque Abbey

Another famous landmark near Gordes is Sénanque Abbey. This is a beautiful old monastery. It was built in the 12th century. It is surrounded by stunning lavender fields. Monks still live and work there today. They follow a quiet, traditional life. Visitors can tour parts of the abbey. They can also see the lavender in bloom. This usually happens in summer.

Sénanque Abbey surrounded by lavender fields.

Exploring Gordes' History

Gordes has a very long history. People have lived in this area for thousands of years. The village grew during the Middle Ages. It was a safe place on the hill. It was easy to defend from invaders. Over the centuries, it has seen many changes. But it has always kept its unique character. Its stone buildings tell stories of the past.

Fun Facts About Gordes

Gordes is part of a group called "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." This means "The Most Beautiful Villages of France."
Many artists and writers have been inspired by Gordes. They love its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
The area around Gordes is known for its delicious local products. These include olive oil, wine, and lavender honey.