With its majestic castle, spectacular views, and fairytale beauty, we’re adding Gordes to our Hidden Gems destination list.

Hidden Gems: Gordes

Perched on a hilltop in foothills the Vaucluse Mountains and dominating the skyline of the Calavon Valley lies the picturesque French village of Gordes. Dating back to Roman times, it has a wealth of Medieval and Renaissance history which can be seen in its wonderful stone-stacked architecture which includes fountains, vaulted passages, and cobblestone, winding streets. The village is dominated by its church and castle, ancient symbols of the fight against invading armies and a reminder of Gorde’s rich heritage. Gordes in one of only a handful to make the honored ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’, a list of France’s most beautiful towns.

“Gordes suffered terribly during World War Two when much of the village was destroyed and the populace massacred. The whole village was subsequently awarded the Croix de Guerre medal for bravery.“

The location

Gordes is located in the Luberon Regional Nature Park in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France.

The people

Gordes has a population of around 2,000. Known as Gordians, they are renowned for their rebellious spirit, sparking medieval invasions and supporting the Resistance during World War Two.

The climate

Gordes has a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine.

Hidden Gems: Gordes

Tourism

Gordes has a strong tradition of tourism and hosts many cultural events with its museums, concerts and numerous exhibitions.

Best time to visit

Summer is sublime in Gordes. June, July and August are the most popular times to visit, with July being the hottest month of the year when temperatures average around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) and visitors can enjoy 12 full hours of daily sunshine.

What makes Gordes unique

The biggest festival in Gordes, Les Soirees d’été de Gordes, is an annual music festival in early August. It features a diverse range of performances and entertainment to enrich the cultural experience for residents and tourists alike.

Hidden Gems Gordes

What to do in Gordes

Château de Gordes
Saint-Firmin church
Saint-Firmin Palace Caves
Gordes’ Calades and Streets
Gordes’ Viewpoint
Glass and Stained-Glass Museum
Village des Bories
Sénanque Abbey

Flying private to Gordes

Chartering a private jet for your trip to Gordes will guarantee a seamless and stress-free experience. Customize your trip to your exact requirements and tailor your itinerary to reflect your personal preferences.

Hidden Gems: Gordes

Entry airport

Avignon Provence Airport

Avignon is an international airport located a 30-minute drive from Gordes.

IATA: AVN
ICAO: LFMV
Coordinates: 43°54’24″N 004°54’07″E
Elevation: 124 ft

Operational information

Landing permits are not required for any private non-revenue flights (only ATC flight plan coordinating)
Notification will be required for any flight at least 24 hours prior to the operation date
AVGAS 100LL & JET A1 is available
Parking is available
FBO and all ground handling equipment is available
Operating hours are strict at AVN: (all-in UTC)

Monday-Friday: Summer: 0500-1930, Winter: 0600-2000
Saturday: Summer: 0500-1700, Winter: 0600-1800
Sunday: Summer: 0600-1800, Winter: 0700-1900

Commercial flights

Commercial flights land at Avignon and Marseille (MRS) with connections to most European and many international destinations. Marseille is 80 km (roughly a one-hour drive) from Gordes.

Immigration

Depending on your nationality, a visa is required when intending to travel to France. All visas must be applied for prior to departure at the nearest French Embassy or French Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. Find out more here.

Health screening

There are no vaccination or PCR requirements for visitors to France.

Visitor tips

Tuesday is market day in Gordes so expect lots of traffic and pedestrians filling the tiny streets
This village is a microcosm for France itself with great food, crafts, local produce, art, and history all in one place

To create your ultimate Gordes travel experience, contact UAS Charter or UAS Executive Travel.

Hidden Gems Gordes

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