“Stuff your eyes with wonder; live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.” – Ray Bradbury
Out of all four perched villages of Luberon that we visited during our day trip through Provence, the most spectacular and majestic one of all was Gordes. Built high atop the rocky slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, the village of Gordes is the crown jewel of Luberon and is a magnificent site to see.
First sight of the perched village of Gordes.
We left Bonnieux driving past iridescent fields of yellow fennel, virgin vines and orchards anxiously anticipating the first sight of Gordes. The prized purple lavender fields had yet to bloom yet their dark green leafy foliage was abundant and expectant of what was to come within the coming summer months.
The Provencal roads were beautifully lined by vineyards and orchards that had yet to bloom.
Fennel fields in Provence.
The weather was fair. Not too hot yet a little too cloudy for fulfilling my aspirations of photographing the countryside. It was nearing the end of April yet like most parts of the Northern hemisphere, Spring was stubborn and late. Trees were still relatively bare, flowers were just beginning to bloom and those brilliant purple lavender fields that I had my heart set on seeing were barren of any hint of color.
Despite the heavy clouds, the approaching view of Gordes was still stunning.
The perched village of Gordes dates back to Roman times with a deep history of war, conflict and strife. Today, Gordes is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France and a walk through the narrow, steep cobblestone streets will surely be a treat.
In Roman times, villages were built high atop mountains in order for protection from invasion.
Buildings were built on top of one another slowly moving up the hill with views of the lush countryside peeking out.
The fertile land is used to grow a variety of produce that is for sale each week at the famous Gordes market. The brilliant purple lavender fields that are reminiscent of Provence were yet to bloom.
The biggest surprise during our visit to Gorges was the fabulous local market. Every Tuesday morning, local vendors set up their colorful stalls around the castle at the center of the village, offering a wide variety of eye-catching delights. You can stroll through the open-air market and sample french cheeses, local wines and sausages while perusing the gorgeous tables of handmade linens, soaps, baskets and clothing. It is a wonderful place to spend a morning and then grab lunch at one of Gordes many outdoor cafes.
The vendors were setting up their stalls just as we were arriving and after a delicious lunch at one of Gordes lovely outdoor cafes, we were certainly going to do some shopping. It wasn’t hard to find a place to eat good food nor was it difficult to decide what to order. Of course I had to have a salade aux chèvre chaud and a glass of icy cold Côtes de Provence.
No need for a menu…
My delicious salade aux chèvre chaud (salad with hot goat cheese)
After lunch, it was time to walk a bit and explore the town. As tempting as it head straight to shopping, the bustling market could wait until right before it was time to go. I knew I would be buying a lot of gifts and didn’t want to carry everything around with me while we were sightseeing.
The market in Gordes.
If you go
Here is a helpful website on Gordes and all its offerings.
Related posts:
The Magical Markets of Provence (Here is my post on the Gordes Market)
Reblogged this on damilolaadejumo and commented:
inspiring
I love local markets, and this looks like a special one! Those soaps!!
Great photos, Nicole 🙂
Thanks Marianne! I appreciate it! 🙂
Love that first “between the buildings” shot, Nicole. What a fabulous place.
I tried not to look too hard at the food 🙂
Thanks Jo! I’m glad you enjoyed. Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Yummy, food and market photographs.
Thanks! I really loved these villages. It was one of the best days we had during our trip. Wonderful!
Beautiful post, Nicole! I want to visit Provence Now 🙂
Thanks Amy! I loved Provence. It is just wonderful! 🙂
You’ve put together something special here! Merci!
de rien! Glad you enjoyed! How is your book coming? I hope all is well!!!
Oh, those colors at the market! What did you buy? My late husband and I took many trips to Europe together and those scenes of the market reminded me of the picnics–sausage, cheese, a baguette, and two pears. With our feet in the water somewhere. Those were the days!
Thanks so much! I bought a ton of lavender products mostly for gifts and also some pretty linens for my table. I loved Gordes. Truly gorgeous! 🙂
I started collecting Christmas ornaments on our travels. It’s so much fun to decorate the tree every year and tell my children the story behind each trinket!
What a wonderful idea!
great pics….and scenery. The buildings are built differently from that of what i get to see in cities. This can be due to weather conditions and many other factors. Undoubtedly they throw up idea to be used, should i be making a house. The silent path are beautiful.
Thanks so much! Yes Gordes is a gorgeous place and the buildings are really unique and old. I loved it there!
Oh, how I love these places and your photos make me yearn to return. Did you catch the market in Gordes?
Thanks so much! 🙂 Yes, I did indeed catch the market and did an entire post on it!!!! THe link is in this post and is called “The Magical Markets of Provence!” Sure to make you want to return ASAP!
Superb shots,Lovely place !!!
Thanks so much! 🙂
That is very beautiful! We hope to make it there someday. 🙂
http://areyoureadytoconquertheworld.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much! Looks like you just started your blog! Congrats! 🙂
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Amazing and beautiful photos, Lisa. I love the way the villages perched so seemingly precariously, but don’t fall over the edge. Just imagine doing the building work there! Your salad looks utterly scrumptious. 🙂
Thanks! 🙂