A beautiful little village hanging off the side of a mountain is known as one of Europe’s best places to visit.
Gordes in France Provence region has a rich history, beginning its life as a fort of the Celtic tribe the Vordenses and it is packed with stone houses and buildings lining the hillside.
The village has beautiful cobbled streets which lead up to its medieval castle, which was expanded and transformed during the 14th and 16th centuries.
During World War Two, the village was a resistance centre and was awarded the Croix de Guerre metal.
In its post-war life, the town became a centre for the arts attracting artists such as Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely, and Pol Mara.
Nowadays the village is packed with quaint bars and restaurants, serving delicious French cuisine set against the area’s stunning backdrop.
Hikers will be able to explore Le Sentier des Ocres, which features marked paths which lead through a colourful collection of red and yellow cliffs.
One Tripadvisor review read: “We spent an afternoon hiking the short trail and enjoyed it very much. The information boards were very helpful in letting us know the significance of what we were seeing.
“I should note that there are a lot of stairs involved which can be an issue with some visitors.”
But for those who prefer a more leisurely trip, there is the Art Gallery Contemporary Tapiézo, which reflects the village’s artistic history, as well as an array of historic structures such as the Village des Bories, Moulin de Jerusalem and Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque.
For a more bizarre experience, there is the Musee Du Tire-Bouchon, otherwise known as the Corkscrew Museum, a collection of more than 1,200 corkscrews.
One Tripadvisor review of the museum read: “A beautiful collection of corkscrews from the classic corkscrew which we all know to the erotic corkscrew, as well as corkscrew canes, corkscrew weapons, luxury Hermes or Cartier corkscrews and many others.
“It can also be viewed alongside the cellars, tasting the wines and visiting the botanical garden.”
I absolutely adore villages like this! The rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Europe. The hiking trails sound intriguing, but I can understand how the many stairs could be challenging for some visitors. Overall, it seems like a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty.
This village looks absolutely stunning! I have always been a fan of quaint little towns with rich history, and Gordes seems to tick all the boxes. The cobbled streets, medieval castle, and the artistic influence make it a must-visit for anyone exploring France. I hope to visit it someday.