Hidden Gems: Gordes

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

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

For more Hidden Gems, visit the UAS Blog