A Day in Gordes
The magic of Provence lies in its charming hilltop villages, each with its own unique character and story to tell. Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, you’ll discover one of the most iconic Plus Beaux Villages de France— Gordes. Known for its breathtaking beauty, Gordes is a picture-perfect village where visitors gather at the cliffside entrance to capture its stunning view. And with good reason—this village is as photogenic as it is enchanting, with narrow alleyways, hidden boulangeries, and exceptional restaurants awaiting at every turn.
The view driving into Gordes.
At the heart of Gordes sits the luxurious Airelles Gordes, La Bastide, a hotel steeped in history. Built atop the medieval ramparts that once protected the town, it blends Provençal heritage with world-class luxury. Its dining options alone could keep you happily spoiled: La Table de La Bastide (formerly L’Orangerie), Clover, Le TIGrr, and La Bastide de Pierres, offering everything from French fine dining to Italian comfort to Asian flair. My family and I had stayed at La Bastide back in 2017, prior to it being acquired by Airelles, and I was happy to return with my husband Joe in 2024!
Our first morning waking up at La Bastide, we enjoyed the most glorious breakfast on the terrace. The buffet offered more than you could ever choose from - I kept sneaking madeleines! While Joe set off to golf at Golf de Saumane, I spent the morning wandering the cobblestone streets of Gordes. There’s something so calming about getting lost here—each turn brings a new view of the valley, a tiny boutique, or a quiet terrace with flowers spilling over the balcony.
A new shop had replaced a restaurant we frequented over the years - the old bar now turned into the cash register! After a bit of exploring, I stopped for an espresso at Le Cercle Républicain, a local café with the most beautiful view! Later, I visited the Église Saint-Firmin, the village’s beautiful stone church. Its quiet interior offered a cool, peaceful escape.
By late morning, I was ready for some true Provençal relaxation. The pool at La Bastide is easily one of the nicest I’ve experienced—set under olive trees, perched alongside the cliff, and surrounded by gardens. The sound of cicadas provided the perfect soundtrack as I relaxed with lunch and a glass of rosé before Joe arrived back at the pool for the rest of the afternoon.
Our evening was the highlight of the day: dinner at La Table de La Bastide (formerly L’Orangerie). The restaurant itself sits high above the valley, with sweeping views over the Luberon hills that are especially magical at sunset. Even though the evening turned rainy and we dined inside, our corner table by the windows was perfectly cozy and elegant.
We started with a glass of Veuve Rosé Champagne, followed by a Burgundy white and a Lirac red. The bread basket came with warm ciabatta and the hotel’s famous Estoublon olive oil.
The courses were nothing short of spectacular, and some standouts included:
Spider crab-broccoli bisque, beautifully served in the crab shell itself.
Beef with gnocchi and a rich jus that was out of this world.
A playful “surf and turf” of porc and langoustine, paired with farro risotto—the kind of dish we’d happily recreate at home.
Gordes can be busy (and with good reason), but this hilltop village captures the true essence of Provence!
