Gourdon

Visit Gourdon, Provence

Gourdon is one of the 'most beautiful villages of Provence', situated 12 kilometres north east of Grasse. (Wrong Gourdon? see Gourdon, Lot!)

As you approach Gourdon on the road from the south, climbing ever higher through the rocky forested valley, you can't help but be impressed by your first view of the village. Gourdon sits high on top of a rocky promontory at an altitude of 760 metres, from where it has magnificent views over the valley of the Loup River and beyond to the Mediterranean, from Nice to Theoule - a long way!.

It is also known as the 'Eagle's Nest' because of this exalted position.

Explore Gourdon

Gourdon really is one of the most stunning of the 'perched villages of Provence' and the main attraction of the village is the far-reaching views, which are ample reward for coping with the tourist crowds for a couple of hours. There is a viewpoint at the end of the village from where these are best appreciated.

The other main highlight in Gourdon is the 9th century (rebuilt in the 16th century) Chateau de Gourdon, which includes a Museum of Decorative Arts, a Medieval Museum, and is surrounded by gardens designed by the renowned Andre le Notre.

The village itself is inevitably very attractive, beautifully restored, and with medieval streets lined with beautiful old houses, artisan shops selling perfumes and crafts etc.But be aware that Gourdon is a very small village, little more than one short 'main street' and a couple of side-streets, and it is also a 'main stopping point' for a large number of the coaches that tour the region.

As a result, in Gordes you get more sense of being in a tourist attraction than in a real village. I would guess there are very few permanent residents in the village itself so Gourdon does miss that aspect of the charm of many of the Provencal villages.

Of course I am not trying to deter you from visiting, in fact a visit is highly recommended, especially for the approach to the village and the castle and views in the village, but don't ONLY visit Gourdon!

Just remember that there are other villages that have equally good views and a more authentic village feel to them in the region - although perhaps none that look quite so awesome as Gourdon does from across the valley!

Attractions nearby

An alternative interesting way to reach Gourdon is by the old mule track from Bar-sur-Loup.

Of the many interesting towns and villages in the area and along the coast around Gourdon one we particularly recommend is Valbonne, in part because it gets less attention than we think it deserves!

Photos of Gourdon (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Gourdon: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*; One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Gourdon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Valbonne 9km; Vence 11km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 12km; Mougins 13km; Valmasque Parc 14km; Biot 14km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 15km; Saint-Cezaire-sur-Siagne 17km; Cannes 19km; Antibes 19km; Mandelieu-la-Napoule 20km; Juan-les-Pins 20km; Montauroux 20km; Callian 21km; Mons 21km; Cap d'Antibes 23km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Gourdon

Gourdon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la Villa Fort de France - remarkable garden (8km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (10km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (13km) : Grottes de Saint-Cezaire - site of natural beauty (15km) : Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret - remarkable garden (19km) : Abbaye de Lerins (Cannes) - religious monument (19km) : Parc du château de la Napoule - remarkable garden (22km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (23km) :

French version: see Gourdon (Francais)