GORDES

Cascading down the hillside, overlooking the Luberon Valley, Gordes is perfectly gorgeous… a gem in the region’s crown. It’s hard to imagine its residents, throughout history, have survived the plague, earthquakes, medieval invasions, bombings, and supported resistance fighters during World War II. In 1948 Gordes received the “Croix de Guerre” medal for being one of the most active centers of German Resistance during the occupation. Artist Marc Chagall and his wife called Gordes home for a period, prior to escaping the war and emigrating to the US. In the 1950’s-60’s Gordes attracted artists, and an artistic vibe permeated the village. It is a delight to meander through the maze of cobbled lanes, admiring the beauty at every turn. There are a number of great restaurants, hotels and a vast number of lovely holiday homes to rent, both in the village and its surroundings.

Sénanque Abbey is a short drive away, in a narrow valley on the other side of the hill. with its famous lavender field, and worth a visit by guided tour. The abbey, built of limestone in the Romanesque style, dates from the 12th century. It has been occupied by Cistercian monks since that time, other than a brief period in the 1920’s. Monks earn their income by selling lavender and honey