French Santorini: a must-see medieval village in the South of France classified as the Most Beautiful Village in France this summer

In the heart of the Vaucluse, a perched village is a traveler’s dream. Classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages in Franceits light-colored houses stand on a spur facing the Luberon. The spirit glides to the Cyclades without leaving Provence.

Gordes, a stone balcony overlooking the Luberon

Gordes impresses on approach, with its cascading silhouette. Your gaze takes in the valley, then lingers on the cobbled streets. Yet local life is still very much alive behind the blond facades.

The label “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages in France) recognizes a living heritage. And the dry stone and low walls tell the story of rural know-how. At sunset, the light gilds every relief.

Why this Cycladic charm

The light volumes, luminous stone andazure sky are in constant dialogue. The overall effect is reminiscent of a Mediterranean postcard. It doesn’t take long to earn the nickname “French Santorini”.

“As the sun sets, the pale stone sets ablaze and silence overtakes the village.”

But the comparison stops at sensations. Here, the stone is honeyed, not limed. On the other hand, the magic works in the same simple, immediate way.

Photographers enjoy soft light in the morning. Then, the end of the day offers sharp contrasts. What’s more, the mistral often clears the horizon.

• Sunrise for quiet, empty streets.
• Late afternoon for the west-facing panorama of the Luberon.
• Respect for private areas and lavender crops.
• Non-slip shoes on polished cobblestones.
• Water and a hat in summer, the heat can be surprising.

Preparing for a calm, responsible visit

TheAbbaye de Sénanque nestles in a nearby valley. In season, the lavender rows attract many visitors. So it’s best to aim for quiet hours and respect the cultivated areas.

You can explore the center on foot, leaving your car in dedicated parking lots. So plan ahead for busy periods. What’s more, the local shuttle bus can take the strain off the last few meters.

This village, classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, is alive and kicking all year round. However, some terraces close in winter. So a stay in spring or September offers a good balance.

Budget, access and best practices

From the nearest TGV station, the car is often the easiest option. Bus connections are also available, but take time. You’ll need to budget for comfort, especially in high season.

The Plus Beaux Villages de France label attracts a wide audience. So courtesy makes all the difference to local residents. Please avoid drones, excessive noise and trespassing.

Ideas for routes around the village

The Luberon Regional Nature Park rolls out hills, vineyards and olive groves. In just one day, you can link several hilltop villages. An itinerary linking several Plus Beaux Villages de France makes sense here.

The marked trails offer accessible walks. On the other hand, the heat means early starts in summer. So take water with you and check your bearings before setting off.

In terms of rural history, the Village des Bories illustrates the use of dry stone. What’s more, this architecture tells of a deep connection with the land. It’s easy to understand the quiet strength of this listed landscape.

• Most Beautiful Villages in France