*Gourdon village – The Eagle’s Nest of Provence is part 8 of South of France itinerary 12 days in Provence and the French Riviera
Is Gourdon village worth visiting?
Gourdon is one of the most beautiful villages in France (Le Plus Beaux Villages de France) only 12 km northeast of Grasse. The village is located on top of a rocky promontory at an altitude of 760 meters. From the rock there is a magnificent view of the valley of the Loup River and beyond to the Mediterranean Sea, from Nice to Theul. Because of its location, Gourdon village is also known as the “Eagle’s Nest ” of Provence.
It is no coincidence that the main attraction of the village is its panoramic view of the gorge with the sea. And this view was the reason we decided to go to Gourdon.
It was for this view that we went to Gourdon, but…
…due to the fog the sight that unfolded in front of us was this:)
How to get to Gourdon?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus 9 + 651 from Nice
Where to stay in Gourdon village?
- Le Cabanon de Gourdon – excellent location with mountain and sea views. It offers a terrace, breakfast and free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.7 and the price for a night for two is 150 EUR.
- Chambre d’hôtes insolite Dreams Bubble – stay in a bubble and admire the billions of stars at night. In addition, you get a jacuzzi, breakfast and free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 199 EUR.
- Gite le mandarinier – offers views, garden with barbecue, free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 136 EUR.
- Other suggestions
What to see in Gourdon?
I already mentioned that the top attraction is the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. But this medieval village is very attractive and beautifully restored. In the streets winding around the 12th century castle, dozens of artisans have opened shops and shops selling mainly perfumes, soaps and ceramics.
The ceramic shops and perfumeries
The chapel of Saint Vincent
The Saint-Vincent chapel was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. There are remains of ancient dwellings around. The frescoes of the chapel were painted in 1960 by Andre Torre, an artist from Grasse.
The clock at the back of St Vincent’s Chapel
The Gourdon fortress
Due to its location on top of a hill overlooking the entire Loup Valley, a fortress was built in the village as early as the 9th century, which withstood the invasions and wars that bloodied Provence. Gurdon was inhabited from Roman times, then by the Saracens, from the 8th to the 10th century. In the 12th century, the Counts of Provence, Lords of Gourdon, built a castle here РChateau de Gourdon. The castle was restored in the 16th century and includes a museum of decorative arts, a medieval museum, surrounded by gardens designed by the famous Andr̩ le N̫tre. Since 2015, the castle is owned by a Parisian family and is closed to the public.
The bronze sculpture of the hydra
Bronze sculpture of a hydra. The legendary hydra had nine heads and was attacked with deadly poison. One of the nine heads was immortal and therefore indestructible.
The fountain
The fountain at the entrance to the village was built in 1852 in honor of Jean-Louis Cavalier, who bequeathed 20,000 francs on July 18, 1847 for the construction of a public fountain.
The restaurants of Gourdon village
Take a sit in some of the many typical Provençal restaurants and try the typical French food. The restaurant and the cafe from the picture below are near the point of view to тхе Mediterranean.
The soap shops
Тhe production of handmade soaps is typical of the region. Visit some of the shops and bring the aromas of Provence into your home by purchasing for yourself and taking as a gift to your loved ones.
What to visit in the Gourdon area?
- Merveilles Cave
- Lacave Caves
- Montfort Castle
- Grass
- A day trip to the medieval villages and wine tasting
- Gorges du Verdon
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
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