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Gordes or Bonnieux for Provence base?

Posted by (Connecticut ) on

I’ll be heading to Provence in early July and can’t decide where to stay!

I have found two accommodations that look great. One in Gordes and the other in Bonnieux. I will say that we are more attached to the accommodation in Gordes.

We have heard the downside to Gordes is that it is very touristy but our plan would be to spend the day exploring other areas and come back to Gordes to relax and have dinner.

Does anyone have a preference when it comes to either town?

We are spending the previous 3 nights in Avignon to explore Avignon, Pont Du Gard, Uzes and Arles.

Our plan for the next 4 days is to visit the Luberon villages, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue market, St-Remy and Les Baux.

Thank you!

Posted by
7029 posts

I didn't stay in either of them, but I visited both. My personal preference for a base would probably be Gordes. I loved Bonnieux. But I think it would be a bit too small for me. Even though Gordes may be considered more touristy, I think it might have a bit more going for it for a multi night stay. More access to services, etc.

Posted by
6894 posts

I share the preference for Gordes! Once day trippers have left, it will be quieter, and I will say that if Gordes is more touristy than the other villages, it is for a reason... probably the most impressive of the Lubéron villages, at least for me.

Posted by
16 posts

Thanks for the input!

I have heard that some people say Gordes is a little too “polished” for some people. Is this true? Obviously they find it absolutely beautiful but not as authentic as other Luberon towns.

We also have the option to stay at a great villa in Lourmarin but worth it might be a little out of the way.

Posted by
6894 posts

The notion of "authenticity" is hard to define... It is true that Gordes has more than its fair share of luxury properties, but then most Luberon villages have been extensively renovated in the past 40 years, and they only support permanent populations of 1,000-2,000 so whatever local life there is, is fueled by tourism.
What I do not like about Bonnieux is the through traffic. There isn't much, but it is still quite intrusive to me, and Gordes has more pedestrian alleys.

Lourmarin is also very polished and very pretty. Location is less convenient than Gordes to visit the main Luberon villages, but it gives similarly decent access to St Rémy / les Baux, and much faster access to the lavender fields of Valensole if they are of any interest to you (early July is peak bloom).

Posted by
16 posts

Good to know about Lourmarin!

My only worry is that we could be driving too much if we stay there. Would it work for our planned itinerary?

Friday- Lourmarin market. Rent E-bike in Bonnieux for the afternoon

Saturday- St-Remy, Les Baux

Sunday- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue markets

Monday- Gordes, Roussillon and other northern villages

I guess the biggest downside would be if we want to have dinner in somewhere like Gordes and then we would have a longer drive back in the evening.

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