Gordes: Guided Hike to Sénanque Abbey｜France

Gordes, sitting proudly and defiantly above the Calavon Valley, was recently declared the Most Beautiful Village in the World. They're not wrong. The ancient cobbled streets climb in a labyrinth of twists, amid massive stone homes, some in disrepair, up to the Renaissance castle that crowns the village.

Gordes has become a victim of its success however, crowded with "content creators" and tourists, vying for position at its postcardable vantage points.

Hiking however, avoids the crowds and cameras, as the village streets give way almost immediately to ancient paths: they're lined with dry-stone walls, once separating farmers fields, now sprinkled with wildflowers and punctured by fig trees. We'll pass the "Herbs of Provence" and chat about their virtues and uses in Provençal cuisine. We'll pass dry-stone huts used for centuries by shepherds, seeking shelter from the sun or the cold, their thick walls keeping out the elements. We'll remain in the heart of nature, in the Luberon Park, far from the busy streets.

The paths will lead directly to Sénanque Abbey, jewel of medieval architecture, nestled at the base of its valley since 1148. And completely intact. I'll show you the carvings made by masons, still etched in stone after close to nine centuries. As an option (not included) you can visit the inside of the monastery, but much can be seen from the outside, especially as we climb above the buildings on a secluded path.

The paths will lead us directly back to the centre of Gordes, with outstanding aerial views of the abbey. Back in Gordes we can enjoy a cold drink or café in the oldest bar in the village.