Weekend in Gourdon

Gourdon is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This village is also one of the most visited villages in the Côte d’Azur and a very touristic place because of its beauty. The village is built on a rocky mountain of 760 meters of altitude, which may take a long time to go to by car or you can do it on foot for the most courageous.

This village has a lot of history. It was occupied by the Romans and suffered the Muslim invasions from the 8th to the 10th century. During the 9th century, the first fortress is built. Gourdon is able to keep an eye on the whole valley. In this village, we can still see traditional Provence houses and alleys with a population less than five hundred people.

First thing that you should do in Gourdon is take a look at the magnificent view. There is a whole panorama around the village. You can see the Mediterranean because it’s 10 kilometres away from Gourdon in bird’s eye. You can also see other villages and a magnificent view on the mountains from the north.

Gourdon is also one of the most visited villages in the Côte d’Azur because of lots numerous, historical chapels, churches and castles. There is the Roman chapel Saint Pons, built in the 12th century. Speaking of religious architecture, there is the church of Saint Vincent, also built in the 12th century. This church is classified as a historical monument; the slabs of this church are still the same ones since it was built.  The Middle Aged castle which is a very old building has a square tour and three other towers. It also has a dungeon. We can visit this this castle. It has been transformed into a museum full of antiques, paintings and Middle Age weapons and Decorative Art. There is also a very nice garden.

Other places you can visit in Gourdon are the traditional artisanal shops, you can take a stroll on the “chemin du Paradis” that leads you from Gourdon to Bar-sur Loup.     

In Gourdon, you can taste all the traditional food of the Côte d’Azur: Aioli, a special sauce made out of garlic sauce and mayonnaise served with vegetables. You can also eat stews, ratatouille and pesto soup. You especially eat fish because you are very near the Mediterranean.

Nigel Baldacchino
 

Tags: Weekend in France