Overlooking the listed village of Gordes, La Bastide is a charming, typically Provencal Palace, with an exceptional view over the Luberon massif.

Renovated in the spirit of the 18th century Aix bastides, La Bastide is a Palace in the heart of the Luberon, set above the village of Gordes, classified as one of the most beautiful in France. Its terraces and hanging gardens give way to an almost endless view of lavender fields and olive groves which you can marvel at from the shade of the cypress trees, surrounded by dry stone walls. Inside, period wooden furniture, portraits and fabrics hark back to 18th-century Provence, when the French ‘art de vivre’ was at its height.

The 34 Rooms and six Suites in the South of France Palace are furnished to enhance the historic heritage of this exceptional building. While some offer views of Gordes village, others of the valley and beyond, each room boasts antique furniture carefully chosen from all over France, which gives every room an intimate feeling, heightened by the woodcarvings and soft furnishings.

La Bastide’s teams take care of every little thing, wanting to make every moment spent at our Palace unforgettable. Constant attentiveness contributes to the warm and intimate atmosphere of the place. Memories will remain of a stay where everything is done to surprise and delight the guests.

So that you can make the most of the region’s riches, La Bastide has come up with a variety of experiences for all ages. Every Saturday from May to September, you can recharge in this idyllic place, thanks to yoga sessions held in the gardens. As night falls, La Bastide arranges outdoor cinema showings which you can enjoy in the garden, as a family or as a couple. Those who love starry skies can learn the secrets of the stars and planets every Friday after 10pm with an astronomer. Finally, throughout the season, the dynamic DJ Liz Candy plays sets live some evenings on the hotel bar’s terrace.

Sporty types will also be delighted by the range of activities offered by La Bastide: from horse riding, kayaking to electric bikes, everyone can find their own type of adventure.

At La Bastide, children are particularly spoiled. As well as their own pool, there’s also a games rooms and shady terraces where many activities have been designed especially for them: magic shows, treasure hunts, drawing and caricature workshops fill their days and will leave them with unforgettable memories.

With five different restaurants ranging from a typical trattoria to an upmarket bistro, there is something for everyone at this Gordes Palace. At l’Orangerie, La Bastide’s original restaurant, you’ll eat suspended between the sky and the earth, with a view of the Luberon. In this exceptional location, local products are transformed into refined Mediterranean dishes.

Jean-François Piège’s Clover Gordes also offers a top culinary experience of regional products, made extra special by the inimitable touch of this Michelin-starred chef.

And for an international lunch somewhere with plenty of charm, you’ll love La Bastide des Pierres, a typical trattoria in the heart of the village, while Le TIGrr, at the edge of the village, offers surprising Asian Provencal fusion on its menu.

As well as a wide range of restaurants, the iconic Maison Ladurée has set up shop for summer just a few steps from La Bastide, in the heart of Gordes. Founded by Louis Ernest Ladurée in 1862, this tearoom is known throughout the world for its patisserie expertise, and especially for its macarons. In this Luberon Palace, the famous Ladurée pastel tones blend with the terracotta and the marble to give a typically Provencal touch. You can enjoy a tasty breakfast, a light lunch, an afternoon tea or a refreshing early evening drink on the shady terrace, surrounded by magnificent décor at any time of day.

Forbes Travel Guide, 2023