Why Visit Gourdon a Lovely Village in the Alpes-Maritimes

The medieval village of Gourdon offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and the Loup Valley. This quaint village in the Alpes-Maritimes region of Provence is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Recognized as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), Gourdon’s winding cobbled streets, charming stone houses, and historical landmarks make it a “must-visit” for travellers.

Among the landmarks that give Gourdon the designation “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” is Église Saint-Vincent, a 12th-century Romanesque church near the village center. Its bell tower is a prominent feature looming over the village’s narrow, cobbled streets and traditional stone houses, many dating back to the Middle Ages. Continue reading to see Deborah’s photos of their visit to this lovely town and details on the Medieval castle, the Château de Gourdon.

Why Visit Gourdon?

Just a short drive from Grasse and Cannes, Gourdon offers many reasons to explore and discover why it’s called “the Eagle’s Nest.”

©Côte d’Azur Tourism

This hilltop hamlet, perched at 760m, is home to only a few hundred people (368 in 2021). A sweeping panoramic view of the French Riviera coast enchants Gourdon’s visitors. On a clear day, you may see a long stretch of coastline from Nice to Theoule sur mer. Today’s hilltop beauty was constructed strategically in feudal times, as the elevated position provided visibility against attacking forces starting in the 8th century. The castle, Château de Gourdon, built over several eras, is a highlight and is well worth visiting for its historical significance. Don’t skip the castle gardens that were designed by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect who designed the Palace of Versailles gardens during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Today, you can drive to Gourdon. In the past, the only way to get there was on foot via a steep path called the Chemin du Paradis (the road to heaven).

You should stop at the Romanesque-style Church of Saint Vincent and the Chapel of Saint Pons, both of which date from the 12th century. Saint Vincent is the patron saint of Gourdon.

Office de Tourisme (website)
1 place Victoria
06620 Gourdon

Day Trip to Gourdon from Nice

Visit 4 Hilltop Villages from Nice

©Steve Wilkison

Parc des Rives du Loup

Parc des Rives du Loup, at 52 hectares, is a small park relative to these others. Located between Colle-sur-Loup and Villeneuve-Loubet, Rives du Loup is an excellent destination for a family outing. Stroll along shaded trails on the banks of the Loup River, or hire a kayak at La-Colle-sur-Loup.

5 Parks to Visit Near the French Riviera

Beaux Villages in Provence, Alpes, Côte d’Azur

France is full of enchanting villages; among the approximately 30,000 communes, there are thousands of beautiful ones. However, there are 181 Plus Beaux Villages de France, ranked as the most beautiful villages in the country. But how can there be such a precise figure? Easy! This is not a subjective opinion; it’s the number of villages that belong to an association. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is a formal “club” of 181 villages nationwide, including Corsica and the overseas territories.

The criteria for joining the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association are strict. They include having a population of under 2000 and at least two (2) historic monuments worthy of interest. There are also many more financial and practical obligations. Established in 1982, the association promotes tourism and safeguards heritage in small rural locations.

Beaux Villages in Provence and Côte d’Azur

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Deborah Bine

The Barefoot Blogger, aka Deborah Bine, loves to share tales of her solo life in France as an American expat who speaks no French. Retired from a career in advertising and marketing communications, and divorced after a 40-year marriage with children, Deborah left Beaufort, South Carolina and all of her belongings last year to move to the south of France. Now that she has found her "bliss," her passion is to encourage others to break away from whatever is holding them back and to go after their dreams. "We're on life's journey alone. Be certain you love where you are."

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