Summer in Provence - part 2 : Gourdon

Thierry
15.4.2024
2 min käytetty lukemiseen

Päivitetty: 18.1.

From the stunning South of France, it has been a cherished endeavor of Stella and myself to share our knowledge and experiences of this remarkable region with our friends and family. This blog consists a series of short articles where we will introduce to you the most enchanting places we have had the pleasure of visiting during our summer expeditions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. We hope that this collection will serve as a source of inspiration for your future holiday destinations. Join us on this journey!

The Enchanting Beauty of Gourdon

google map directions from Nice to Gourdon

In our first post of this series, we talked about Fayence. Today, we'll talk about Gourdon. Gourdon is located about 50 minutes from Nice and an hour drive from Fayence. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Loup valley. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage.

On arrival in the village, you are immediately struck by the beauty and authenticity of this place. The stone houses draped with clouds of flowers give the village an idyllic appearance which is typical of the south of France. Gourdon has a medieval castle that dates back to the 9th century, with splendid gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the famous landscape architect of Versailles.

Walking through the pedestrian street of this little village, you will meet a range of different stores and tradesmen. You will find yourself submerged by Provenceal scent lingering in the air from all these stalls and vendors.

Shoppers can find in Gourdon several artisanal shops sellling a wide selection of cosmetics and soaps. Some of the most popular aromas are verbena, jasmine and rose. Verbena, which is typical of South of France, is appreciated for its fresh, light and uplifting caracter. Jasmine is a flower that is sweet, fruity and lively. It is used and central to many perfume compositions all over the world. The scent of rose is well known since centuries for its intense yet delicate, sensual touch.

Interested to discover more? Check out our online finnish boutique here, and discover verbena, jasmine and rose based fragrances from Provence.

After traversing several hundred meters through the village, you’ll arrive at the ‘Belvédère de la place Victoria’, named in honor of Queen Victoria who graced this place with her presence in 1891. The breathtaking view from the village terrace overlooking the Riviera will leave you in awe. From an elevation of nearly 760 meters, you’ll have the delight of witnessing the vast expanse of the crystal blue sea stretching from Nice to Cannes. Perched atop the so-called ‘eagle’s nest,’ you’ll have the chance to soak in the spectacular panorama and let the gentle high-altitude breeze soothe you.