Provence Goude Town ~ The Legendary Stone City

The town of Gordes, also known as the "Stone City", was built on the Vaucluse Mountains at an altitude of 340 meters. It overlooks the entire Calaon River and its valley area, and is far away from the Luberon Mountains. From the moment you arrive at the entrance of the village, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The town was built in the 11th century and has a history of nearly a thousand years. The houses in the entire town are made of locally produced granite. From a distance, it looks like a city in the sky, majestic and magnificent, with towering walls. All the buildings are integrated with the rocks, which is also the origin of the name "Stone City". For seven centuries, as the "guardian" of Provence, he has guarded Provence with its impregnable walls, tall houses, and maze-like narrow alleys. Gaudí Castle is located at the highest point of the entire town, and St. Firmin Church, restaurants and various handicraft shops are also scattered throughout the town. Senanque Abbey is located in the heart of the Senancole Valley, about 4 kilometers from the town of Gaudé. When it was first built in 1148, it was just a temporary residence built by poor monks. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Abbey of Sénanque reached its peak, operating four mills and seven farms. During the religious wars and the French Revolution, priests were expelled many times and the monastery was looted and sold many times. It was not until 1988 that it was returned to the church. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Cistercian Church in Provence for more than 800 years. The monks living here make a living by growing lavender and raising bees. The lavender field planted by the monks in front of the monastery is also one of the three most beautiful lavender fields in Provence.