Come and discover the calm and serenity where time stands still.
This village enjoys a lofty position on a rocky plinth at an altitude
of 760 meters , less than 40 miles from Cannes.
Gourdon, which dominates the whole of the Loup Valley, offers an incomparable
view, 80km circumference, reaching from Theoule to Nice.
Gourdon is like an introductory ballad to this country of history
and culture, although also and more importantly an unforgettable stroll
through the heart of its lush vegetation, in complete harmony with
its soft and temperate climate.
In the past Gourdon was a village where stones were very important:
they were capable of protecting against the onslaughts of men and
of time, all of their colours and natural forms.
It originates from the earliest antiquity and has often served as
a fortress throughout the course of time, because of its impenetrable
geographical position.
The many vestiges, such as the Roman camps, roads and oppidums can
still testify to this, as can the fortress itself, which towers above
the valley from its height of 300 meters.
Built on the foundations of an ancient 9th/10th century fortress,
the castle in true provincial style dominates the whole of the West
of the village.
Beneath a pleasantly mellow and temperate sun, you will be able to
revel in the aroma of trees and flowers, as well as sample the subtle
flavours of honey and lavender.
The old village is not to be outdone and is well worth a visit.
Come and contemplate what time has pared, in a place where you can
sense the past: cobbled streets, bakers' oven, ancient houses, some
still decorated with foliage sculpted from wood, ancients portraits,
ramparts set with windows, the Victoria Square and the chapels.
A well developed selection of local handicrafts will lead you to discover
further surprises: perfumery, spiced bread, silk painting, honey,
glass-blowing, soaps and nougat….
There is something for everyone
Château de Gourdon
Tel: +33.493.09.68.02
In one visit discover the castle with its keep and its 2 towers
(made shorter during the revolution), the square courtyard and the
extraordinary view it offers.
The museum holds a collection of arms and furniture from the 15th,
16th and 17th centuries as well as a contemporary naïve paintings
and garden drawn by Le Notre.
Church/Chapel
Roman church of St Pons
None other than a chapel built between the 10th and 12th centuries,
advantageously possessing a Roman font, as well as relics of St
Vincent, St Luce and St Just.
Several Gourdon noblemen have been entombed beneath its alter. This
has helped the chapel to retain its originality.
There are many others chapels of the same calibre: the Chapel of
Ste Catherine (first church of Gourdon) and that of St Vincent.
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