The village of Les Bories
Want to immerse yourself in the history of Provence during your vacation in the Vaucluse? The village of Les Bories, located in Gordes on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse and facing the Luberon, is a must for any cultural visit to this corner of southern France.
This unique collection of dry-stone buildings (the famous bories), the heritage of a centuries-old tradition, transports you to the heart of Provencal rural life.
Get ready to immerse yourself in Provencal heritage with a visit to this village steeped in history, 82 km from our campsite in the Vaucluse.
A must-see site in Gordes
The village of Les Bories, at the entrance to the village of Gordes, is made up of over 400 dry-stone huts .
The site contains all the equipment essential to life in days gone by: bread ovens, sheepfolds, wine vats, wheat threshing floors and alleyways.
As you stroll through this labyrinth of dry stone, you’ll discover the soul of authentic Provence, shaped by generations of farmers and shepherds.
A living testimony to Provence’s pastoral past, the village of Les Bories illustrates the ingenuity of traditional building techniques.
This historic site, a true symbol ofdry-stone architecture, embodies the essence of Provence, with its rich history and emblematic architecture.
The Bories: witness to an ancient pastoral life
Bories are huts used mainly between the 18th and 19th centuries, but their origins go back much further, to the Neolithic period, making them a priceless heritage.
They served both as temporary shelters for shepherds and as storage facilities for farming tools.
Their ingenious, mortar-free design, made entirely of stacked stones, ensures natural insulation and great resistance to the elements.
This functional design illustrates the inhabitants’ adaptation to environmental conditions.
By grouping these huts together, the ancestors created veritable villages, fostering community life within the village.
A pillar of Provencal heritage
The bories, true guardians of the agricultural and pastoral traditions of Gordes and the Lubéron, embody a precious heritage from the past.
It’s not for nothing that the village of Les Bories has been classified as a historic monument.
More than mere relics, these dry-stone huts offer visitors an immersion in a traditional way of life, where every architectural detail tells an ancient story of this corner of the Lubéron.
The village of Les Bories is more than just an open-air museum; it’s a living testimony to Provencal culture.
This exceptional site in Gordes elegantly blends the beauty of stone with the serenity of the surrounding countryside.
It’s a place where history and nature come together in perfect harmony.
The village of Les Bories: practical information
To visit this Vaucluse tourist mecca, you’ll need to drive 82 km from our campsite to the village of Gordes.
Car parking is available nearby.
You can also take the free shuttle bus provided by the town hall (except Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays).
Remember to book it before your visit to the village of Les Bories, by contacting the Mairie de Gordes on 04 90 72 02 08 or by email at secretariat@gordes-village.com.
Admission is €8 for adults and €4 for students and children aged 12 to 17.
Admission is free for children under 12.
Reservations are not required for individual visitors.
If you wish to visit the village of Les Bories as part of a group (10 people or more), a reduced rate applies: 7€ per adult and 2€ per student for school groups.
Reservations are recommended.
Finally, if you’d like to continue your visit to this splendid Luberon site, there are a number of walks available in the surrounding area.
Ask at the tourist office.
With its narrow streets steeped in history, splendid scenery and enigmatic bories, the village of Les Bories in south-east France is a real invitation to discover the essence of Provence and the Lubéron.
What do we think?
It’s one of the sites you should definitely include in your vacation itinerary!
