Gourdon

My parents and I were in the kitchen, having a loud discussion about where to go for a day trip.
I wanted to go to Grasse, my mother wanted to go to Valensole, and my father did not know what he wanted. Suddenly my aunt interrupted, and firmly said: “You have to go to Gourdon! It is really beautiful and not too far away if you go by car”. End of discussion, my parents and I went to Gourdon (not my aunt though, when we asked her if she wanted to join us she said she “had to stay by the pool side”.).

Gourdon is situated in the mountains above Grasse, in the region of Provence- Alpes- Cote d'Azur. It has a small area of 22.53 km2 and even less than 500 inhabitants. It is isolated on a mountain peak, and in the old days it was probably used as a place for defense. This little city is located 1355 meters above sea level, and it offers an alluring panoramic view of a fantastic landscape.

The most convenient way to go here is probably by car. Although, I recommend you to bring a map, and to be at least two people in the car, one for driving and one for reading the map. The roads in the Mediterranean area are winding and the lack of efficient traffic signs is palpable, so this requires an experienced driver. You can also go here by public transportation, there are buses from Grasse. However, this can be a bit tricky since the buses only depart a couple of times per day.

Even though getting here is a bit complicated, it is absolutely worth the effort. This old village is extremely charming, with a genuine atmosphere and narrow streets. Not to mention the absolutely stunning view, which you could admire for hours. Along the streets you will find some restaurants, cafes and small boutiques. If you are looking for a present I propose a visit to one of the shops, they all have a lot of fine soaps and perfumes to a reasonable price.

My parents and I spent the day discovering this beautiful little village, just walking around, taking photos of the breathtaking view, and doing some shopping. We finished this lovely excursion by sitting down in restaurant with outdoor seating to have some lemonade, before we went home and had a barbecue with the rest of the family.

Oceane©