Out-of-the-way Gourdon is located 760m above sea-level - its territory reaching as high as 1300m above sea-level. It offers views of the Loup Valley and Grasse’s territories below and is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

80km of views stretching from Nice to Théoule

A panoramic map has been erected on an enamelled lava stone slab in Victoria Square to help visitors understand the panoramic views that stretch for 80km below them, from Grasse to the Loup Valley. From the village’s only entrance, you enter a world of inviting medieval lanes where you will find a 12th century Roman church and high ramparts that overlook the valley.

A panoramic walking trail … pocket torch required!

Just 1km from the village, there is a path that runs parallel to the water. It is used to facilitate maintenance of the water channels, but it also serves as an ideal 4.5 hour round-trip walking route. The path winds its way above the Loup Gorges offering many vantage points over the valleys below, and includes a few footbridge crossings, tracts over rocky ridges and, unusually, passes through tunnels dug out of the mountain-side.

Visit the castle’s sloping gardens

While the Château de Gourdon, classified as a French Historic Monument, does not have a museum, it does have gardens, which are open to the public for reserved group bookings and guided tours from April to September. These important gardens were designed by André Le nôtre, who also designed the gardens at Versailles. The Château’s main terrace, la Terrasse d’honneur, is bordered by an Italian Garden, a medicinal garden, which includes a sundial, and a Provençal garden.

The kingdom of the pain d’épice


This small family brand with a big reputation, is a mecca for lovers of pain d’épice! Open every day from 11.00am, it offers a range of plain and flavoured (chocolate, orange, fig, hazelnut, etc.) pains d’épice. Apart from this headlining product, La Marquisette also sells honey, nougat and several spirits.

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Valérie Pellegrini