Saint-Firmin Palace Cellars
Explore a 1000-year-old underground village, a marvel of history and engineering, meticulously restored by a dedicated family.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Saint-Firmin Palace Cellars
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 1000-year-old underground village, a marvel of history and engineering, meticulously restored by a dedicated family.
"An astonishing marvel of arts, history, architecture and engineering, truly worth visiting."
🧥 Dress in Layers
Caves are cool year-round, even in summer! Bring a light jacket. :cloud:
⏳ Allow Extra Time
A short video precedes the tour; sometimes there's a small wait. :hourglassflowingsand:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Cave Village
Underground
Explore a 1000-year-old underground marvel of arts, history, and engineering.
Restoration Story
Throughout the caves
Witness the incredible 40-year restoration effort by a dedicated family.
Historical Workshops
Various sections
See ancient olive oil mills, tanning areas, and shoe-making setups.
Well-Maintained Gardens
Above ground
Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with fruits and flowers after your cave tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Caves
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
Caves are cool year-round, even in summer! Bring a light jacket. :cloud:
⏳ Allow Extra Time
A short video precedes the tour; sometimes there's a small wait. :hourglassflowingsand:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers offer deep insights and a personal connection to the history. :speech_balloon:
🚗 Park Smart
Use the Charles de Gaulle parking lot for ample space. :red_car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
Caves are cool year-round, even in summer! Bring a light jacket. :cloud:
⏳ Allow Extra Time
A short video precedes the tour; sometimes there's a small wait. :hourglassflowingsand:
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers offer deep insights and a personal connection to the history. :speech_balloon:
🚗 Park Smart
Use the Charles de Gaulle parking lot for ample space. :red_car:
🧐 Read Info Sheets
Take time to absorb details about the restoration and history. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the historical significance and the remarkable restoration of the Saint-Firmin Palace Cellars. The underground village offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient trades, and the family's dedication to preserving the site is highly commendable. While the introductory video's subtitles can be brief, the overall experience is considered well worth the modest entry fee.
"We visited whilst in Gordes. A slight wait to watch a video which they insist on you seeing before entering the caves. Its quite interesting and does give you alot of background which is good. It was in French with English subtitles but the subtitles were up only a very short time so you had to read fast!! It was interesting walking around and seeing the history and appreciating the effort that has gone into restoring these caves."
Carolyn Dexter
"My 12 year old son and I loved this. Its run by the family who discovered these amazing 1000 year old caves and restored them. The caves themselves are beautiful and it is worth spending a bit of time looking at the details explained in the info sheets provided. The staff member was super nice. We spent about 40 minutes here."
Amy Ballantyne
"This underground cave village is an astonishing marvel of arts, history, architecture and engineering.
About 1000 years old, they were discovered about 60 years back by a family and then it took 40 years for them to restore it.
You’ll find the horse operated olive oil mill, storage for grains, olives & water, leather tanning and shoe making stuff, so on and so forth.
As you enter, after buying a 6€ person ticket, you get to watch a movie describing the history and restoration work. Everything here is available in French and in English.
The lady at the reception is amazingly exciting and explains everything about the caves with passion.
After the movie, you get to see the restored caves. Some caves are under restoration.
After that you can visit the gardens, which are very well maintained and are filled in with fruits and flower.
There are places to sit back for the view or to have some snacks.
Parking is the concern. Please park at the parking Charles de Gaulle, which is at the walking distance has a lot of space.
The caves are closed in winters (they’re really cold even in summers).
You may interact with lot of volunteers there. Talking with them will help you get deeper knowledge and connection with this place."
NITENDRA SINGH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cellars are located near Gordes. Parking is available at the Charles de Gaulle parking lot, which is within walking distance.
Yes, the Charles de Gaulle parking lot is recommended for its space and proximity.
Information on public transport options is limited, but driving and parking at Charles de Gaulle is a reliable method.
Gordes is best accessed by car. From Avignon or other nearby cities, follow signs for Gordes.
The underground nature of the cellars and uneven surfaces may present challenges. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are approximately 6€ per person. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially during peak season.
The cellars are closed during the winter months due to the cold. Opening hours can vary seasonally, so checking their official website is advised.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but the historical content and cool temperatures might be more engaging for older children and adults.
Your ticket includes access to the underground cave village, a short introductory video about its history and restoration, and access to the gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 40 minutes to an hour exploring the caves and gardens.
While not a formal guided tour, the introductory video and information sheets provide historical context. Engaging with passionate volunteers can also offer deeper insights.
You'll discover ancient workshops for olive oil production, leather tanning, shoe making, grain storage, and more, all beautifully restored.
Restroom facilities are typically available on-site.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always good to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no full restaurants, the gardens offer places to sit and enjoy snacks you might bring.
Yes, visitors can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy in the garden areas.
Gordes, being a charming village, offers several restaurants and cafes for dining options.
You can expect traditional Provençal cuisine, including local specialties, cheeses, and wines.
It's often recommended to explore the cellars first and then enjoy a meal in Gordes afterwards, or have a light snack in the gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored workshops, the unique underground architecture, and the vibrant gardens offer excellent photo opportunities.
It's best to avoid flash photography inside the caves to protect the historical artifacts and maintain the atmosphere.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the underground sections. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive spaces.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites for safety and preservation reasons. Check with management if unsure.
While you can take photos of the space, it's polite to refrain from filming or photographing the video content itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a light jacket for the cooler cave temperatures, as kids might feel the chill more. The gardens above ground offer a pleasant space for them to run around and enjoy nature after exploring the caves.
💰 Budget Travelers
To further save money, pack your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in the gardens, as on-site food options are limited.
🏛️ History Buffs
Engaging with the passionate volunteers is highly recommended, as they can provide in-depth knowledge and anecdotes that bring the history to life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Restoration of Saint-Firmin Palace Cellars
The discovery and subsequent restoration of these caves is a story in itself. Approximately 60 years ago, a family stumbled upon this hidden underground world. It then took them an astonishing 40 years of dedicated work to meticulously restore and preserve the site. This family's passion and commitment are evident throughout the cellars, making the visit not just a historical exploration but also an appreciation of their incredible effort.
An introductory video, shown before entering the caves, details this fascinating history and the extensive restoration process. While the video is primarily in French, English subtitles are provided, though some visitors note they appear briefly.
Exploring the Underground Village
Further exploration reveals spaces used for leather tanning and shoe making, demonstrating the artisanal skills of the past. The cellars also served as crucial storage for grains and water, highlighting their importance for sustenance and survival.
Visitors are provided with information sheets that detail the purpose and history of each area, allowing for an immersive and educational experience. The sheer scale and preservation of these underground workshops are truly awe-inspiring, offering a unique perspective on medieval life and industry.
Beyond the Caves: Gardens and Surroundings
The gardens provide a peaceful setting to relax and reflect on the historical journey. There are designated places to sit back, enjoy the views, and perhaps have some snacks you've brought along.
While the primary draw is the historical underground village, the gardens add an extra layer to the visit, making it a well-rounded experience. They are a testament to the continued care and dedication of the family who manages the site, ensuring beauty and history coexist.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit