Village des Bories
Explore a preserved 18th-century village of unique dry-stone huts, a testament to Provencal ingenuity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Village des Bories
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a preserved 18th-century village of unique dry-stone huts, a testament to Provencal ingenuity.
"A truly beautiful place, rich in history and charm, making the experience smooth and enjoyable."
💰 Entry Fee Consideration
The €8 entry fee is considered pricey by some for a short visit.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the uneven stone paths of this historical village.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bories Huts
The entire village
Explore ancient dry-stone huts, marveling at the ingenuity of 18th-century farmers.
Historical Information Boards
Throughout the village
Learn about the history and construction of these unique structures with informative displays.
Local Artwork and Souvenirs
On-site shop
Browse unique artwork and find souvenirs related to the region and its history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Bories Village Experience
Combine with Gordes for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Entry Fee Consideration
The €8 entry fee is considered pricey by some for a short visit.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the uneven stone paths of this historical village.
⏱️ Allow 1-2 Hours
Spend time reading the informative boards and exploring the huts.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is available on-site, making access easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Entry Fee Consideration
The €8 entry fee is considered pricey by some for a short visit.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the uneven stone paths of this historical village.
⏱️ Allow 1-2 Hours
Spend time reading the informative boards and exploring the huts.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is available on-site, making access easy.
🗣️ Multilingual Information
Information boards are available in English and French.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Village des Bories for its rich history, unique dry-stone architecture, and informative displays, making it an engaging cultural experience. Its convenient location near Gordes and on-site parking are also highlighted as positives. However, some find the €8 entry fee a bit steep for the relatively short time it takes to explore the site.
"We visited around the middle of June and it was busy with a lot of tour groups or school trip visits which reflects it is a popular place to visit around this time of year and it is on the tour group itineraries for some good reason! We spent around an hour here and there are so many interesting information boards describing everything, so extremely informative and there was a lot to walk around. There is also a mini shop with souvenirs and information about the area as well as a lot of artwork from local people!"
Maya
"A truly beautiful place, rich in history and charm. The visits are well organized, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. Another great advantage is that there is parking available, which makes access very convenient.It is also ideally located, just a 10-minute drive from Gordes"
Mihai Cutina
"It's a great place to visit for the lovers of culture and history. We spent 2 hours there. Exciting and fun. It's also great to visit with school children. Good exhibits, with English and French captions."
Anna Csekő-Szél
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Village des Bories is located near Gordes in the Vaucluse department of Provence. It's easily accessible by car and is about a 10-minute drive from Gordes. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options directly to the Village des Bories are limited. It's best to visit by car or as part of a guided tour that includes Gordes and the surrounding Luberon villages.
Many visitors rent a car to explore the Luberon at their own pace, allowing flexibility to visit places like Gordes and the Village des Bories.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for the Village des Bories is €8 per person. Some visitors find this a bit steep for the duration of the visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Village des Bories, but it's always a good idea to check their official website during peak season.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Village des Bories website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the Village des Bories is considered a great place to visit with school children due to its historical significance and informative exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the Village des Bories, taking time to read the information boards and appreciate the unique stone structures. Some found it could be explored in as little as 15 minutes.
The village features approximately 28 dry-stone structures, including huts, animal enclosures, and living quarters, showcasing the ingenuity of past farmers.
Yes, there are facilities available, including restrooms and a small cafeteria or snack bar.
The village has uneven stone paths and is an outdoor historical site, which may present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
The Bories are remarkable examples of dry-stone construction, built without mortar. These structures were used by farmers and shepherds for shelter and storage, utilizing local materials.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture of the dry-stone huts from various angles. The surrounding Luberon landscape also offers beautiful backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed within the Village des Bories for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and respect the historical site.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the texture of the stone structures, making for more dramatic photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the €8 entry fee might seem a bit high for a short visit, the experience offers a tangible connection to history that textbooks can't replicate. Encourage kids to look closely at how the stones are fitted together and imagine life in these ancient structures. The relatively short exploration time also means it's unlikely to bore younger children.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship involved in building these structures without mortar, and understand their functional purpose as shelters, storage, and living spaces. The village's location near Gordes, another historical gem, further enhances the cultural immersion in Provence.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to capture the best atmosphere. The golden hour can cast dramatic shadows and highlight the rugged beauty of the bories. Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale and detail of these historical structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenuity of Dry-Stone Construction
Visitors are often amazed by the sheer scale and precision of these buildings. For instance, it's noted that it took approximately 13 tonnes of stone to build a small 6m² room. The orientation of the doors was even considered to protect against the prevailing winds, like the Mistral. This historical site offers a tangible connection to the rural past of Provence and the resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
Exploring the village allows you to appreciate not just the architecture but also the historical context of agricultural life in the region. The informative boards provide detailed explanations, making the visit both educational and visually engaging. It's a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that has largely disappeared.
A Perfect Pairing: Village des Bories and Gordes
Gordes itself is frequently lauded as one of the most beautiful villages in the world, known for its stunning medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and breathtaking panoramic views. While Gordes offers a more bustling tourist experience with its shops, cafes, and art galleries, the Village des Bories provides a quieter, more introspective journey into the region's agricultural past.
Together, these two destinations offer a rich tapestry of Provencal life – from the ancient, rustic charm of the bories to the picturesque grandeur of Gordes. Planning your visit to include both ensures you capture a significant part of what makes the Luberon so special.
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