Gordes, France

Oh my gosh how to even begin to describe this beautiful little spot?! I had read about La Bastide de Gordes for years before we ever traveled here and it was once in a lifetime splurge for us. This is not the easiest place in the world to get to from Chicago so my mentality is always go big for one night because the odds are we will never make it back here! (I also always remind myself that I could die tomorrow, so let’s live it up today! …. I realize there are many flaws in that thinking and that I am a total beauty junkie 😉 ) However, La Bastide de Gordes was worth every single penny. The service was impeccable, the staff so kind and accommodating and the interiors of the hotel were perfectly designed. The hotel is built into the mountain and feels like an essential part of the town. The town of Gordes itself is a must-see. Gordes is striking and filled with some wonderful little bistros. One day Matt and I rented electric bikes and rode along the back roads which was so much fun. The land surrounding Gordes is filled with amazing summer homes set on olive groves and vineyards. We just had the very best time. The town of Gordes, like all the villages we visited, is small and you only need about an hour or two to explore it in its entirety. We had the most wonderful meal at Les Cuisines du Chateau in the center of the village. I would definitely recommend eating there. You would only need to stay in Gordes about a day or two to explore this gorgeous area. Driving around this area is totally do-able and you should not shy away from renting a car to explore the villages because there are so few people on the roads!