Gourdon Village: A Hidden Gem in the French Riviera with the Most Incredible Views!

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Published on February 22nd, 2025 by Ersilia

Planning your French Riviera itinerary? Looking for the best villages in Provence to visit? Let me tell you about a hidden gem that should definitely be on your Provence itinerary!

Did you know there’s a medieval village perched so high in the French Riviera that you can see the entire coastline from Nice to Théoule? While most French Riviera itineraries focus on famous spots like Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Èze, I’m about to share one of the best-kept secrets of Provence.

I discovered Gourdon completely by accident while exploring the best villages in the French Riviera, and it turned into one of the most magical moments of our trip. What started as a simple coffee break on our way from Tourrettes-sur-Loup to Grasse (another must-visit village in Provence!) became an unforgettable adventure!

What Makes Gourdon Special

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of Gourdon. When you reach the parking lots before the village entrance, you suddenly understand why they call it the “Eagle’s Nest” of Provence. The panorama literally took my breath away – imagine the entire Côte d’Azur spread out before you, from Nice all the way to the Southern Alps!

The village sits dramatically at 760 meters above sea level, overlooking the verdant Loup Valley. From the Victoria Square (classified as a historic site in 1940!), you get what I think is the most spectacular view in the entire French Riviera – a full 80 kilometers of coastline!

The Journey is Part of the Adventure

Here’s a tip: skip the main road and take the winding mountain route through the Gorges du Loup. Trust me on this one! You’ll pass by the magnificent Cascades du Saut du Loup (absolutely worth a stop!), and each turn brings another stunning view.

We decided to make our visit even more exciting by combining it with a kayaking adventure in the Gorges du Loup. Just be warned – even in May, that water is ice cold! But wow, experiencing this dramatic landscape from the water is something else entirely.

Adventure Experiences You Can’t Miss On Your Way to Gourdon

While the views might bring you here, the adventures will make you stay! Let me tell you about the incredible experiences that made my trip unforgettable.

Les Gorges du Loup & The Waterfall

First, you absolutely cannot miss Les Gorges du Loup! These dramatic gorges are like something out of a movie, with their towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear river. The star of the show is definitely the Cascades du Saut du Loup – this magnificent waterfall is easily accessible from the road, and the sound of rushing water echoing through the gorge is just magical.

Honestly, this information was not mentioned even in our tourist guide, we found it by chance! So for me it’s definetly a hidden gem. It’s a small site, some might find it unimpressive. BUT sometimes you need to look behind the concrete bridge and the entrance fee, as the view you get it’s this:

Kayaking the Gorges (If You Dare!)

Let me tell you about our kayaking adventure – it was definitely memorable! Unlike the calm river experiences you might find elsewhere in France, the Gorges du Loup offers quite a challenge. We decided to brave it in May, and wow, was that water cold!

Here’s a tip from a beginner: maybe save this one for the warmer months if you’re new to kayaking like me! The current can be pretty strong, and while it’s incredibly exciting to paddle through these dramatic canyons, it’s definitely not your relaxing afternoon float. But if you’re up for an adventure, the perspective you get of the gorges from the water is absolutely worth the chilly splash!

Cycling Paradise

Here’s something I discovered by chance – Gourdon is actually a cyclist’s dream! During my visit, I met two families who had come specifically to ride the famous Tour de France routes. It’s pretty amazing to think you’re cycling the same paths as professional riders!

The location is perfect because you can choose between coastal rides with Mediterranean views or challenging mountain routes through authentic villages. Just be prepared for some serious climbs – these roads aren’t for the faint-hearted!

Paragliding Over the Côte d’Azur

Now, here’s something that will give you the ultimate eagle’s eye view – paragliding! The take-off spot is right at the entrance of the village, and I can’t think of a more perfect location. Imagine soaring over those medieval rooftops with the entire French Riviera coastline spread out before you! The professional school Ascendance offers flights with experienced pilots, and trust me, this is one experience you’ll never forget.

I discovered this only on site and it was too late to book a spot, so don’t make the same mistake! I linked two different agencies that offer this type of adventure (no commercial add for me here).

You can have an idea of the view in this video by SkyWalk’Air.

Village Life & Local Treasures

After all these adventures, the village itself offers its own charms. Gourdon is officially listed as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), and it totally deserves this title!

I fell in love with this tiny shop called “Confiseries Florian” where they make the most amazing candied fruits. You absolutely have to try their “Lamelles d’écorces de citron au sucre” – these candied lemon peel strips are the perfect balance of sweet and citrus. I may have bought a few extra boxes to take home!

The village is also known for its artisans, and walking through the animated narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. The 12th-century Romanesque church adds to that medieval charm, and the Provençal houses make every corner Instagram-worthy.

Where to Eat Like a Local

Here are two incredible restaurants that I recommend , as each offering something special.

La Taverne Provençale absolutely blew me away with its terrace views! Here you can enjoy your lunch surrounded by ancient stone buildings while gazing out over the entire valley. But it’s not just about the view – this family-run restaurant has been serving authentic Provençal cuisine since 1933, and wow, does that experience show in their food!

Their house specialty, the “Farandole provençale,” is a must-try! It’s this amazing spread of homemade local specialties – stuffed vegetables, pissaladière (a type of Provençal pizza), vegetable pie, and tapenade toast. I absolutely loved how they take traditional recipes and make them shine with fresh, local ingredients.

For meat lovers, don’t miss their Coq au Vin – it’s been perfected over four generations! And if you’re craving something lighter, their warm goat cheese salad is exactly what you want on a warm Provençal day. (I LOVE goat cheese salad!! definetly try it during your trip to France!)

Another gem I discovered is Au Vieux Four. While it doesn’t have the panoramic views of La Taverne, it offers something equally special – authentic local cuisine served in the most charming stone “ruelle” (narrow street). The atmosphere here is exactly what you dream of when you imagine a French village restaurant!

The region is famous for its local products, and these restaurants make the most of them. Look for dishes featuring local goat cheese, honey, lamb, and crystallized flowers – they’re all specialties of the Préalpes d’Azur area.

Quick Tips:

• Reservations recommended for La Taverne Provençale, especially for terrace seating
• Try to get a table at sunset – the valley views are incredible!
• Don’t skip dessert – the honey and almond tart is a local specialty
• Remember French lunch hours: 12:00-2:00 PM
• Ask for wine recommendations – they have an excellent selection of local wines
• Save room for their house-made desserts – the “Tarte miel et amande” is incredible!

Getting There & Practical Tips

You’ll definitely need a car to get here – it’s part of what keeps Gourdon so special and less touristy. From Nice or Cannes, it’s about an hour’s drive through some of the most scenic routes in the region.

If you’re using public transport, you can:

• From Antibes: Take the Envibus line 11 to Châteauneuf
• From Grasse or Nice: Take Bus 500 (Nice-Grasse line) to Châteauneuf

What to Do Around Gourdon

The area around Gourdon is part of the Préalpes d’Azur Natural Park, which is a paradise for nature lovers. You can:

• Hike the famous “Chemin du Paradis” – an old mule track with 537m elevation gain
• Try paragliding with the professional school Ascendance
• Go fishing in the Loup River
• Take the GR51 hiking trail
• Explore the Cavillore Plateau

Why Include Gourdon in Your French Riviera Itinerary?

When planning your Provence itinerary, Gourdon offers a perfect blend of what makes the best villages in the French Riviera so special. While tourists flock to the more famous medieval villages in Provence, this hidden gem gives you that authentic French Riviera experience you’ve been dreaming of!

I’d recommend allowing at least half a day in your French Riviera itinerary for Gourdon. It fits perfectly into a route exploring the best villages in Provence – you can combine it with visits to Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Grasse for the perfect Provence road trip itinerary.

The combination of breathtaking views, medieval charm, and authentic village life makes Gourdon a must-visit destination in the French Riviera. Whether you come for the panoramic views, the artisanal shops, or the hiking trails, this hidden gem offers something truly unique. Just remember to take your time here – some places are too beautiful to rush through!

Looking to explore more best villages in the French Riviera? Check out my guides to Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul-de-Vence for more hidden gems to add to your Provence itinerary!