The journal · late season
October, the real season.
People who know Gordes come back in October: the light turns the chestnut trees gold, the grounds empty out, and the village becomes a village again. It is the insiders’ season — and the most relaxed time of year to book the house.
Summer makes Provence’s reputation; the fall makes its memories. In October, you can walk the calades (cobbled lanes) of Gordes without meeting a tour group, the Tuesday market returns to the pace of its regulars, and you can pick where to have dinner on the day. At the house, breakfast drifts toward a slower hour and reading under the chestnut trees comes back into its own.
It is also the season for wine cellars: Domaine Trélus, Mas des Infermières, Château La Canorgue, Domaine de la Citadelle, Domaine Les Davids — the five estates we recommend finally have time to talk about their year. Their addresses, where verified, are on Luberon winemakers. Tell us what you like to drink, and we’ll call ahead for you. For the list of things to do in the village, off-season: things to do in Gordes.
The honest argument
Rates come down with the crowds.
The same house, the same breakfast by the pool, the same in-person welcome — from €350 per night in October, when summer starts at €490. Actual prices, date by date, are shown on each room page.
Late-season questions
October, in practice.
Is Villa Hautvallon open in October?
Yes — availability and rates by date can be checked online, room by room. The late season is in fact one of the times we most enjoy sharing with our guests.
What is there to do in Gordes in October?
The village, handed back to the people who live there: the calades without the wait, café terraces without booking days ahead, the Tuesday morning market among regulars. And around it, the wine cellars — this is the season when our five estates have the most to tell.
Are rates lower in the fall?
Yes, noticeably: in October, rooms start at €350 per night, compared with €490 at the height of summer. Actual rates by date are shown on each room page.
Next in the journal: May and the roses, when the garden opens the year again.
Villa Hautvallon
Come when Gordes is a village again.
The late season is easy to book — often on a last-minute whim.