^{photo courtesy of Wikipedia}

While it is another village amongst the most beautiful in France, one of our favorite things about it, is how it looks from afar, majestically perched nearly a kilometer above sea level. It’s not too shabby close up either, though.Also called, “The Eagle’s Nest,” Gourdon solidly sits atop a granite mountain with a bird’s eye view of the world, seemingly. Visit this quiet restored medieval village and get an unforgettable regal view of practically all of the Riviera. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Cap Ferrat, Nice, Cagnes sur-mer (the Hippodrome is easy to spot), Antibes, Juan les Pins, the Lérins Islands, Cannes, Mandelieu-La Napoule, St Tropez, les Maures and l’Estérel.

Only 12 kilometers/about 7 miles (northesast) of Grasse, try to make a day trip from one of the bigger towns nearby where you might be based. It’s a perfect place to pack a picnic and enjoy it near the gardens designed by the renowned Andre le Notre, which are around the Chateau de Gourdon. There’s a Medieval Museum at the Chateau as well as a Museum of Decorative Arts and you can also take a guided tour of the castle.

Gourdon doesn’t disappoint the happy tourist with lots of euros in-hand looking for souvenirs. They’ll be able to find lots of: regional candies and sweets, baked goods, glass and earthenware pottery/ceramics, provençal fabrics, perfume, products with typical Provence designs, scented water, soaps, dolls, paintings, regional foods.

Tags: france, travel, gourdon, eagles+nest, provençal, riviera