Not far from Gordes, sheltered on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, stands the Bories village. This site, accessible by a path lined with stacked dry-stone walls, bears witness to life in Provence from distant times to the present day. The Village Noir (Black Village), listed as a Historical Monument in 1977, has about thirty dry-stone shepherds’ huts in the heart of the garrigue. In the shade of the holm oaks of the Savournins-Bas district, the Bories village became an open-air museum between 1969 and 1976, when Pierre Viala bought it. Today it is a popular tourist site.
Bories village in Gordes
The Bories, dry stone huts
The Bories are true architectural masterpieces, typical of the southeast quadrant of France. Some huts can reach several meters in height.
They were used as barns, stables, or seasonal houses for farmers whose plots were too far from the farm where the breeders carried out transhumance with their herd.
The construction method of these dry-stone huts is very particular. The technique used was the technique of corbeling, which requires neither mortar nor a rib. Flat rough, or cut stones made of Burdigalian limestone, are piled one above the other. On each floor, the stones that are 10 to 15 cm thick are slightly further inwards than on the previous one. The construction is completed with a vaulted ceiling. The entrances to the Bories are generally low and narrow. They are often overhung by a slab serving as a lintel but are sometimes made in the form of a vaulted arch with rubble stones.
On the road from Gordes to Sénanque, a Borie in the shape of a half nave allows to visualize and understand the technique. It was used to shelter a cart that was driven backwards. This popular tourist site constitutes the largest group of such huts in this area of the Luberon.
A village with remarkable architecture
The large number of dry-stone huts in the Bories village makes it a unique place, guardian of a part of the history of Provence. Each of the buildings had a precise function: to house the farmer, protect the herds, preserve the grain, store tools, etc. The seven groups of huts also bear witness to a certain social and economic organization around this village.
The Bories village has 17 “Gordoise naves”. These independent buildings are not leaning against each other and consist of four corbels, in opposite pairs, in a rectangular or right trapezoid plan. These buildings are in the shape of an inverted hull, i.e. they have the form of an upside-down ship’s hull. These multi-purpose buildings had many functions, and it is there that we find the greatest concentration of them. This may be explained by the agricultural needs of the time: it became essential to cultivate land far from the villages. On the plots of land of Savournins, Mediterranean polyculture, sheep farming, beekeeping and silkworm breeding as well as leather working were practiced.
Based on the ceramic remains that have been found in the Bories village, it is estimated that these dry-stone huts were occupied from the 18th to the 19th century. Although the numerous finds have made it possible to date the occupation of these seasonal dwellings, they have not been sufficient to estimate the date of construction. According to some, they were built in the 7th century after the fall of Apta Julia, for others, the discoveries made mean that the site cannot predate the 15th century.
The Bories village owes its salvation to Pierre Viala. In the 1960’s, when the site was put up for sale, the man, passionate about these huts, bought it back. The land had been abandoned for nearly a century, it was invaded by brambles, the stones of some Bories had been looted and the houses were used as lookout posts for hunters. Pierre Viala cleared the land and undertook a major restoration and conservation work with the help of masons from Gordes. His efforts were rewarded by the Académie d’Architecture (academy of architecture) and the site was classified as a Historical Monument in 1977.
In the heart of the Luberon landscapes
The Bories village is nestled in an exceptional setting on the slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse and is surrounded by some of the most famous French tourist sites.
4 kilometers away is Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. It overlooks the Calavon plain and enjoys a sublime panorama of the Luberon mountain. Gordes has a rich heritage: a Renaissance castle, a church resembling a fortress, basements containing oil mills and stately buildings.
To the north of the village dry stone huts, the Sénanque Abbey and its lavender fields await visitors. This monastery is one of the most beautiful examples of Cistercian architecture. It is still occupied by a community of monks who perpetuate the local handicraft and allow tourists to discover and visit the place.
Prepare your visit
The Bories Village can be visited all year round, the schedule varies according to the seasons:
- From 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in winter
- From 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in summer
- Closed on December 25 and January 1
- Address: Village des Bories – Les Savournins – 84220 Gordes
- Access: by the A7 Highway. In the Lyon – Marseille direction, exit 24 (Avignon Sud). In the Marseille – Lyon direction, exit 24 (Cavaillon)
You can choose a free visit, or book a tour with a guide. You can also plan a group visit.
Are you looking for accommodation? You can easily find a hotel or a bed and breakfast in Gordes. There are plenty of luxury hotels, spa resorts, and the best gourmet restaurants. Depending on your budget, you can also book rooms in cheaper hotels or bed and breakfasts. The campsites near the village of Gordes welcome you for a holiday close to nature.
Website: https://levillagedesbories.com/
Selection of monuments in Vaucluse
Near the Bories Village, you can visit Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. The view over the surrounding countryside is very nice. You can also plan a day trip to discover the history of the region, and visit popular monuments.
