Gigondas
Last update on
Sep 14, 2026
16 km north of Carpentras via the D7 and 15 km south of Vaison la Romaine via the D977 and the D88.
Discover the charming village of Gigondas in the Vaucluse
Gigondas comes into view at the end of a small road, nestled among the vineyards of the Vaucluse. Before you, the Dentelles de Montmirail rise up with their white limestone cliffs, and Mont Ventoux marks the horizon.
Where to stay
At the foot of this landscape, a hilltop village with fewer than 500 residents clings to the hillside, surrounded by its medieval ramparts.
Here, the vineyards border the first houses. The wine has borne the village’s name since January 6, 1971, and is the first grand cru of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. When you step through the door of a winery for a tasting, you’re handed a glass of Grenache, and the conversation lasts an hour.
Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange are 15 km away, Avignon is forty, and Marseille is a two-hour drive. You can see this little Provençal village in half a day. But you might end up staying much longer.
Wine is king in Gigondas
The region switched to a monoculture of vineyards after the frosts of 1929 and 1956, which destroyed the century-old olive trees. First requested in 1924, the Gigondas appellation d’origine was granted in 1971.
Vineyards here cover 1,200 hectares, and more than five million bottles are sold each year. These are powerful and full-bodied wines, robust and well-balanced.
Nestled at the foot of a hill, Gigondas lies below its church, which overlooks the entire Gigondas vineyard and offers a superb panoramic view from its forecourt.
The nearby Dentelles de Montmirail
The Dentelles de Montmirail, located within the Gigondas region, form the backdrop to the town and offer numerous hiking trails to explore.
To the right of the village, on a small hill, the Chapel of Saints Cosmas and Damian offers a lovely view.
Tour of the village
As you arrive in Gigondas via the departmental road that runs through the village below, you’ll see a succession of cafés and wineries leading up to Place Gabriel Andéol, where the cooperative winery and town hall are located. Park your car there so you can take the time to explore this village, which is constantly being restored, developed, and showcased.
You’ll walk up through beautiful narrow streets and alleys lined with stone houses until you finally reach the parish church of St. Catherine with its beautiful 14th-century façade. Along the way, you can admire the view that stretches across the region all the way to the Cévennes.
The Hospices of Gigondas
Next to the church, you can visit the Hospices, which you’ll reach via a staircase path dotted with 21 monumental sculptures created by contemporary artists.
This former religious brotherhood was founded in 1678 to care for the poor and children; after the Revolution, it took on the status of a hospice in 1800. The buildings were then abandoned for two centuries.
In 1982, these ruins were brought back to life, and little by little the Hospices were restored thanks to the association “Gigondas d’hier et d’aujourd’hui,” the town hall, local wineries, and numerous volunteers. Today, on the ground floor, you’ll find cellars set up by the winegrowers’ association, offering wine tastings, and upstairs, an exhibition of contemporary art.
What to see
Church of Ste Catherine (11th century).
Romanesque chapel of St Come and St Damien.
The village, the winegrowers' cellar.
The Hospice and its 21 monumental sculptures.
Things to do
Tennis, bicycle touring and mountain biking.
Climbing, horse-riding centre.
Hotels
A beautiful house with blue shutters at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, set on one hectare of lush greenery: a large 200 m² terrace shaded by century-old plane trees, a heated pool, and air-conditioned rooms with views of the park. An on-site semi-gourmet restaurant, free shaded parking, and the vineyards of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes-de-Venise within easy reach for wine tastings.
Bed and breakfast
A bed-and-breakfast in the heart of the village of Gigondas, decorated with simplicity and great taste: four air-conditioned rooms, most with private terraces, overlooking the vineyards, the Church of Sainte-Catherine, and the village ramparts. An infinity pool and hot tub available for guests to use at any time, panoramic views stretching all the way to the Cévennes at sunset, and a warm welcome from Philippe and Delphine that adds to the charm of the place.
Airbnb
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Accommodation
Hotels
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Your questions about Gigondas
You've sent us several questions about this charming village in the Vaucluse. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What is there to do in Gigondas?
The village of Gigondas is the western gateway to the Dentelles de Montmirail. Hiking comes first here, with trails leaving straight from the village toward the ridges. Climbers come for the limestone walls, which have a reputation well beyond the region. You can also explore the vineyards by bike or on horseback. For a weekend or a longer vacation, wine tourism fills out the program: tasting rooms, estates, and walks through the vines.
What wines does Gigondas produce?
Gigondas is a cru of the southern Côtes du Rhône, produced in this one commune only. Red accounts for nearly 99% of the vineyard, built around grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre. This grand cru is known for its ripe black-fruit aromas and peppery notes. The terroir also yields rosés, and whites since the 2023 vintage. Tastings happen at the village cellar or directly with the growers.
What food is Gigondas known for?
The local cuisine follows the seasons of Provence. Restaurants in Gigondas work with lamb, local vegetables, and olive oil from the area. Daube, a slow-cooked beef stew made with red wine, is the dish to try here. You will also find goat cheeses and, in winter, black truffles from the Vaucluse. Every specialty pairs naturally with a glass of the local cru.
How do you get to Gigondas?
By car, take exit 21 "Orange Centre" off the A7, then drive about 15 kilometers (9 miles). From Carpentras, the distance drops to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). The most convenient high-speed train station is Avignon, roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. Marseille-Provence airport sits a little over an hour from the village. Once there, a map of Gigondas and the Dentelles will help you locate the estates and your hotel.
Where should you stay in Gigondas?
Accommodation splits between bed and breakfasts, gîtes, and small character hotels set in old stone buildings. Several wine estates also rent rooms right in the middle of the vineyards. A walkers' lodge welcomes hikers at the entrance to the village. Campgrounds are in the neighboring communes, just a few minutes away. Book early for summer vacations: the village has very few beds.
Which monuments can you visit in Gigondas?
The Romanesque church of Sainte-Catherine-d'Alexandrie, dating from the 11th century, stands above the village. Its forecourt opens onto a clear view over the whole vineyard. A short walk away, the chapel of Saint-Côme-et-Saint-Damien is worth the climb for its viewpoint. The historic heritage also includes the Hospices, restored from 1982 onward, and Château Raspail. Ruins and remains of the old fortifications appear as you walk up through the old village.
What kind of village is Gigondas?
Gigondas is a hilltop village in the Vaucluse, set against the Dentelles de Montmirail. The commune covers 27 square kilometers (10.5 square miles), nearly half of it planted with vines. For almost eight centuries it was one of the six communes of the Principality of Orange. Its medieval ramparts still ring the old village. The Romans called it Jocunditas, meaning joy, which says a lot about the place and its long-standing reputation.
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