Gordes

When I first saw Gordes (in the 1980's) it was a relatively unknown southern French town that had a small group of admirers, partly artists, partly tourists, but tourism was certainly limited. When I visited Gordes some years ago, a parking had been built for touring cars in order to keep the litte town free of the sight of ugly vehicles full of tourists, shooting around with expensive cameras without seeing anything and taking selfies. I have seen groups of Asian tourists who were taken on a tour of this town lasting no more than an hour, a span of time that allows you to see almost nothing well. The businesses in Gordes are now almost entirely 'art galleries' and (other) souvenir shops.

The town has a long history, dating back to the Roman empire and medieval settlements by monastic orders. It is without a doubt one of the most noticeable places in the Vaucluse department.

A stunning marriage of landscape and structure, Vincent. As usual, your narrative helped me to understand its appeal to a serious photographer like you. The tree on the left helps to frame this magnificent scene. The dappled light and the bold contract in that area clearly is a result of your remarkable ability to see a photograph well before you actually shoot it. Also, I confess to being partial to a human presence on a hill or mountain slope, since this is altogether unavailable in southeast Florida. Bit that's not what drew me in. If I look hard enough, I will "see" Roman soldiers on guard and monks meditating while they walk. - - My best always, michael

Hi Michael,

 

you seem to see things others don't; I like the fact that you let this image make you see things there actually aren't there, but have an impact on how you perceive the photo, which I consider to be a great compliment. Thank you for your sharing your personal perception of this photo with me, well appreciated! Kind regards, Vincent

Vincent you have well documented this ancient village not only with beautiful photography but with your interesting notes. Even in Sardinia we have similar villages that deserve to be upgraded because they have lost most of the inhabitants. In many Sardinian countries many of these old abandoned houses were sold by the municipality for 1 euro with the commitment to live there at least six months a year. The initiative has been a great success even by many European citizens, ciao Giangiorgio

Hi Giangiorgio,

 

thank you for your interesting comments! Lots of people don't want to live in 'old' cities anymore, although I think buying a house in Gordes will cost you a fortune. Kind regards, Vincent

This is better with the tree ad the shadow in the foreground, but it looks quite similar to the Google Maps version, if you search for Gordes. Could even resemble Rennes-le-Chãteau in Aude in Languedoc in the south west of France - and its fate concerning hordes of tourists taking mostly pictures of themselves with the real attraction as just a blurred out prop in the background of their silly self-absorbed snapshots.

Hi Philip,

 

the similarity to the Google maps version is understandable, as it was shot from exactly the same location. The tree and shadows in the foreground add interest, as you kindly acknowledged. Rennes-le-Chateau is indeed somewhat similar. Tourism changes everything in any city or village; wherever tourists appear in greater numbers, local business is adapted to suit tourists' needs, ironically enough trying to portray an authenticity that obviously isn't there anymore. Kind regards, Vincent

What a gorgeous looking image, Vincent. Fantastic colors, light and composition. Everything flows nicely and the presentation is excellent. Looks like a perfect day captured perfectly. Best regards, Paul.

Hi Paul,

 

thank your for your friendly comments! I was glad there were some clouds in the sky, which is not so common in southern France's summer. Kind regards, Vincent

A charming ancient town and shot, Vincent! I really like your landscapes a la “postcards” and your descriptions. Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana P.S. Sorry, my belated admiration.

Hi Tatiana,

 

thanks for your friendly comments that I always appreciate! It's not that I like to photograph cities and villages in a 'postcard' way per se, but in this case it's hard not to, as the best view of Gordes is visited by hundreds of people a day; and it is really the best view as far as I can tell. Kind regards, Vincent