The bories were historically used as temporary shelters for farmers during the olive and grain harvests.
The dry-stone construction technique requires precise balance as gravity alone holds the heavy limestone blocks in place.
The site was restored by Pierre Viala in the 1970s using traditional methods to prevent the collapse of abandoned huts.
Some huts were used for storing agricultural equipment, while others served as shelters for silkworm cultivation during the 19th century.
The limestone used for construction was sourced directly from clearing the surrounding fields for agriculture.
Village des Bories is a preserved open-air museum consisting of approximately 20 dry-stone huts, locally known as bories, located in the Luberon region of Provence. These structures were built using the corbelled dry-stone technique, which involves stacking limestone without mortar. The site dates back to the Bronze Age but was predominantly used for seasonal agricultural activities between the 17th and 19th centuries. The settlement was abandoned in the early 20th century before being restored and classified as a historical monument in 1977. Visitors walk through a series of interconnected dwellings, threshing floors, and enclosures that demonstrate traditional Provençal rural life. The architecture is characterized by thick walls and dome-shaped roofs designed to withstand the region's climate. The site is situated on a rocky plateau surrounded by typical Mediterranean scrubland. It provides a rare glimpse into the ancestral building methods of the Vaucluse department.
The elevated path near the entrance that offers an overview of the cluster of stone huts against the limestone landscape.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the ground is uneven, rocky, and often dusty.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is very little shade while walking between the structures.
Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and the peak tour bus arrivals.
Do not attempt to walk to the village from Gordes in the heat of the day, as the path is steep and exposed.
Open daily, including public holidays, but hours vary significantly by season; check for reduced access during winter months.
Maintain silence to respect the historical nature of the site and do not climb on the dry-stone walls.
