Saint-Firmin Palace Cellars

A unique dive into the underground history of Gordes

Nestled in the heart of the iconic village of Gordes, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, the Caves of the Palais Saint-Firmin offer a captivating journey through time and history. These semi-troglodytic caves, carved into the village rock, were once used as artisan workshops and storage spaces during the Middle Ages (olive oil mill, silos, tanks, etc.).

An exceptional underground heritage

Beneath the cobbled streets of Gordes lies a true underground network, a testament to an era when every square meter was optimized to meet the needs of the inhabitants. Dug across multiple levels, these caves were used from the Middle Ages to modern times for olive oil production, food preservation, and craftsmanship. Storage silos, tanks, and staircases carved into the rock make up this fascinating space, revealing a once-thriving activity hidden beneath the surface.

Thanks to over 40 years of meticulous restoration work, part of this vast underground complex is now open to the public. Classified as a Historic Monument, the caves offer an immersive experience, providing deeper insight into daily life and the architectural challenges of past centuries.

Visits and experiences

• An Introductory Documentary
  Before starting your visit, a documentary screening in the former chapel immerses you in the site's history and highlights the stages of its restoration.

• A Journey Through Three Underground Levels
  The tour, structured around a guided light pathway, leads you through various rooms and galleries carved directly into the rock. You will discover carefully restored original features, including an olive oil mill whose mechanisms have been reconstructed through an immersive 3D video. This reconstruction allows you to imagine the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.

• Audio-Guided Tour in Nine Languages
  For a fully immersive experience, an audio guide available in nine languages accompanies you throughout the tour, revealing anecdotes and explanations about each visited space.

• A Museum of Historical Artifacts
  At the end of the visit, a small museum displays objects uncovered during excavations and the restoration of the caves. These relics—tools, ceramics, and architectural elements—offer insights into the different periods of the site's occupation and help to better understand how its uses evolved over time.
  
  

The Caves of the Palais Saint-Firmin offer a unique immersion into the hidden history of Gordes, blending heritage, architecture, and artisanal traditions. A one-of-a-kind visit, combining exploration and discovery, unveils the underground secrets of this iconic hilltop village in the Luberon.