THE VILLAGE OF BORIES: A JOURNEY INTO PROVENÇAL RURAL ARCHITECTURE

Discover the Village of Bories, an exceptional testament to dry-stone architecture located in Gordes, just a few kilometers from Maison Mursoise. This open-air museum, listed as a Historic Monument since 1977, transports visitors back to rural Provence of the 17th and 18th centuries. Perfect for a cultural family outing during your stay in the Luberon, this unique site offers a true immersion into the region’s ancestral architectural traditions.

A UNIQUE LEGACY OF DRY-STONE CONSTRUCTION

Also known as the “Black Village,” the Village of Bories is composed of around thirty shepherds’ huts built entirely from stacked dry stones, without mortar—structures reminiscent of igloos. These dwellings, called bories, were inhabited until the mid-19th century. Perched 270 meters above sea level, just 4 kilometers from the hilltop village of Gordes, the site stands today as a rare and remarkable testimony to this age-old building technique. Ingenious and enduring, this construction method, accessible from your holiday retreat, continues to fascinate by its resourcefulness and resilience.

AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM PERFECT FOR FAMILIES

On the lower slopes of the Monts de Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, the Village of Bories reveals a world of shepherds’ shelters, bread ovens, wine vats, threshing floors, narrow alleys, enclosures, and stone walls. Visitors can also explore a collection of traditional household items and antique farming tools. This immersive experience, easily reached from your guesthouse, allows both children and adults to step into rural life as it once was—authentic, simple, and deeply connected to the land.

AN EDUCATIONAL SITE OPEN YEAR-ROUND

At the entrance, a short film introduces the remarkable dry-stone building technique, while a hands-on area invites visitors to try their hand at construction. The site is also the starting point for scenic hikes across the Monts de Vaucluse, making it a wonderful destination for nature and walking enthusiasts. Blending learning with leisure, the Village of Bories offers an ideal outing for families during a stay in the Luberon.

MAISON MURSOISE: YOUR CULTURAL GATEWAY TO THE LUBERON

After this journey into Provençal rural heritage at the Village of Bories, return to the modern comfort of Maison Mursoise. Ideally located for exploring the region’s cultural treasures, our guesthouse provides an authentic and restful haven to extend your discoveries. Perfectly suited to families, this holiday retreat combines relaxation, culture, and heritage in a preserved and welcoming environment.

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