Village des Bories, Stone hut settlement in Gordes, France
The Village des Bories is a cluster of about 30 restored dry stone huts in Gordes, built without mortar and serving different purposes. The structures were divided into residential spaces, animal shelters, and grain storage rooms that reflect medieval construction methods.
The settlement grew over many centuries, with some structures dating back to the Bronze Age while others remained in use until the 19th century. The mortar-free building method was a proven local technique that remained effective throughout this extended period.
The settlement reveals how Provençal communities organized their daily work and living spaces across separate structures for storing crops, sheltering animals, and sleeping. The arrangement of buildings shows the practical balance between household needs and farming activities that shaped life here.
The site is open daily from morning until sunset and features information panels explaining the building techniques. The footpath through the huts is straightforward to walk, but sturdy shoes are advisable due to the uneven stone surfaces.
The roof structures use a corbelled technique where stones gradually overlap inward to form a dome-shaped vault. This system works purely through the weight of the stones themselves, with no additional support or backing needed beneath them.
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