Both these cities, some 25 kilometers from Avignon, are " villages perchés", fortress-like heaps of house cluttered on a hill top and down its rapid slopes ; Gordes is world famous, of course, one of the prettiest villages in Luberon ; but Venasque, facing Mount Ventoux, and adorned with a very ancient church is quite interesting.
The road between them passes by the cistercian Abbey of Senanque, and some wonderful scenery, ( through wich it was not incommon to be attacked by brigands until late in the nineteen century). Read french author Jean Giono for the details.
The beehive-shaped houses are called bories, a whole village of these can be visited near Gordes. Guess what ? they even have a real estate value.
Both these cities, some 25 kilometers from Avignon, are " villages perchés", fortress-like heaps of house cluttered on a hill top and down its rapid slopes ; Gordes is world famous, of course, one of the prettiest villages in Luberon ; but Venasque, facing Mount Ventoux, and adorned with a very ancient church is quite interesting.
The road between them passes by the cistercian Abbey of Senanque, and some wonderful scenery, ( through wich it was not incommon to be attacked by brigands until late in the nineteen century). Read french author Jean Giono for the details. 
The beehive-shaped houses are called bories, a whole village of these can be visited near Gordes. Guess what ? they even have a real estate value.