France Through My Lens – Citroën 2CV Passing Gordes

Every so often, a photo from my travels in France captures more than just a scene. It captures a memory, a feeling, or a connection to my journey. This image of a Citroën 2CV in Gordes during a rally is one of those.

Gordes has a special place in my heart: it was the first village I stayed in after Paris back in 1978, and it’s been a favourite of mine ever since. The 2CV, too, has become a symbol for me—it’s even my logo—so when I saw the two together, I knew I had captured something that spoke to my love of France in a single frame.

1. Citroën 2CV in Gordes: A Timeless Provence Scene

The company, 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie, gives tourists rides in the 2CV throughout Paris and also holds rallies. My visit to Provence a few years ago coincided with their 3rd annual “La Route des Villages” rally. A group of classic Citroën 2CV cars travelled from Paris to Cannes, visiting some of the most beautiful villages in France—Gordes being one of them. 

The Citroën 2CV is the logo for my website, so seeing one of these classic cars in my favourite village felt especially meaningful. Gordes first captured my heart when my family and I took the train to Avignon, rented a car, and stayed with friends in a hillside home that still had its French charm (including baby scorpions on the wall!). During those first summer nights, we sat on the terrace drinking Châteauneuf-du-Pape as if it were water. Even with today’s tourist crowds, I focus on Gordes’ beauty and the memories it holds.

So when one of the rally cars drove past Gordes that day, it felt like a miracle: my favourite car and my favourite village together in one perfect scene.

2. Theme: Classic Cars and Beautiful Villages

The “La Route des Villages” rally began in Paris and ended in Cannes, passing through villages including:

• Vaux-Le-Vicomte
• Vézelay
• Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
• Conques
• Lourmarin
• Les Baux-de-Provence
• Tourtour
• Gordes

What made this rally so special was how the classic Citroën 2CV, a car full of French character, passed through villages that are equally timeless.

3. Why I Chose This Photo

I knew the rally would be passing through Gordes that day, and positioned myself at one of the best spots to photograph the village. When the Citroën 2CV came into view, everything lined up for the perfect shot.

4. Capturing A Citroën 2CV Rally in Gordes

Through social media and messaging, I determined the day and roughly the time the rally would pass through. I didn’t have to wait long—soon after I positioned myself on the side of the road, the cars started coming up the hill and zipping around the corner. I adjusted my angle quickly to get the village in the background and fired a few shots as the Citroën 2CV rolled by. The vibrant pink of the car really stood out against the beige and grey stone buildings, and the cloudy afternoon created soft, diffused light that made the scene even more special.

5. Why You Should Visit Gordes

Gordes is full of corners and viewpoints that make it a photographer’s dream. The stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and hillside views are endlessly photogenic. Even a short moment, like a classic Citroën 2CV passing by, can make a walk in the village unforgettable. This photo will always be special to me—partly because of the car, partly because of the village, and mostly because of the memories it brings back. 

If you’d like to learn more about Gordes, you can read my post on why it’s considered one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in Provence. You’ll also see a map indicating the Point de Vue—the location where you can take gorgeous photos of this village. [Check out the post here:
The Most Beautiful Hilltop Village In Provence: Gordes ]

You can also read a short excerpt from my 40th trip to France where I had the opportunity not only to ride in a Citroën 2CV, but also drive one! [Check out the post here: Trip #40]

This post is also part of my France Through My Lens series, where I share one chosen photo at a time from my travels. You can explore the full collection here: France Through My Lens.

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