Aigueze vue©UzEssentiel.com

Aiguèze, a medieval jewel overlooking the Ardèche

FR - Overlooking the river Ardèche, the medieval town of Aiguèze is one of the 4 "Most Beautiful Villages of France" in the Gard, along with Montclus, Lussan and La Roque-sur-Cèze.

A trip one hour from Uzès

Located about 50 kms from Uzès, and only 10 kms from Pont-Saint-Esprit, Aiguèze is a good idea for a weekend getaway.

Visiting Aiguèze is like travelling back in time, with its important architectural heritage, and a journey through nature, with a breathtaking view of the Ardèche, a tributary of the Rhône, frequented by multicoloured canoes in summer time.

Aigueze bandeau©nb UzEssentielThe Ardèche's canyon

Overlooking part of the Ardèche gorges, Aiguèze also has from the top of its cliff, an incredible view of the neighbouring department, the Ardèche. You can reach its very first commune, Saint Martin d'Ardèche, by crossing a suspension bridge, built in 1905. In the distance, the Mont Ventoux can be seen, but also the surrounding countryside, rich in vineyards.

The old castle-fortress reminds us of its keep, and the Saracen tower (11th century), not to mention the covered way. The castle, whose origins date back to the 8th century, clings to the cliff and is built on the foundations of a fortification erected at the request of Charles Martel. After many vicissitudes, it was rebuilt in the 16th century.

If you walk along its walls to the left, you will be under the protection of the ancient walls while having a view over the river. The walk is breathtaking, as is the one that leads from the cemetery to the rock face. It's an adventurous little trek (bring good non-slip shoes) but perfect for taking some great shots of the place.

A church listed as a Historic Monument

What else can you visit? Well, the Saint-Roch's church (11th century), listed as a Historic Monument since 1993. Reworked in the neo-gothic style in the 19th century, its interior was painted between 1905 and 1910.

Facing a small square, the parish church is surrounded by charming alleyways, where craft shops and other stalls give the village its own character.

Between squares and alleys

To finish... or continue your visit, you can stroll through the small squares of the village where, as in the case of the jeu de paume square, the shade of the plane trees is very pleasant in summer, and through the cobbled streets. There are many more architectural treasures to discover. 

Read our article on the Most Beautiful Villages of France 2022 edition, published by Flammarion, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Most Beautiful Villages of France organization.

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