What are the best things to visit in Aiguèze, a small village in the Gard that is one of the most beautiful French villages?
Located in The Gard , just 30 km from Orange and 40 km from Montélimar, visit the charming little town of Aiguèze. Overlooking the gorges of the Ardèche, it is the first village of the Gard to be integrated into the famous list of more beautiful French villages in 2005.
This medieval village perched on a magnificent cliff, offers a breathtaking panorama, both on the Gorges de l’Ardèche, and on the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône. A true open-air museum, witness to a moving past, Aiguezze discovers and visits without moderation.
You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of the simplicity and atmosphere that emerges from this small town, which has 200 inhabitants a year. But also some pretty treasures to discover... What do you want to know? What are you asking in Aigueze? We're telling you everything here.
1. The vestiges of the fortress
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fly_and_Dive
When you come to visit Aiguèze, you will not be able to miss the imposing vestiges of the old fortress of the village. The Saracen tower and the square dungeon are the only witnesses of the old castle that was there before.
At the time, this fortified castle was connected to the round path by a staircase, which can be guessed slightly, thanks to the few steps carved in the rock, which remain.
2. The church of Saint-Pierre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MeloDPhoto
Do not miss another symbol of the village if you are going to visit Aiguèze: the parish church. Inscribed to the Historical Monuments, this building of Romanesque origin, dating from the 11th century, is open to visitors, for our greatest happiness.
You can thus observe its magnificent Renaissance portal, and its restored bell tower in Gothic style. The interior is equally interesting, and contains sublime neo-gothic frescoes. Beautiful bright colors cover most walls and ceilings, making it extremely bright.
3. The Castelas: the round path and its panorama
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Philippe PATERNOLLI
The old round path of the castle is really to be done in Aigueze... It’s even the “famous room” of the village!
Nicknamed the Castelas, it is located at the foot of the rock of the fortress. To access it, you will need to borrow a tunnel, dug into the rock. The most impressive in this round trip is the incredible panorama it offers on the Ardèche, Mont Ventoux and the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône.
4. The Saint Roch fountain
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Wayne77
If you are going to visit Aiguèze, you will necessarily take a refreshing break on the Place du Jeu de paume, in the shade of the plane trees. This is where you can observe the beautiful Saint Roch fountain, recalling the Holy patron of the village.
5. The old mill
Street that gives to the old mill – Photo credit: Shutterstock – gumbao
The old mill is a must-see in Aiguèze. You will discover it, without surprise, in the rue du Moulin. This former olive oil mill, dating from the 16th or 17th century, now houses the tourist office.
6. Houses and paved streets
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Danute Gudauskiene
Visiting Aiguèze, it is also wandering in its beautiful paved alleys of the Ardèche, typical of the South of France. During the walk, when you arrive in the historic heart of the village, you will notice a feature that is clean to it... Which one? Well, the ground floor of the houses, of medieval style, are all surmounted by a first-floor Renaissance, with benign windows.
Don't miss "the house of the sculptor", recognizable by its facade, decorated with sculptures representing Charlemagne, a woman, a cabbage, or a cat...
7. The Gorges de l’Ardèche
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pascale Gueret
If you are going to visit Aiguèze, you will see that it is also the ideal starting point to enjoy the Gorges de l’Ardèche and the activities they offer. Visit Saint-Martin-d ‘Ardèche, a few kilometres from there, to rent a canoe, and go to the Ardèche descents!
From the village, a small river beach is accessible and popular. Ideal for a refreshing moment, during your day.
8. Surroundings
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julia700702
La Grotte de Saint-Marcel
If you are going to visit Aiguèze, take advantage of it to visit the Cave of Saint-Marcel, located only 8 kilometers from the village. You will be able to observe sublime galleries, decorated with a sublime game of sound and light.
But also and above all, the incredible cascade of calcite basins, also called "gours", unique in Europe! So if you’re looking for what to do in Aiguèze, don’t hesitate, and climb into your car to discover this magical place.
Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts will be served by going to visit Aiguèze. Indeed, the area is full of marked trails, which snake through the Garrigue gardoise. Magical views guaranteed! But the best known of them remains GR4 , which passes close to the village.
Some paths will lead you there, and will allow you to take small passages, to go to Vallon-Pont-D’Arc for example.
How to get to Aigueze?
By car
The easiest way to visit Aiguèze and to be able to radiate easily around it is to come by car.
- From Orange (40 minutes): follow the N7 towards Mondragon, Holy Spirit Bridge and then the D901 to Aiguezze;
- From Montélimar (50 minutes): take the D86 to Saint-Just-d’Ardèche, then turn on the D290 to reach Aiguèze;
- Departure from Alès (1h): take D16, D979 and D901 towards D180 in Aiguèze;
- From Montpellier (1h30) : take the highway A9/b imposed Nimes, then join the****A7 to take Exit 20 to Pont St Esprit/Mondragon/Piolenc. Then continue on the N7 and take the D44 direction Barjac. You will arrive at Aiguèze following the D901;
- From Marseille (1h40): take the highway A7 towards Lyon/Avignon/Aix-en-Provence until exit 20. Then, even indications that since Montpellier.
By train
If you decide to come by train to visit Aiguèze, the nearest TGV stations are those of Valencia and Nimes, both located nearby 1h10 Road. However, be aware that there is no bus to take you directly to Aiguèze. Rent a car at the station will be one of the best solutions!
By plane
If you fly, the nearest airports are those in Montpellier and Marseille, both located at 1h30 by car. Do not hesitate to use a flight comparison as Skyscanner to help you find the best prices.
The easiest then will be to rent a car on site, so you can easily move to the area.
Where to stay in Aiguèze?
If you choose to visit Aiguèze, many holiday homes, Airbnb , hotels are at your disposal. To find the solution that best suits you, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparison . Especially, don’t forget to book well in advance under penalty of pushing your getaway.
You are ready to discover all the riches of this wonderful village!
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