Aigueze

Visit Aigueze, Languedoc-Roussillon

Aigueze is in the north-eastern corner of Languedoc, to the north-west of Orange and Avignon and on the border with the Ardeche department (Rhone-Alps). The village also stands on the river Ardeche which is crossed here by the Saint-Martin suspension bridge constructed at the beginning of the 20th century.

Exploring Aigueze

Aigueze is a small, very pretty medieval village that originally developed around a medieval castle - the ruins of the castle still dominate the skyline of the village with the river and small cliffs below.

Also of note in the village are an old olive oil mill and a very ancient church, dating at least in part from the 11th century and conntaining some brightly coloured frescoes.

There is an ancient vaulted passageway and a small picturesque square in the centre of Aigueze and just strolling around taking in the medieval atmosphere of Aigueze and the views across the river valley is the great pleasure of a visit.

Below the village there is a popular small river beach (and the best views to appreciate the setting of the village).

It is also one of only two classified 'most beautiful villages' to be found in the Gard department (the other, close by, is La Roque-sur-Ceze).

Local highlights

The location of the village is also excellent for exploring the Gorges de l'Ardeche, one of France's greatest natural highlights, close by as well as several other very picturesque villages - you get a good feel for the surrounding countryside from within Aigueze itself, since both sides of the rocky promontory on which the village stands offer far-reaching views.

As well as the nearby Gorges de l'Ardeche there are numerous walking, cycling and canoeing activities in the region around Aigueze. (Note: enthusiast cyclists might notice Mont Ventoux standing in the distance in the photo above - home to one of the most renowned and popular hill climbs in the Tour de France.)

You might also be interested in the Ardeche villages of character - being across the border into Gard disqualifies Aigueze from being included but several are close by and share characteristics and architectural style with Aigueze: see Ardeche villages for details

Tourist classifications for Aigueze: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Aigueze, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Vallon Pont d'Arc 17km; Viviers 23km; Labeaume 26km; Balazuc 27km; Orange 27km; Alba-la-Romaine 28km; Vogue 30km; Joyeuse 32km; Banne 33km; Uzes 34km; Naves 36km; Ailhon 37km; Aubenas 38km; Seguret 39km; Pont du Gard 40km; Vaison-la-Romaine 42km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Aigueze

Aigueze tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Aven d'Orgnac - grand site of france (11km) : Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux) - religious monument (17km) : Gorges de l'Ardeche - grand site of france (17km) : Eglise de Saint Michel (La Garde-Adhemar) - religious monument (19km) : Jardin des herbes - remarkable garden (19km) : Abbaye d'Aiguebelle (Montjoyer) - religious monument (30km) : Bois de Païolive - site of natural beauty (30km) : Grotte de la Cocaliere - site of natural beauty (32km) :

French version: see Aigueze (Francais)