Aiguèze, Provence, France
Aiguèze is a picturesque medieval town located in the south of France, right above the scenic Ardèche Canyon. It lies approximately 30 km southeast of the iconic Pont d'Arc natural bridge, 18 km north of La Roque-sur-Cèze, and 23 km from Bagnols-sur-Cèze. The village is known for its stone houses, a 12th-century church, and remnants of a fortress perched on a rocky cliff. Walking through its cobblestone streets offers a delightful step back in time.
Parking in Aiguèze
Arriving from the south, visitors can use a parking lot close to the local municipal offices (1; GPS: 44.302279, 4.5569289). A second southern parking lot is located nearby (2; GPS: 44.3018038, 4.5551378) and requires a small fee (3€ in 2020). There’s also a smaller option to the north of the town (3; GPS: 44.3048432, 4.5550852).
During peak season, an additional parking area becomes available roughly 500 meters from the town center (4; GPS: 44.3014830, 4.5581911). All locations are within a short walking distance from the medieval core of Aiguèze, making access easy even for first-time visitors.
Sightseeing tour of Aiguèze
We began our visit by parking near the southern edge of the village, then walking along Pl. du Jeu de Paume. Soon we passed the beautiful medieval Church of Saint-Roch d'Aiguèze from the 12th century (A; GPS: 44.3027817, 4.5567922), which once formed part of a monastic complex. The church's bell tower, added in the 19th century, adds to its historic charm.
Nearby, a small café next to the tourist information center offered a pleasant place for coffee (B; GPS: 44.3028622, 4.5560519). Continuing northward along Grand Rue, we turned onto Rue du Castelas (C; GPS: 44.3039256, 4.5557650), where we reached the castle remains and the Saracen Tower (D; GPS: 44.3034553, 4.5565078). The town's cliffside location gave it strong defensive advantages in past centuries — especially during the Saracen attacks in the 8th century. From the viewpoint near the ruins, we admired the sweeping view of the Ardèche River flowing far below.
After exploring the town’s highlights, we enjoyed a meal at Le Belvédère restaurant on the north side of the village (E; GPS: 44.3046897, 4.5550139). Afterwards, we took a peaceful walk along quiet local paths bordered by vineyards and olive trees. This rural setting adds a tranquil charm to the historical richness of the village. If you're looking for a break or sweet treat, consider visiting “L’Aubergine”, a local tea salon and snack bar with charming decor and excellent reviews.
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