Aiguèze, Provence, France
The town of Aiguèze is located in the south of France, near the Ardèche Canyon, about 30 km southeast of the famous Pont d'Arc rock bridge, 18 km north of La Roque-sur-Cèze and 23 km from Bagnols-sur-Cèze. It is a beautiful medieval town, with many historical buildings such as a castle, a 12th-century church and old townhouses. If you visit it, you will be delighted with it.
Parking in Aiguèze
If you enter the village from the south side, you can leave your car in the parking lot located near the local government headquarters (1; GPS: 44.302279, 4.5569289). There is also another parking lot on the south side (2; GPS: 44.3018038, 4.5551378), but it is paid (3€ in 2020). There is also a small parking lot on the north side (3; GPS: 44.3048432, 4.5550852).
In addition, during the tourist season, you can also use a parking lot located about 500 meters away from the center of the town (4; GPS: 44.3014830, 4.5581911).
Sightseeing tour of Aiguèze
We parked at a parking lot located at the southern borders of the town. So we walked down the Pl. du Jeu de Paume street passing on the right the medieval church of Saint-Roch d'Aiguèze from the 12th century (A; GPS: 44.3027817, 4.5567922). This church was built in the same period as the castle. It was part of the monastery for some time. The bell tower is newer and dates from the 19th century.
As we continue walking, we notice a tourist information office and a café where we enjoy a great cup of coffee (B; GPS: 44.3028622, 4.5560519). We then walk along Grand Rue in a northerly direction, turn right on Rue du Castelas (C; GPS: 44.3039256, 4.5557650) and head to the castle. Its interesting feature is the Tour Sarrazine, that means Tower of the Saracens (D; GPS: 44.3034553, 4.5565078). Since the village is located on a rocky cliff, it could easily have resisted invaders in the past (Aiguèze was attacked by Saracens in the 8th century). From the castle we have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the Ardèche River flowing below, which later forms the famous Ardèche Canyon.
After walking for a couple of hours, we have lunch at Le Belvédère restaurant, located on the north side of the town (E; GPS: 44.3046897, 4.5550139), and then wander for some more time in peace and quiet along local roads among the vine crops.
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