Aiguèze is, first of all, an exceptional natural site with a superb panoramic view of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.
Aiguèze, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is also a heritage inherited from the Middle Ages with the remains of the keep and the Saracen tower, witnesses of the old fortified castle, the fortifications and their 11th Century covered way, which we owe to the Count of Toulouse...
From the Saracen invasions in the 8th century to the "Jacqueries" of the 14th century, Aiguèze, like many villages in medieval times, suffered destruction, looting and a number of revolts that could have led to its disappearance.
It was not so! The village owes a lot to Monseigneur Fuzet, Archbishop of Rouen and "child of the country" who devoted a lot of time and means to its conservation and modernization at the beginning of the 20th century.
Thus, for example, the Place du Jeu de Paume, planted with plane trees, where we meet for the game of boules, or the 11th century church and its crenellated facades. Throughout the walk, the typical southern architecture of the region is revealed. The Grand Rue paved with Ardèche pebbles, the vaulted passage of the "Combe aux oiseaux" or the light-coloured stone houses with round tiled roofs confirm this.
But above Aiguèze, it is a gentleness and an art of living embodied by inhabitants proud of their "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and endowed with a sense of hospitality sparkling with humour.
A heritage to see
In Aiguèze, you must stop in front of the houses that tell the history of the village, often with a medieval ground floor and Romanesque vaults and a Renaissance part with mullioned windows.
The parish church, listed as a Historical Monument, of Romanesque origin with a Renaissance portal, its bell tower restored in Gothic style and the neo-Gothic frescoes inside are worth a visit, as is the Saint Roch fountain, located at the end of the Place du Jeu de Paume, which recalls the patron saint of the village.
The parapet walk passing in front of the old castle, the Saracen Tower and the Keep, offer a wide panorama of the Ardèche valley and the Mont Ventoux.
A wine to be tasted... with moderation
If the wines of the hillsides of Aiguèze were already recognized in the 15th Century, it is today those of Côtes du Rhône in AOC and appellation Côtes du Rhône Village that are the pride of the village. Thanks to the efforts of the winegrowers to improve their production, the village's cellars and fine restaurants offer quality wines.
You can also take advantage of your visit to taste some local specialities, honey and cheeses such as Pélardon.
Small riddles...
The inhabitants of Aiguèze are not lacking in humour and have slipped, here and there in the village, a few "hoaxes" ... Two clues: on the "Placette" do not let yourself be blinded by heat and thirst ... Rue du Vallat, humour over science will take precedence!
And two questions : Honoré Aigrefoul, is he really the inventor of absinthe ? Andris Nali was he really an expansiology professor ?
It's up to you...
Without forgetting to visit around three villages classified among the most beautiful villages of France, Monclus, Lussan and La Roque-sur-Cèze and some major tourist sites, the Chartreuse de Valbonne, the Aven d'Orgnac (Grand Site de France), the Gorges de l'Ardèche, Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and the Grotte Chauvet (UNESCO site) .
Tourist Office of Provence Occitane
Place du Jeu de Paume
30760 Aiguèze
Tel: 04 66 39 26 89
https://www.provenceoccitane.com/les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.html
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