Aiguèze is a charming village located in the northeastern tip of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, just northwest of Orange and Avignon, and right on the border with the Ardèche department in the Rhône-Alpes area.
It is one of only two villages in the Gard department to be officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France"—the other being the nearby La Roque-sur-Cèze.
According to France This Way, Aiguèze is very scenic destination. While it may not possess the same level of enchantment as some of the top-rated villages in the country, the panoramic views over the river and the cliffs leading to the castle ruins are truly remarkable, making it well worth a visit.
This small, picturesque medieval village originally grew around a fortress, the remains of which still tower over the landscape, overlooking the river and surrounding cliffs. In recent years, the village center has been converted into a pedestrian zone and newly paved, all while preserving and enhancing the historic charm of its ancient stone houses.
The village of Aiguèze is perched high above the dramatic gorges of the Ardèche River, which is spanned at this point by the Saint-Martin suspension bridge, built in the early 1900s.
One of the greatest joys of visiting Aiguèze is simply wandering through its medieval streets, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the breathtaking views over the river valley. Though the village is small and easy to explore in a short time, it’s full of charm—and you’ll have plenty of time to relax at one of the local cafés.
As you stroll through, you’ll also come across several noteworthy sights. Begin your visit in the scenic central square, located in front of the village church. In fact, there are two connected squares here: the Place de l'Église, home to the church itself, and the Place Jeu des Paumes, where you’ll find cafés, shady trees, and the local market.
he Church of Saint-Pierre in Aiguèze has very old roots, with parts of the structure dating back to the 11th century. The real highlight is the interior, where vivid frescoes and colorful decorations cover the walls and ceilings, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere.
As you walk along the Grand Rue and nearby cobbled streets, you’ll come across a historic vaulted passageway and many ancient houses—some beautifully restored, others seemingly untouched for centuries. One of the village’s unique features is an old olive oil mill, a reminder of its rural past.
After exploring the heart of Aiguèze, take a walk along the path that leads to the remains of the castle’s donjon, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views over the valley.
While you can admire beautiful vistas of the valley, river, and castle from the village center, the best panoramas are found by following the clifftop trails just a few hundred meters outside the village. These scenic walks are often considered the highlight of a visit to Aiguèze.
After all that walking in the sun and relaxing in cafés, you might be ready for a refreshing break—time to head down to the river. Just below Aiguèze, along the Ardèche River, you’ll find a small but popular river beach, accessible via Rue de l’Escale. It’s a great spot to cool off, and also offers some of the best views of the village, allowing you to fully appreciate its dramatic setting.
Aiguèze is perfectly situated for exploring the Gorges de l’Ardèche, one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders. The village also serves as a gateway to several other scenic villages in the region. Thanks to its position on a rocky outcrop, Aiguèze offers panoramic views in both directions, giving visitors a real sense of the surrounding countryside.
Beyond sightseeing, the area around Aiguèze is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and canoeing. And for cycling enthusiasts, you might even spot the iconic Mont Ventoux in the distance—a legendary climb featured in the Tour de France.
You might also enjoy exploring the nearby “Villages of Character” in the Ardèche. Although Aiguèze isn’t officially part of this group—since it lies just across the border in the Gard department—it shares many of the same architectural features and historic charm. Several of these villages are located nearby and are well worth a visit. For more details, see the Ardèche Villages of Character guide.
For additional travel inspiration, be sure to check out the Gard travel guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon regional guide.
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