Aiguèze, Medieval village in Gard, France
Aiguèze is a village perched on a limestone cliff above the Ardèche River, defined by narrow stone streets and traditional houses with red tile roofs. The settlement rises in layers up the slope, with buildings organically built into the rock face itself.
The village developed in the medieval period with a fortress at its highest point serving as a strategic military post controlling river navigation on the Ardèche and Rhône. This defensive structure shaped the settlement for centuries, leaving its mark on the layout of streets and walls we see today.
The name comes from the needle-like shape of the cliff on which it stands, reflecting how the landscape inspired the community's identity. This connection between the sharp rocky point and the village's character is still visible in how the buildings cling to the stone formations.
The site is best explored on foot, as steep lanes and narrow passages are unsuitable for vehicles. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for elevation changes throughout the walk.
The village was the first in the Gard department to receive the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France designation. This recognition came earlier than for many other better-known locations in the region.
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