Riez, Roman village in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Riez sits at the intersection of three valleys on the slopes of Saint-Maxime hill, with medieval ramparts and ancient stone buildings throughout its layout. The village spreads across wooded terrain with narrow streets leading to historic squares and structures from different periods of its past.
A Roman colony named Colonia Julia Augusta Reiorum Appolinaris was founded by Emperor Augustus, whose legacy remains visible in four granite columns from a first-century temple. Medieval fortifications later overlay these early structures, shaping the village's appearance over centuries.
The town hosts traditional markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays where local producers sell truffles, honey, olive oil, and lavender grown in the surrounding countryside. These gatherings form the center of daily life and reflect how the community values its agricultural roots.
The village offers access to outdoor activities through its proximity to Verdon Regional Nature Park, Sainte-Croix Lake, and numerous hiking trails throughout the area. Visitors can explore the center on foot, though sturdy shoes are recommended since the paths follow the hillside terrain.
A baptistery was built in the fifth century atop the ruins of Roman thermal baths and ranks among the rare surviving early Christian structures in Provence. This building demonstrates how local communities repurposed ancient sites to create religious centers for their growing faith.
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