Perched on a cliff overlooking the River Ardèche, the superb village of Balazuc has restored its heritage remarkably well. A former stronghold of the lords of Balazuc, this characterful little village, with its rich medieval past, is today listed amongst the most beautiful villages in France. A charming labyrinth of tortuous streets interspersed by arched passages, arcades and stairways, to be enjoyed on foot, during a delightful stroll...It's also a chance to admire its two beautiful buildings, listed as historic monuments: the feudal Castle, remodelled many times, and the Romanesque church of St Magdalen, which is a venue for concerts and exhibitions of paintings in summer. Then head for the bridge over the Ardèche, crossing to the other side to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the village looking like a picture postcard...
The area's other attractions include a beach for people to enjoy river bathing, a river sports centre offering canoe and kayak rides down the Ardèche, as well as a centre for education about the environment and sustainable development, situated at the Viel Audon hamlet co-operative, which is accessible in fifteen minutes on foot, along a path by the river.
Balazuc, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, takes place in the Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Situated on the heights of the Ardeche valley, it is about twenty kilometers from Aubenas, not far from Vogüé. The town is also labeled Village of character for its architecture and its heritage.
All the epochs are represented in the village of Balazuc, populated site since the man of Neanderthal. The one who takes his name from the Gauls, Baladunum, undergoes evolutions over the centuries, while retaining its aspect of small medieval village. Original and authentic, the town has managed to preserve despite its years its uniqueness, still unveiling today a rich heritage of interest.
In the heart of the winding alleys, between the vaulted passages and the view over the valley, visitors are charmed by this charming village.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the castle of Balazuc dates, for its oldest part, from the 11th century. The building, however, allows you to admire the old rectangular keep built on the rock, as well as the buildings added between the 12th and 13th centuries. The latter, modified two centuries later, still reveal mullioned windows and a monumental living room fireplace. The whole has been included on the additional list of Historic Monuments.
The Notre-Dame church of Balazuc was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Listed as a Historic Monument, it is today restored and was replaced by the Sainte-Madeleine church in the 19th century. It regularly hosts exhibitions during the tourist season, and it is possible to climb onto its roof to enjoy the view of the surrounding valley.
The Ardèche museum allows you to discover more than 800 original fossils retracing the history of the geology of Ardèche and revealing the most important fossil sites in the department.
Under the town hall of Balazuc (outside the building), it is possible to discover a copy of a sarcophagus discovered in the town of Balazuc. The original, paleo-Christian, dates from the end of the 4th century and is in the Gallo-Roman museum in Lyon. According to legend, this sarcophagus, two meters long and decorated with seven niches representing biblical scenes, is that of the bishop of Alba.
As you stroll through the medieval streets of Balazuc, under the vaulted passages, you can admire the ruins of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste funerary chapel from the 13th century, or a fortified house from the same period with its large square tower. Story-telling walks are organized to better understand the history of this fascinating city.
There remain several vestiges of the medieval period such as the Porte de la Sablière, the best preserved of the old ramparts, or the tower of Queen Jeanne of Balazuc, today private property.
Balazuc also has climbing sites like that of Barasses.
Don't forget to pass by Viel Audon, a cooperative village which has now been restored. You can discover a center on sustainable development and the environment.
A beach, located on the banks of the Ardèche, allows for canoeing or swimming.
In July and August, the village offers a semi-night market of crafts and local producers on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Place de la Croisette.
The village festival is held in July with its ball or its distribution of pognes.
The De Fil en Arbre terrace festival takes place in the village of Viel Audon in July. On the program, old-fashioned workshops, sporting activities and even concerts.
Around Balazuc: sites except the Pont d'Arc, the gorges of Ardeche, the Devil's Bridge, the waterfall of Ray Pic, Vive Font ... Classified and villages to visit such as Vogue, Labeaume, Saint-Montan, Antraigues Vinezac ...
