Balazuc

Visit Balazuc, Rhone-Alpes

Balazuc is in the Ardeche department of the Rhone-Alpes, and listed as both a 'most beautiful village of France' and an 'Ardeche village of character'.

Set above a bend in the river and a 19th century bridge, the village of Balazuc is a lovely little picture-postcard place, which proudly traces its origins back 50,000 years - the remains of an early hunter dating to that time have been found here, in the Barasses cave across the river.

Exploring Balazuc

Unusually among the 'villages of character' of the Ardeche, you descend to Balazuc rather than climb to a hilltop, since it is in an attractive valley. The cliffs and trees surround the village, while the river moves swiftly below.

Clinging to the rocky outcrop on which it sits, with a cliff rudely interrupting the village, Balazuc is a great place to visit and explore, with a myriad of narrow alleys, arches and narrow paths, frequently seemingly carved straight from the rock and great fun to explore.

The castle and church are particular highlights within the village. The castle ruins date from the 11th century and 13th century, while the fortified Church of Saint Madeleine (built at the same time as the castle) was being used for an art exhibition when we visited. The small courtyard in front of the church is also very pretty.

(The second church above Balazuc historic village is a 19th century addition.)

The village continues down the hill to the Ardeche river - you can cross the river on the bridge, for a great view back of the village, and also enjoy the cliffs and scenery along the river itself.

Note: you need to park outside the village and enter on foot, a walk of perhaps 500 metres. By good fortune or careful planning there was a horse in a field halfway along the path to the village at the time of our visit - so everywhere we went in the village we could hear children asking when they could see the horse again - an excellent idea, because the children were all eager to walk up the path again after having traipsed around the village!

Attractions nearby

Canoeing and hiking are popular in this part of the Ardeche, and Balazuc is also a popular centre with rock-climbers, many good climbing routes being close to hand.

Other Ardeche villages of character close by include Labeaume and Vogue, both equally picturesque.

See Rhone-Alpes and Ardeche (the region and department for Balazuc) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Balazuc: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Balazuc

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Suggested places to visit near Balazuc, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Vallon Pont d'Arc 11km; Gorges de l'Ardeche 11km; Aubenas 12km; Pont d'Arc 15km; Jaujac 17km; Alba-la-Romaine 19km; Meyras 21km; Saint-Montan 21km; Thueyts 22km; Naves 22km; Banne 23km;

Balazuc tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Gorges du Gardon - grand site of france (10km) : Gorges de l'Ardeche - grand site of france (12km) : Vals-les-Bains - recommended detour (18km) : Bois de Païolive - site of natural beauty (19km) : Aven d'Orgnac - grand site of france (22km) : Monts d'Ardeche - regional natural parc (24km) : Grotte de la Cocaliere - site of natural beauty (29km) : Cascade du Ray-Pic - site of natural beauty (31km) :

See more places and a map at places near Balazuc