Balazuc

Balazuc, a village with a Southern atmosphere is a little village whose houses are made of stone. Clinging to the cliff top it offers an unequalled view of the valley and the gorges of the Ardèche. The sun, the labyrinth of picturesque streets, the shady arcades everything invites you to wander about. Only the sea is missing.
Its ancient name was Baladudum and the history of the town can be retraced to the Celts. A Pagan temple in honour of Baal, the god of light, no doubt stood on the rocky promontory where the old church stands today. Later, the Roman road linking Alba to Uzès passed through here and enriched the inhabitants of Balazuc.
During the Wars of Religion the village was one of the rare Catholic islands in a region won over to Protestantism. The old Romanesque church attests to the epoch. Situated at the top of a peak some tens of metres high above the river, it has a lovely bell tower with three arches. Its apse in wartime was raised to make a defence tower. The remains of the ramparts will lead you to the castle. With its C.12th keep it served as a refuge for “Brave Montreal”, the faithful lieutenant of Louis XIII in his struggle against the Protestants.
To end your visit there is nothing like a little walk to the Vieille Place. Surrounded by shops that smack of the Middle Ages and mullioned houses it will certainly make you succumb to its olden day charms.

Information
Balazuc Tourist Office: Tel: 04 75 37 75 08