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Writer's pictureLe Mas g'Ardechois

Balazuc

Updated: May 17

32 km from Mas g'Ardéchois, a place for canoe kayak departures on the Ardèche, a beach where you can relax in winter and summer.



Balazuc is one of our favorite destinations to go and put your feet in the water under the bridge. A magnificent perched village, kayak canoes for rent, and a great snack bar, a bar restaurant, a castle with a breathtaking view of the Ardèche.


Prehistory:

  • Traces of human occupation dating back to prehistoric times have been found in the Balazuc area, including caves and rock shelters.

  • Notably, the Baume de Ronze cave yielded remains of the Mousterian and Aurignacian cultures.

Antiquity:

  • The Balazuc region was inhabited by the Helvii, a Gaulish people, before the Roman conquest.

  • The remains of a Roman villa have been unearthed at the Combe de Balazuc site.

Middle Ages:

  • The village of Balazuc developed around a medieval castle built in the 12th century.

  • The castle belonged to the Balazuc family, a noble family from the region.

  • Balazuc was a significant stronghold during the Hundred Years' War.

16th-18th Centuries:

  • Balazuc experienced a period of prosperity in the 16th century thanks to the silk industry.

  • The village was then affected by the Wars of Religion and the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

  • In the 18th century, Balazuc was a major center for lavender production.

19th-20th Centuries:

  • Balazuc suffered an economic decline in the 19th century.

  • The village was revitalized in the 20th century due to the development of tourism.

  • Today, Balazuc is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.


  • The Balazuc castle is currently private property and not open to the public.

  • The village of Balazuc is famous for its stone houses and picturesque streets.

  • Balazuc is a perfect starting point for hikes in the Ardèche gorges.

  • The village of Balazuc has served as a backdrop for several films and television series.

  • Legend has it that Pope Clement VI stayed at the Balazuc castle in the 14th century.



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