Riez
An ancient Roman town on the Valensole plateau, with four columns from an Apollo temple standing in a field and a 6th-century baptistery.
In Roman times, Riez was known as Reii Apollinares. The four granite Corinthian columns standing in a meadow outside town date from the 1st century AD. They are the remains of a temple to Apollo, and visits are free. The Merovingian-era baptistery across the river is one of France's oldest religious buildings and is open in summer. The old town has medieval gates and a bell tower, and the Wednesday and Saturday morning market sells lavender and truffle products. About 15 km from Valensole, it makes a worthwhile stop on a lavender drive.
Opening hours
All day (baptistery open in summer)
Nearby sights
- Valensole Lavender Fields
- Lac de Sainte-Croix
- Musée de Préhistoire des Gorges du Verdon
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Musée de la Faïence de Moustiers
- Basses Gorges du Verdon
- Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir
- Lac d'Esparron