Riez: From Roman Ruins to the Wonders of the Verdon!
Welcome to Riez, the former episcopal capital and gateway to the Verdon Regional Nature Park! The unique light of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region enhances every building facade, inviting you to take a timeless stroll. If you’re staying at our campground in the Verdon, exploring this town—nestled just 35 km away—is a must! Let us guide you through the centuries of this town in southeastern France!
Key Takeaways About Riez
- A former Gallo-Roman city, Riez blends ancient ruins with Provençal charm.
- Discover its landmarks: Roman columns, an early Christian baptistery, the Hôtel de Mazan, and the Saint-Maxime Chapel.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the Valensole Plateau and go hiking on the Millarettes Plateau.
- Explore its Provençal market, brimming with local products: olive oil, honey, cheeses, wines…
- Come to its many festivals and sample the local cuisine!
Immerse yourself in the history of Riez through its monuments
What is the historical significance of the town of Riez? Its status is truly exceptional! Even before the Middle Ages, Riez was a powerful city. In fact, its Gallo-Roman past still shapes its cultural heritage.
The Columns of the 1st Century
The most striking testament to the splendor of Riez la Romaine, these four columns are truly impressive! Listed as a historic monument since 1840, they stand in their original location in a meadow. These monolithic gray granite ruins, reaching nearly 5.90 meters in height, are topped with a Corinthian capital.
The Mazan Hotel
Take a look at the exterior of the Hôtel de Mazan, located on the Grand Rue. This mansion, built in 1517, is renowned for its staircase and stucco decorations. It is a designated historic monument.
Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church
In the heart of Riez, don’t miss the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. Construction began around 1490 at the initiative of Bishop Marc de Tende, and it is said to have been built using stones from the former Romanesque cathedral. Despite a partial collapse in the 19th century, it was carefully rebuilt and retains all its Gothic charm. Inside, be sure to take the time to admire Botinelly’s Pietà!
Read more
The Saint-Maxime Chapel
Climb up to Saint-Maxime Hill! At the top, the Saint-Maxime Chapel, built in the 17th century on the site of a former cathedral, watches over the village. The view is breathtaking, and the golden statue of the Virgin Mary seems to bless the entire Valensole plateau. The site is still home to a community of Poor Clare nuns.
Escape into nature: The Verdon and the Valensole Plateau
Riez’s greatest asset is its strategic location! The town is situated in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, giving you easy access to a variety of landscapes in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, such as the nearby Gorges du Verdon and the Valensole Plateau.
Hikes from Riez
You’ll find many hiking trails in and around this town. We recommend a loop hike of nearly 10 km (≈ 3 hrs) starting from the Pré-de-foire parking lot in Riez. You’ll walk through fields of lavender and olive groves, then gradually climb to an elevation of 633 m on the Millarettes plateau. The trail, classified as a “short hike,” has an elevation gain of 242 m.
Read more
Mountain biking, bike rides, and scenic routes
For cycling enthusiasts, Riez is a starting point for marked bike trails. The terrain is varied and easy to ride, making it ideal for a ride to Valensole. We recommend Route 4 from the VTT FFC Provence Verdon website. It is of moderate difficulty and spans 15 km.
Feel the Rhythm of Provence
The vibrant spirit of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence truly comes to life in the marketplaces of Riez and through its local culture!
The Traditional Market
The market is the beating heart of Riez. It’s an event not to be missed, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Colorful stalls line Allée Louis Gardiol. Here you’ll find cold-pressed olive oil, lavender honey, goat cheese, and sun-kissed wines from the Verdon region. The air is filled with the heady scents of thyme, rosemary, and Provençal spices! It’s at these markets that you’ll make your best discoveries, meeting the producers face-to-face.
Local Festivals and Traditions
With all the festivals and traditions in Riez, you’ll likely have the chance to attend one of these events:
- In mid-June, you can take part in the olive festival, and at the end of the month, there will be the transhumance festival.
- Discover local flavors at the Honey and Lavender Festival in mid-July—a day dedicated to local producers, activities, and the scents of the Verdon.
- On the last Sunday in July, the town comes alive with the Vintage Car Festival.
- If you’re an avid reader, don’t miss the book fair on the first weekend of August.
- The carnivals take place during the Pentecost weekend and the August 15 weekend.
Taste Provence: Cuisine and Local Specialties
A getaway to the town of Riez wouldn’t be complete without a culinary adventure!
Small restaurants and bistros in the village
After a morning at the market or a hike, it’s time for some comfort food! The town of Riez offers many small restaurants and bistros that showcase traditional cuisine.
Choose restaurants that use only fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. La Table du Vieux-Riez, for example, serves regional dishes from the Alpes-Hautes-Provence region.
Spotlight on the “Truffles and Lavender” Season
Planning your tastings around the agricultural calendar is the key to a successful experience in Riez. Seasonality is a cornerstone: lavender influences the honeys and liqueurs in the summer, while winter highlights the powerful flavor of truffles. In fact, the truffle festival usually takes place on the first weekend of February. Interested in exploring Riez’s history, refined architecture, and natural beauty? Book your stay in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence at our 4-star campground, L’Oasis du Verdon. Our campground, complete with a swimming pool, is the perfect base for exploring not only Riez but also the Gorges du Verdon, Sillans-la-Cascade, and Villecroze.
