In the heart of the Valensole plateau, at the convergence of three valleys, Riez is the perfect example of a Roman settlement in Haute-Provence.
The colony of Reii Apollinarès was founded by Augustus at the point where the roads linking Aix-en-Provence and Fréjus to the whole of Haute-Provence met. As you enter the village, 4 granite columns stand out against the azure sky. They date back to the 1st century, and were part of a temple probably dedicated to Apollo. The Vth century baptistery houses numerous fragments of Gallo-Roman statues. With Christianisation, Riez became the seat of an important bishopric. The large early-Christian basilica destroyed in the 15th century was replaced by the present cathedral (15 th - 19th centuries) which contains some beautiful 17th century walnut choir stalls and many works by Provençal artists, including an Appearance of the Virgin by Michel Serre.
Riez is surrounded by 14th century defensive walls and has preserved several doors and a massive Clock Tower from that period. The Grand Rue has kept its medieval appearance, with its corbelled houses and façades decorated with gypsum. Inside the Hôtel de Mazan, with its freestone façade, is a remarkable stairway decorated with gypsum dating back to 1523. The Saint Maxime chapel (1655) built on the tabular hill overlooking the village offers a marvellous panoramic view.

4, Allée Louis Gardiol
BP 41
04500 RIEZ

Tel : 0492779909 - Fax : 0492779907
Email : tourisme.riez@wanadoo.fr
web site: www.ville-riez.fr