Balazuc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balazuc
|
||
|---|---|---|
View of Balazuc by the Ardèche River
|
||
|
||
 Balazuc
Location in France
Balazuc
Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
|
||
| Country | France | |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | |
| Department | Ardèche | |
| Arrondissement | Largentière | |
| Canton | Vallon-Pont-d'Arc | |
| Area
1
|
18.9 km2 (7.3 sq mi) | |
| Population
(1999)
|
337 | |
| • Density | 17.83/km2 (46.18/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
07023 /07120
|
|
| Elevation | 113–379 m (371–1,243 ft) (avg. 159 m or 522 ft) |
|
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
.svg)
Balazuc is a charming old town in the southern part of France. It is located in the Ardèche area, which is like a county. Balazuc is known for its beautiful old buildings and its amazing views of the Ardèche River. It is even listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France."
Contents
A Glimpse into Balazuc's Past
Balazuc has a very long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years. The village is built on a rocky cliff overlooking the Ardèche River. This made it a great place for defense a long time ago.
Ancient Times
Long before castles, people lived in caves around Balazuc. Later, during the Roman times, there was likely a small settlement here. You can still find clues about these early people. For example, a special stone coffin, called a sarcophagus, was found here. It shows how people were buried long ago.
Medieval Village
Balazuc truly grew into a village during the Middle Ages. This was a time when knights and castles were common. The village was built around a strong castle and a church. Its narrow, winding streets and stone houses are still there today. They show what life was like hundreds of years ago. The village's location by the river was important for trade and travel.
The Castle and Towers
The old castle of Balazuc was very important for protecting the village. While much of it is now in ruins, you can still see parts of its walls. There are also old towers, like the Queen Jeanne Tower and the Summer Tower. These towers were once part of the village's defenses. They offer amazing views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
Life in Balazuc Today
Today, Balazuc is a peaceful village. It has a small population of about 337 people. Many visitors come to Balazuc each year. They come to see its historic buildings and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ardèche area.
Exploring the Village
Walking through Balazuc feels like stepping back in time. The streets are narrow and paved with stones. The houses are made of local rock. You can explore the old church, which has been rebuilt over the centuries. There is also a newer church in the village.
The Ardèche River
The Ardèche River is a big part of Balazuc's charm. A bridge crosses the river near the village. This bridge offers great views of Balazuc on its rocky perch. The river is popular for kayaking and swimming in the summer.
How Balazuc is Governed
Balazuc is a "commune" in France. A commune is like a small local government area. It has its own mayor and a local council. The mayor helps manage the village's daily life. This includes things like local services and keeping the village beautiful.
Images for kids
