Riez combines impressive traces of its history with paths through the countryside of the Plateau de Valensole. In town, you can explore the baptistery, chapel and fountains; outside town, hiking and cycling routes lead through landscapes dotted with olive trees, lavender and sheep. To help plan your stay, start with a simple question: should it focus mainly on Riez’s cultural heritage, or would you rather make a hiking stage or cycling route the centrepiece?
Cultural heritage between the baptistery and Chapelle Saint-Maxime
The baptistery of Riez was built at the beginning of the 5th century. Its eight columns and a basin used for baptism by immersion are still visible today. The Hôtel de Mazan also offers a tangible glimpse into architectural history: the building dates from 1523 and contains a staircase with remarkable plaster stucco decoration. The Chapelle Saint-Maxime was built in 1655 on Saint-Maxime hill, which overlooks the village. From the chapel, the view stretches across Riez and the surrounding landforms to the ridges of the Plateau de Valensole. The baptistery, staircase and chapel each offer a different perspective—from early Christian architecture to a viewpoint overlooking the town and countryside.
The Circuit de l’eau is also part of the cultural heritage. This walking route lets you explore Riez on foot, passing its many fountains and washhouses. The route highlights the town’s water history and architectural heritage; the Chapelle Saint-Maxime adds a view of Riez and the surrounding countryside to your visit.
Hiking and stages around Riez
The long-distance La Routo GR®69 has two stages that both pass through Riez: Valensole to Riez is 18.5 kilometres, and Riez to Saint-Jurs is 16 kilometres. The stage to Saint-Jurs is therefore 2.5 kilometres shorter; it also has a different direction and endpoint. If you are including Riez in a hiking plan, these details can help you decide whether the town should be the destination of the stage from Valensole or the starting point for the stage to Saint-Jurs.
Paths through the protected landscapes of the Plateau de Valensole also invite you to hike from Riez. Olive trees, lavender and sheep characterise these natural landscapes, which are popular with hikers. This makes for a different experience from the Circuit de l’eau: the fountains and washhouses are the focus in town, while these paths take you through the countryside.
Cycling routes and other itineraries
The signposted Boucle de La Romaine is a cycling route starting in Riez. It passes through lavender fields to Puimoisson and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie; the route description also mentions views of Lac de Sainte-Croix. The information provides clear points of comparison when choosing between a cycling and hiking trip: the Boucle is signposted as a cycling route and leads to these towns, while La Routo GR®69 is described through two named hiking stages and their distances.
Another option is the Basses Gorges du Verdon tourist route, which begins in Riez and heads towards Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. Alongside walks in town and the designated hiking stages, this gives you other routes with different destinations to choose from.
Plan your journey and stay
Bus routes connect Riez with Manosque and Digne-les-Bains. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current routes and timetables before setting off, as routes and times may change. The signposted cycling route also offers a practical reference point when choosing your destination and planning your days.
Discover more destinations: Aubenas-Les-Alpes, Villeneuve, Villars-Colmars, L'Escale, Montagnac-Montpezat, Beauvezer, Sainte-Tulle, Enchastrayes.
Back to the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
