Gignac
The Perched Village
The smallest village in Vaucluse, Gignac is an indelible trace of the region’s tumultuous past.
To discover
in Gignac
5 Reasons to Visit Gignac
Its charming historic town center
Its rustic Romanesque-style Saint-Martin Church
Its 18th-century castle
The breathtaking surrounding landscapes
Its proximity to many other tourist sites
Vacationing in Gignac
Gignac may not have shops, restaurants, medical facilities, or hotels, but it has retained an old-fashioned and relaxed attitude, as if the rush of the outside world never really managed to settle here.
Summer Holidays
The main attraction of Gignac, which can be seen among the trees as you approach, even before spotting the village itself, is its castle. Probably built in the 10th or 11th century (given the village’s name “Castrum Gigniaci” at the time), the castle was the center of a terrible battle during the Wars of Religion between the Catholic League and the Huguenots (Protestants) who had taken refuge inside the village. The story unfolds in 1575 when Catherine Barriès, a nun from the Sainte-Croix convent in Orange, renounces her vows and becomes the leader of the local Huguenot revolt. Supported by the people, she storms the castle of Barthélemy de Thomas, who rushes to seek help from his allies: Jean de Pontevès, known as “lou Mu” (the Mute), and his nephew Hubert de la Garde, known as “lou Rinar” (the Fox). Their combined forces besiege the village, using their cannons against the castle for an entire day. Under the cover of night, the villagers manage to escape, and when the soldiers force open the gates the next day, only two bodies are found: those of the reformed nun Catherine Barriès and her lover Jacques Turque. The castle is burned and no longer stands.
Nearly two centuries later, in 1760, the Thomas family, still owners of the land, decided to rebuild the castle. The construction lasted until 1780. Inside, the most impressive features are the ancient fireplaces and the sumptuous stucco decorations, a style of engraving that uses white lime. Outside the castle, its courtyard and terrace both offer spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. A majestic staircase leading to the park completes the picture. Proof of the castle’s importance in daily life, the local church shares a common wall with the castle, and the town hall is located just outside its gates.
Your Holiday Home in Gignac
- 10 pers.
- Pool, Jacuzzi
From
9600€
to
11300€
/ week
- 10 pers.
- Heated pool, Fitness
From
5000€
to
8500€
/ week
If it rains, you can take shelter in the Saint-Martin Church of Gignac, built in the 12th century.
Golf Courses Nearby
Places to Visit in Gignac
Despite its small size, the village still has a few sites worth seeing.
Family Holidays
Around the village, remnants of the defensive walls and the citadel can still be seen here and there. In the surrounding hills, a few “jas” (shelters in Provençal) are still visible. These dry stone constructions (without cement) were used as sheepfolds.
Romantic Getaway
Looking for a romantic getaway? Try the local windmill! Completely renovated inside, it’s the perfect secluded spot for a special moment with your loved one. And to top it off, the view from the top of the windmill is worth the trip!
Vacation with Your Dog
The surrounding hills and forests offer numerous trails to follow without the risk of encountering anyone, giving you plenty of opportunities to let your four-legged companion run freely. However, if you prefer a more marked path, the GR6 trail passes through the village, allowing you to follow its route if you wish.
Getting to Gignac
The D22 and D30 roads both pass near Gignac.
To visit Provence, the airports in Marseille, Montpellier, and Nice are the most recommended.
The nearest TGV station is Avignon TGV.
Numerous “pistes,” more or less passable dirt roads, surround Gignac, allowing you to take beautiful mountain bike rides.
Nearby Towns to Gignac
- Rustrel: Approximately 3 kilometers.
- Viens: Approximately 4 kilometers.
- Saint-Martin-de-Castillon: Approximately 7 kilometers.
- Simiane-la-Rotonde: Approximately 7 kilometers.
- Céreste: Approximately 8 kilometers.
Gignac, History, Traditions, and Culture
The history of Gignac predates the Roman period. The soils were rich in iron ore, and the local forge operated until the 3rd century. One of the earliest known names is “Gigniacum,” leading to the belief that the first owner of the iron quarries was probably a Gaul named “Gennius.” During the Middle Ages, the small locality changed hands several times: first the Forcalquier family, then the lords of Provence. In the 13th century, the Agoult family ruled until the Thomas family received it in the 17th century. They kept it until the French Revolution. With 252 inhabitants in 1857, the population gradually declined, reaching its lowest point in 1975 with only 21 residents recorded. Today, the village has 73 inhabitants, a number that is slowly increasing.