Temple of Apollo in Riez

The Temple of Apollo in Riez is one of the oldest surviving Roman monuments in Provence, standing on the edge of the small town of Riez in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.

What exactly will you see?

Four monolithic columns of grey granite are all that remain of the original temple, each rising nearly six meters. They rest on white marble Attic bases and are topped with Corinthian capitals, also carved from marble. Above them survives a fragment of a richly decorated limestone architrave — the beam that once carried the temple's roof. Standing alone in a meadow near the Colostre river, these four columns have become the enduring symbol of Riez's ancient past and one of the most photographed sights in the area.

Where did this monument come from?

The temple was built at the end of the 1st century AD, when Riez was an important Roman town known as Colonia Julia Augusta Apollinarium Reiorum — a name that directly references the cult of Apollo. The columns originally stood at the center of the ancient city, considerably closer to what was then the urban core than their current, seemingly peripheral position suggests; the settlement's center shifted over the centuries. Historians link the temple to a larger complex that also included healing baths. Inscriptions found at a nearby spring are dedicated to Aesculapius, son of Apollo and the foremost healing god in Roman mythology, suggesting the site doubled as a sanctuary of health where visitors came seeking a cure.

How do you get there?

The columns stand on the western edge of Riez, within walking distance of the town's historic center. It's worth combining the visit with a stroll through Riez itself — a town with a medieval street layout built over the ruins of the Roman colony. Riez sits in the heart of Provence, close to lavender fields and Lake Sainte-Croix, making the temple a natural stop on a route that mixes nature with ancient history. Driving is the most convenient option, with parking available both in town and near the site itself.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring the mildest temperatures, while the surrounding lavender fields (in July) or golden stubble fields (in September) create a scenic backdrop for photos of the columns. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun, since the site is entirely open with no shade. The columns can be visited year-round, free of charge, with no set opening hours, since this is an open-air ruin rather than an enclosed museum site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No — the columns stand on open ground and can be viewed for free at any time of day.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the columns themselves takes about 15–20 minutes, but it's worth setting aside more time to explore Riez's historic center as well.

Is this the only Roman remnant in Riez? No — the town also preserves a famous Merovingian baptistery, one of the oldest structures of its kind in France, making Riez a notable stop for both ancient Roman and early Christian history in Provence.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — Lake Sainte-Croix, the Verdon Gorge, and the lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole are all within a short drive of Riez.