Gignac
This beautifully unspoilt village is situated in a haven of greenery on the edge of the ochre quarries. The Doa, known as the ochre-quarriers' river, runs through it.
Bound to ochre, Gignac has also worked the iron industry in the « Quartier de la Ferrière ». The mine's iron ore reached a high 55% content. Furthermore, it seems that the site was first exploited from the Neolithic age to the Roman Empire.
Notable sites in the village include the Romanesque church (12th century) with a semi circular apse, a few beautiful residences, a wash house and some ruins, ... and the château (a private residence and Listed building).
In 1575, because a defrocked nun who became a Calvinist, the village people took over the castle. Besieged by the "Ligue" and responding to Lord Barthélémy de Thomas, the castle was partly burnt down. It was then rebuilt at the end of the 18th century.
15 km (9 miles) from Apt - altitude 600 metres (1968 feet) - 69 inhabitants.
Town Hall - Le Village 84400 Gignac T. +33 (0)4 90 74 20 74.
