Discover the most beautiful villages in the Gard.

Provence is undeniably home to some of the most beautiful villages in France. Set off to discover Provence through the old streets of Gard’s characterful villages. As you’ll see, our luxurious residences are never far from the region’s most privileged spots…

Start in the heart of the Gard department, between plains and forests, in the town of Uzès. Situated in the triangle formed by the towns of Alès, Avignon and Nîmes, this town is discreet and charming. You’ll appreciate the charm of yesteryear as you stroll through its medieval streets. Surrounded by the small urban ring road, the town center is a maze of narrow streets lined with a multitude of 17th-century mansions. Under the arcades of the Place aux Herbes, a market is held every Saturday morning. Here you’ll find a profusion of local produce, including fougasses, olive oil, red wine, strawberries and much more. The market is renowned throughout the Provence region. A few steps away, you’ll discover the many varieties of plants in the medieval garden. Whether used to enhance meals or to treat illnesses, this garden is a precious testimony to the habits and customs of our ancestors in Provencal country. Uzès is considered to have been the first Duchy in the south of France, although no one can formally attest to this. Many monuments belonged to the Croussol d’Uzès family. History buffs can discover the interior of the Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit d’Uzès. Stained glass windows, Louis XIII furniture and cellars are just some of the gems to be discovered on your visit to the town. The bravest of you will climb the steps of the dungeon, where you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama of Uzès… to show all your friends!

Let’s move on to the north of the Gard department, to the commune of La Roque sur Cèze. Classed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, you will be pleasantly surprised by the architectural unity of the medieval center. The cobbled streets and blond stone houses will delight your collection of urban architecture photographs. The 12th-century castle with its two round towers and the Romanesque chapel bear witness to a rich past. Climb down the rocky outcrop and admire the view from the Charles Martel bridge over the Cèze. Listed as a historic monument, this work of art has undergone many renovations, but its old-world charm is still there. Further south, walk a few hundred meters to the Cascades du Sautadet. The Cèze has carved out numerous canyons and crevasses. When these meet, the river rushes in and the current becomes ideal for kayaking in the heart of Provence.
The third village we’ll visit is Alès. This village is a major iron mining centre and one of the country’s first steelworks. Inseparable from the history of the Cévennes, the memory of the Alès coalfield is still alive and well. Just 40 kilometers from Nîmes, Alès is an ideal starting point for discovering the “black country”. The town has many points of interest to discover.

Urbex enthusiasts will set off from the center of the town of Alès towards the hills to the west. The drop-off point will be the Château des Sauvages, three kilometers into the steep forests. The former medieval military building, now semi-abandoned, is a playground for many young adventurers. Once you’ve visited the castle, you’ll find a remarkable viewpoint over the town. Back towards the city center, you’ll find the Belvédère de l’Ermitage. The viewpoint is accessible via the asphalt road. Next to the Hermitage Summit is a Jurassic limestone chapel built in the 11th century. If you’d like to enjoy a view of the surrounding countryside, there’s a point called the Tables d’Orientation. Just a few minutes from the town of Uzès, we invite you to discover a charming villa with authentic stonework. The rooms are spacious, as is the terrace in the middle of the garrigue. Halfway between Anduze and the town of Uzès, this villa is the ideal compromise for living off the beaten track.

After visiting the town, you can head off to the astonishing Grand Site de l’Aven d’Orgnac. Set in the limestone plateaux of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, this site has many facets. Beneath the luxuriant holm oak forest, the cave reveals itself and visitors are invited to contemplate. An enthusiastic guide will accompany you on your discovery of the most beautiful things nature has to offer. The tour lasts an hour and takes you along a circuit over a hundred meters deep. The sound and light show lends the site a mystical note. There’s no need to stress when it’s time to return, as daylight can be regained via an elevator.

If you’d prefer to be closer to the city life and Roman sites of the Gard, you’ll love our elegant, charming residence for rent, a twenty-minute bike ride from Uzès. The Pont du Gard is within walking distance, where you can enjoy the sunsets over the valley. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate this privileged destination for a top-of-the-range villa rental. It’s vacation time, so relax in the stone pool and let the scent of lavender and olive trees carry you away. Away from any nuisance, this villa is just a stone’s throw from the Ardèche gorges. Grab your sneakers and a backpack and venture out onto the rocky plateaus of Provence. Seek out steep little paths to stretch out on waterside creeks. Whether it’s rafting, kayaking or sunbathing, the valley is the ideal place to spend an afternoon in a privileged setting.