The Gard: between the Mediterranean and the Cévennes
The Gard department offers its visitors a variety of landscapes and regions, imbued with
the
essence of the Mediterranean. Stretching from the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean
Sea
to the Cévennes and passing through the Rhône
Valley, the department covers a large part of the
Camargue plain. To the north, it reaches
Barjac
near the Gorges of the Ardèche, and to the west, it
includes the "Piémont Cévenol", a rugged land of stone and
sunshine.
The Gard department invites its visitors to explore a mosaic of diverse landscapes,
imbued
with Mediterranean charm. From the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean Sea to the
peaks
of the Cévennes, and through the lower Rhône Valley, the Gard extends to the Camargue plain. To the north, it reaches
Barjac, and to the west, it encompasses the picturesque "Piémont Cévenol", a land shaped by stone and bathed in
sunlight.
The mark of roman civilization
The region proudly showcases the rich heritage of Roman civilization: Nîmes, a major Roman city, has preserved its famous
amphitheater and the Maison Carrée to this day. A few kilometers away, the magnificent
Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, spans majestically over
the
Gardon River, captivating visitors for over two
millennia.
Nearby, the medieval village of Castillon-du-Gard offers a picturesque charm.
An exceptional terroir
The sunny and dry climate of the Gard has favored vine cultivation for millennia. In
this
landscape filled with the captivating scents of the garrigue, wine enthusiasts can discover exceptional
vintages. The Côtes du Rhône villages on the left bank of the Rhône River, such as
Laudun, Chusclan, and Lirac, benefit from recognized
appellations. The village of Tavel is renowned for producing the very first rosé wine
in
France.
Towns and villages of character
Uzès, considered the most beautiful town in the Provence of the
Gard,
unveils its historic streets around its Ducal Castle and the Place aux Herbes.
The Gard is also home to numerous picturesque and historic villages, including:
- Lussan: a perched village, classified among the most beautiful villages in France.
- Castillon-du-Gard: a charming medieval village near the Pont du Gard.
- La Roque-sur-Cèze: a picturesque village overlooking the Sautadet waterfalls on the
Cèze River.
- Montclus: a peaceful village along the Cèze
River, surrounded by nature.
- Aiguèze: a medieval perched village on the border with the Ardèche.
- Barjac: a town renowned for its antique market and authentic setting at the foot of
the
Cévennes.
While exploring the Gard, immerse yourself in its rich heritage and savor the
Mediterranean way of life, in a region where every place tells a unique story.