Cèze Valley: Sautadet, Gard villages and limestone river
The Cèze, a Gard river between Cévennes and Rhône
The Cèze rises in the Cévennes and runs for about 128 kilometres before joining the Rhône near Bagnols-sur-Cèze. Its course crosses the Gard through open valleys, limestone passages, pebble beaches and villages set on higher ground.
Cascades du Sautadet and limestone rock
At La Roque-sur-Cèze, the Cascades du Sautadet show the river working through harder material: potholes, fissures, pale slabs and fast currents. The site calls for caution, as the form of the rock does not lessen the strength of the water or safety rules.
Goudargues, Montclus and valley villages
Goudargues organises its streets around shaded canals, with an old relationship to water and gardens. Montclus and La Roque-sur-Cèze, listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, keep a structure of stone, passages and views over the valley. Further north, Barjac marks a transition towards Ardèche and the plateaus.
Between garrigue, vines and woodland
The Cèze Valley is also read through its soils: garrigue, holm oaks, Côtes du Rhône vineyards, olive trees, woodland and limestone plateaus near Méjannes-le-Clap. Activities remain close to the ground: bathing in authorised sectors, canoeing, walking, cycling, guided caving and village markets.
A quieter counterpart to the Ardèche gorges
The Cèze follows a geography close to the Ardèche, but often with a more rural, slower rhythm. It allows outings towards Uzès, Barjac, the Cévennes, the Rhône Valley and villages of Provençal Gard.
Bed and breakfast near the Cèze Valley
Here is a selection of guest houses, gites and charming places to stay near the Cèze Valley, between Sautadet, Gard villages and the river, with direct access to each owner’s website.
Charming Bed and breakfast
La Grange de Mailhac
Four independent charming guest rooms in an old barn renovated in a Provencal style, open to the Mediterranean garden and pool, near the village of Barjac. Garden, Swimming pool.
Charming bed and breakfast
Le Mas d'Issoire
Four comfortable rooms in southern Ardèche, in the Mediterranean countryside, in a then abandoned hamlet. The farmhouse has now been restored in keeping with the spirit and authenticity of the place. Large garden, Dinner.
Charming Bed and breakfast
Mas de La Chadenède
Three beautiful guest rooms (two of which are duplexes) in a beautiful renovated traditional farmhouse in Lagorce, a village in the southern Ardèche, near the Ardèche gorges. Park, Table d'hôtes.
Planning your stay in the Cèze Valley
When is the best time to stay in the Cèze Valley?
Spring and autumn suit villages, markets and walks. Summer draws more visitors to bathing and canoeing, with care needed around river sectors.
Where should you choose a bed and breakfast near the Cèze?
You can stay around Goudargues, La Roque-sur-Cèze, Montclus, Barjac, Bagnols-sur-Cèze or Méjannes-le-Clap, depending on whether you prefer river, villages or access to the Cévennes.
What can you do in the Cèze Valley?
You can see the Cascades du Sautadet, visit Goudargues, La Roque-sur-Cèze, Montclus and Barjac, walk in the garrigue, canoe in season or continue towards Ardèche and Uzès.