Whether you enjoy horseback riding in the Camargue or swimming in the Mediterranean, whether you are a hiking enthusiast or a fan of thrilling water sports, or whether you want to follow in the footsteps of the Romans in Nîmes, the Gard offers a range of activities such that it will be impossible for you to be bored during the vacations.
You will find in this region of France several vestiges testifying to the cultural and architectural richness of the Roman civilization. Located in downtown Nîmes, exceptionally well preserved, the Maison Carrée is a majestic Roman temple dedicated to the heirs of the emperor Augustus. Within its walls, a film on the birth of Nîmes can be viewed. The largest tower of the Roman Nîmes enclosure, standing on the Mont Cavalier – the highest point in the city – the Tour Magne is the only remnant of the ancient Augustan enclosure. You can also take a walk in the Gardens of the Fountain, a true haven of peace, labeled “remarkable garden” by the Ministry of Culture. It is located in the heart of the city, on a hill, and is composed of two types of architecture: a Mediterranean landscape garden and an 18th century classical garden. It is the first European public garden. The Gateway Augustus is an equally noteworthy monument. Built in the 1st century with JC, it represents one of the main entrances to the ancient city of Nemausus (Nimes). This fortified gate was originally framed by two towers, now disappeared.
Come and discover the jewel of Romanity during your vacations: the arenas of Nimes! Inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, this amphitheater built in the 1st century was designed for gladiatorial combat. Transformed into an entrenched village in the Middle Ages, they now host historical re-enactments and concerts. Your trip to the heart of Roman times would not be complete without a visit to the Pont du Gard. This marvel of Antiquity is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its exceptional state of preservation will allow you to immerse yourself completely in the heart of Roman civilization. With its 275 meters long and its 49 arches spread over three floors, the work is monumental. It is now refurbished as a museum, hosts exhibitions and films, includes a media library as well as a space dedicated to children. Labeled a Grand Site de France, this sensitive natural area presents very diverse landscapes on its 16 hectares. The region also has many nature reserves, including Combe Chaude and Gorges du Gardon. Offering refuge to an exceptional biodiversity – about 1200 animal and plant species are listed – the Gorges du Gardon offer a great diversity of natural environments: scrublands, waterways, caves, cliffs and forests. The discovery center of Scamandre offers several hiking trails equipped with observation areas for fauna and flora; it is also labeled Grand Site de France.
The Gard region is also full of natural sites to take your breath away:
- The Sautadet waterfalls whose waterfalls are impressive;
- Mount Aigoual and its observatory, at 1567m altitude;
- The fairy-tale site of the Mer des Roches, on the heights of the village of Sauve;
- The state forest of Valbonne with its magnificent beech trees;
- The gorges of the Cèze with its intense and wild landscapes, a site classified Natura 2000 ;
- The megaliths of the Causse with its intimidating dolmens and menhirs;
- The classified site of Espiguette, on the coast ;
- The Cevennes National Park, which extends over the departments of Gard, Ardeche and Lozere, you will discover a natural heritage, landscape, architectural and heritage of exception;
- The circus of Navacelles and its oasis of greenery labeled Grand Site de France will amaze you for sure.
The gîte rental with swimming pool is always possible nearby.
Take advantage of your vacation rental in the Gard to live a unique experience by discovering the troglodytic Abbey of Saint-Roman! A unique place in Europe, this 5th century monastery will surprise you with its chapels, cells and rock tombs.
During your vacation in the Gard region of France, you can enjoy quite exceptional cuisine and go on a tour of five remarkable sites of taste:
- The sweet onion of the Cevennes,
- The rosé of Tavel,
- The bull of Camargue,
- The figs of Vézénobres in the Cevennes Piedmont,
- The olive and olive oil of Nîmes in the heart of the garrigues.
Your vacation in the Gard, France will allow you to taste unique and remarkable local products. Taste the pélardon, the oldest goat cheese in France, the black truffle of the Pays d’Uzès or the tellines of Saint-Laurent d’Aigouze.
For sweet flavors, you will not be able to avoid during your vacation the delicious gariguettes of Nîmes, the fougasse of Aigues-Mortes or the succulent honey of the Cevennes.
All the ingredients are gathered to make your vacation in the Gard an unforgettable one!
