Visiting the Gard: 20 not-to-be-missed things to do
The Gard is a multi-faceted département with a rich historical heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. With Roman remains, medieval hilltop villages and unspoilt countryside from the Camargue to the Cévennes, this destination in the south of France offers a range of unforgettable experiences. Discover our selection of the 20 must-do things to do in the Gard for a successful stay combining history, culture and escape.
See also the Nîmes guide :
- Visit the Nîmes Arena in the Gard department
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Nîmes
- Top 6 things to do in Nîmes
- The 9 most beautiful villages to discover around Nîmes
- Unusual accommodation in the Gard: 12 original places to stay
- Visiting the Pont du Gard: information, prices and advice
- The 5 best straw huts in Grau du Roi
- Top 10 must-see things to do in Occitanie
- The 9 most beautiful villages to discover in the Cévennes
1. Nîmes, the French Rome
It’s impossible to visit the Gard without stopping off at Nîmes, its prefecture nicknamed the Rome of France. This thousand-year-old city is home to exceptionally well-preserved Roman remains that bear witness to its past grandeur. The Nîmes Arena (1st century AD), the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world, can hold up to 23,000 spectators and still hosts shows and bullfights today.
The Maison Carrée, the only fully preserved Roman temple, is in a remarkable state of preservation. And don’t miss the Jardins de la Fontaine, a magnificent 18th-century park housing the Temple of Diana and the Tour Magne, which offers a sublime panorama of the city. The recent Musée de la Romanité is the perfect complement to this immersion in Antiquity, with its bold contemporary architecture.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Nîmes on foot and on your own
To make the most of your visit to Nîmes, the Navaway app offers a complete audio-guided itinerary that takes you through 26 of the city’s places of interest. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the must-see monuments, the picturesque lanes of the Écusson and the historical anecdotes that make this Roman city so charming. Let yourself be guided in the footsteps of the Roman emperors and discover Nîmes in a different way, thanks to the fun and informative commentary on the audio guide.
2. The Pont du Gard, an ancient masterpiece
The Pont du Gard is without doubt one of the most emblematic monuments in the Gard region. This 1st-century Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the highest ancient bridge in the world, with three levels of arches rising to almost 50 metres. This technical feat transported water over 50 kilometres from the source of the Eure to Nîmes.
The site offers several footpaths from which you can admire the structure from different angles. You can also swim in the Gardon at the foot of the bridge during the summer, visit the museum that tells the story of its construction, or cross the bridge from above for an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-see place that perfectly combines historic heritage and unspoilt nature.
3. Uzès, the first Duchy of France
Uzès, France’s first ducal town, will win you over with its medieval charm and Provencal lifestyle. Take a stroll around the famous Place aux Herbes, the beating heart of the town with its arcades and lively terraces, especially during the Saturday morning market. The Fenestrelle Tower, the only cylindrical bell tower in France, stands proudly above the rooftops.
The Duchy of Uzès, home of the ducal family for over a thousand years, is open to visitors, with its richly decorated flats and its Bermonde Tower offering an exceptional panorama. The cobbled streets of the historic centre are full of craft shops, art galleries and restaurants where you can sample the local specialities. Uzès is an ideal base for exploring the Pont du Gard, just 15 kilometres away.
4. Aigues-Mortes and its medieval ramparts
Aigues-Mortes, a fortified medieval town in the heart of the Camargue region of Gard, offers an exceptional journey back in time. The town was built in the 13th century by Saint Louis as a departure point for the Crusades. Its perfectly preserved ramparts, 1.6 kilometres long, can be explored in their entirety and offer a breathtaking view of the Camargue, the salt marshes and the mountains in the distance.
The Tour de Constance, an imposing keep at the entrance to the town, tells the poignant story of the Protestant women prisoners. In the pedestrianised town centre, the lively alleyways are packed with shops and restaurants. Don’t miss a visit to the Salins du Midi on the little tourist train to find out how salt is mined and admire the astonishing pink hues of the evaporation ponds. Aigues-Mortes is also an ideal gateway for exploring the Camargue.
5. The Gard Camargue, a wild land
The Camargue Regional Nature Park stretches across part of the Gard department, and offers unique landscapes combining ponds, marshes, rice fields and dunes. This exceptional wetland is home to remarkable biodiversity, with pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls living in semi-liberty. Birdwatchers will be able to spot over 400 species of birds in this natural paradise.
There are several signposted routes for exploring the Camargue on foot, by bike or on horseback. Le Grau-du-Roi and the Espiguette beach offer 18 kilometres of unspoilt fine sand, perfect for a relaxing day on the Mediterranean. The manades offer visits to discover the traditions of the Camargue and watch horse-riding demonstrations. This is an authentic region where nature reigns supreme.
6. The Cévennes, a hiker’s paradise
The Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, spreads its mountainous landscapes across the north of the département. This unspoilt region offers breathtaking views of deep valleys, steep ridges and picturesque villages clinging to the slopes. Mont Aigoual, the highest point at 1,567 metres, gives you a glimpse of the Alps and the Pyrenees on a clear day.
The Cévennes is a paradise for hikers, with hundreds of kilometres of signposted trails. The famous Stevenson Trail (GR70) crosses the massif, while other itineraries take in the Tarn gorges, the Séguissous waterfalls and the Cévennes villages. The fauna and flora here are exceptional, from hundred-year-old chestnut trees to the vultures that have re-colonised the gorges.
7. The Anduze Bamboo Grove
La Bambouseraie in the Cévennes, near Anduze, is an extraordinary botanical garden that is unique in Europe. Created in 1856, this 34-hectare park is home to over 1,000 varieties of bamboo, some specimens reaching 25 metres in height. A walk through this forest of giant bamboos creates an exotic atmosphere that transports you to Asia.
The garden offers several themed trails: the bamboo forest, the Japanese garden, the reconstructed Laotian village with its traditional houses, and the Dragon Valley with its banana trees and tropical plants. The water features and suspension bridges add to the charm of the place. It’s a refreshing change of scenery, particularly popular on hot summer days.
8. The Cévennes steam train
The Train à vapeur des Cévennes offers a picturesque journey between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard on a historic 13-kilometre line. Aboard period carriages pulled by an authentic steam locomotive, you will cross the Gardons valley via viaducts and tunnels carved into the rock. The route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Cévennes mountains.
The convoy winds along at the slow, steady pace of the machine, allowing you to admire the scenery to the full. Stops can be made at the Bamboo Grove in Anduze to combine the two tours. The driver and engineer share their passion and sometimes invite visitors to discover the locomotive. It’s an authentic, nostalgic experience that appeals to children and adults alike, offering an original way to discover the Cévennes.
9. Canoeing the Gardon gorges
Canoeing down the Gorges du Gardon is a must-do activity if you want to see the Gard from an original angle. This peaceful river meanders between impressive limestone cliffs, offering an exceptional natural setting. There are several routes to choose from, ranging from 7 to 30 kilometres, and accessible to all levels from age 6 upwards.
The highlight of the descent is undoubtedly the passage under the Pont du Gard, a magical moment when you can appreciate the grandeur of this ancient structure from the water. The gorges are home to a wealth of wildlife, including herons, kingfishers and beavers. There are numerous beaches along the way where you can take a break for a swim. Several rental bases offer equipment and shuttle services. This natural activity combines gentle sport, refreshment and heritage discovery.
10. La Roque-sur-Cèze, most beautiful village in France
La Roque-sur-Cèze is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and richly deserves this label. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this medieval village overlooks the River Cèze and offers charming cobbled streets. The Romanesque chapel that crowns the village and the remains of the feudal castle bear witness to its rich past.
From the village, the view plunges down to the Sautadet waterfalls, a spectacular natural site where the Cèze has carved out pools and whirlpools in the rock. Please note that swimming is prohibited here due to the dangerous currents, but there are organised beaches nearby. The wine-growing village produces famous Côtes du Rhône wines, which you can sample in the local cellars. It’s an authentic and picturesque stop-off in the Gard rhodanien.
11. Beaucaire and the troglodytic abbey of Saint-Roman
Beaucaire, a town of art and history on the banks of the Rhône, was once a major trading centre thanks to its legendary fair. The medieval castle perched on the hill offers a magnificent view of the Rhône and Tarascon. The narrow streets of the historic centre are an invitation to stroll, with their private mansions and shady squares.
A few kilometres away, the troglodytic abbey of Saint-Roman is a unique site in Europe. Carved into the rock as early as the 5th century, this abbey perched on the hillside was home to a community of monks. There are cave rooms, a chapel and tombs carved into the limestone. The panorama from the site takes in the Rhône plain, the Alpilles and, on a clear day, the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a place steeped in history and spirituality.
12. Caves in the Gard: Trabuc and La Salamandre
The Gard region has a number of remarkable caves offering a refreshing underground escape. The Grotte de Trabuc, near Anduze, is the largest underground network in the Cévennes. Along a one-kilometre route, you’ll discover seven impressive chambers, including the 100,000 Soldiers’ Chamber, with its mysterious stalagmite-like concretions.
Further north, the Grotte de la Salamandre offers a different spectacle with its 50-metre-high underground cathedral. A suspended walkway allows you to admire the geological formations from above, and the more daring can even take an underground zip-line. These caves maintain a constant temperature of 14°C, ideal on hot summer days. Guided tours reveal the secrets behind the formation of these geological wonders.
13. Aiguèze, a village perched on the Ardèche gorges
Aiguèze, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, stands proudly on the border between the Gard and Ardèche departments. This fortified medieval village overlooks the Ardèche gorges and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cliffs. Its steep cobbled streets, restored stone houses and vaulted passageways create an authentic medieval atmosphere.
The village has preserved the remains of its fortified castle and ramparts. A number of lookouts have been set up to allow visitors to admire the gorges and the starting point for canoe trips down the Ardèche. Craftsmen and artists have taken over the old houses, bringing the village to life. It’s a peaceful, unspoilt spot, perfect for a timeless walk with spectacular views over one of France’s most beautiful rivers.
14. Villages of character: Lussan, Montclus and Barjac
The Gard boasts a number of villages with character that are well worth a visit. Lussan, designated the Most Beautiful Village in France, is a fortified village perched on a rocky outcrop. Its ramparts, castle and shady square invite you to take a stroll. Nearby, the Concluses de Lussan offer a remarkable natural site with narrow gorges and giant potholes.
Montclus, another Plus Beau Village de France, nestles in a meander of the Cèze at the foot of imposing cliffs. This peaceful village with its narrow flower-lined streets seems frozen in time. Barjac, with its medieval market and antique shops, has a real charm all of its own. These hilltop villages offer authenticity, tranquillity and panoramic views of the Gard countryside. They’re the perfect place to soak up the Provençal art of living.
15. The Navacelles cirque
The cirque de Navacelles, a magnificent natural site classified as a Grand Site de France, marks the boundary between the Gard and Hérault departments. This spectacular 300-metre-deep canyon was carved out by the river Vis, which formed an abandoned meander. Several lookouts offer breathtaking views of this exceptional geological cirque.
The small village of Navacelles nestles at the bottom of the cirque. Several hiking trails lead down into the canyon to discover the waterfall and the moulins de la Foux, where the river rises again after an underground journey. The climb up to the waterfall offers a range of beautiful views. This is one of the most impressive natural sites in the region, a testament to the erosive force of water over thousands of years.
16. Le Grau-du-Roi and the Espiguette beach
Le Grau-du-Roi is the Gard’s family seaside resort, offering 18 kilometres of fine sandy beaches. Its picturesque fishing port, lively quays and daily market make it a popular destination. The Seaquarium, a modern aquarium, presents over 200 marine species and raises awareness of ocean conservation.
The Espiguette beach in Port-Camargue is one of the most beautiful wild beaches in the Mediterranean. Its white sand dunes stretch for miles and are reminiscent of the Sahara desert. It’s a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The protected natural area guarantees an unspoilt setting, even in summer. It’s the ideal place to combine idleness, swimming and water sports in an exceptional environment.
17. Mount Aigoual and its observatory
Mount Aigoual, the highest point in the Gard at 1,567 metres, offers an exceptional panorama over one thirteenth of the French départements. On a clear day, the view takes in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Canigou and the Mediterranean. The weather observatory built at the summit in 1887 is the last remaining inhabited mountain weather station in France.
The observatory can be visited and features exhibitions on meteorological phenomena and global warming. The forests that cover the slopes of Mont Aigoual are the result of an exemplary reforestation programme begun in the 19th century. Numerous hiking trails criss-cross the massif, enabling visitors to discover the remarkable alpine flora and fauna. In winter, the site is transformed into a family-friendly Nordic ski resort.
18. The abbey church of Saint-Gilles, a jewel of Romanesque art
The abbey church of Saint-Gilles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela, boasts an exceptional 12th-century Romanesque façade. This sculpted façade, considered to be one of the most beautiful in France, features a remarkable iconographic programme with its three richly decorated portals.
Inside, the crypt houses the tomb of Saint Gilles, and the famous spiral staircase known as the Saint-Gilles staircase is a masterpiece of medieval stereotomy. In the Middle Ages, Saint-Gilles was a major pilgrimage site, ranking fourth after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. A visit here will help you understand the importance of this place in European religious history. The village itself is well worth a stroll, with its medieval houses and bullring.
19. The velora
The Vélorail des Cévennes is a fun and original way to discover the Cévennes countryside. You can pedal along an old railway line between Thoiras and Générargues in a vehicle that can accommodate up to five people. The 6-kilometre round trip follows the Gardons and crosses several viaducts, including the Mescladou viaduct.
The pedalling effort is moderate and accessible to all, allowing you to enjoy the landscape to the full. The ride lasts around 1? hours and offers magnificent views over the valley. It’s a perfect family activity that combines gentle sport, nature and railway heritage. Departures are according to a set timetable to avoid crossing the single track. Remember to book ahead, especially in high season.
20. Culinary specialities in the Gard
Visiting the Gard also means discovering its rich gastronomy, which blends Provençal, Languedoc and Cévennes influences. Nîmes cod brandade, a creamy emulsion of cod and olive oil, is a must. The gardiane de taureau, a stewed bull accompanied by Camargue rice, is a testament to the traditions of the Camargue.
Pélardon, a small Cévennes goat’s cheese with a PDO label, can be enjoyed fresh or matured. Crunchy Villaret, an almond biscuit created in Nîmes, is the perfect accompaniment to coffee. Sweet Cévennes onions, chestnuts, honey and olive oil are just some of the local produce on offer. Costières de Nîmes and Côtes du Rhône Gardoises wines are the perfect complement to these dishes. The local markets are the perfect opportunity to discover and buy these authentic products.
In conclusion, a visit to the Gard promises an exceptional journey through Roman heritage, enchanting medieval villages and unspoilt nature. From the arenas of Nîmes to the wild gorges, via the beaches of the Camargue and the peaks of the Cévennes, this département offers a rare diversity. Whether you’re a history buff, a keen walker or just looking to relax, the Gard will win you over with its authenticity and the richness of its terroir. Don’t hesitate to take the audio-guided tour of Nîmes for an in-depth look at the capital of the Gard, the ideal starting point for exploring the whole department.
FAQ
How long does it take to visit the Gard?
To discover the must-see sites in the Gard, plan on spending at least 4 or 5 days. Allow one day for Nîmes and the surrounding area, one day for the Pont du Gard and Uzès, one day for the Camargue Gardoise, and two days to explore the Cévennes and its picturesque villages. A full week allows you to take full advantage of each site without rushing.
When is the best time to visit the Gard?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal times to visit the Gard, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Summer is perfect for water sports and the beach, but the sites can be very busy. Winter is mild on the plains, but you can also discover the Cévennes in the snow.
Is the Gard suitable for family holidays?
Absolutely! The Gard is a family destination par excellence, with activities for all ages: beaches, river swimming, vélorail, caves, tourist trains and fascinating historic sites. There’s no shortage of easy hiking trails, and medieval villages to captivate young and old alike.
Can you visit the Gard without a car?
Although the car is a practical way of getting around the department, it is possible to visit the Gard without a vehicle. Nîmes is ideal for visiting on foot, thanks to the Navaway audio tour. Buses run between Nîmes and the main towns of Uzès, Alès and Le Grau-du-Roi. On the other hand, the hilltop villages and certain natural sites will be more difficult to access without a car or without organising guided excursions.
What accommodation is recommended in the Gard?
The Gard offers a wide choice of accommodation: charming hotels in historic town centres, gîtes and chambres d’hôtes in the villages, campsites near the beaches or in the Camargue, and even unusual accommodation such as tree houses in the Cévennes. To visit Nîmes, opt for accommodation in the historic centre so you can enjoy the atmosphere on foot.
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