My friends and I decided to spend an eco-responsible holiday in Provence Occitane. On the programme: public transport, nature-based activities and friendly encounters. We loved discovering the region in an authentic way, while limiting our ecological footprint. Here’s our adventure in the Gard !
To minimise our carbon footprint, we opted for public transport. After taking the train to Nîmes, we took the LIO 121 bus to Provence Occitane. The network is well served, even for small villages, so we had easy access to our first stop: the Gaujac campsite.
We spent a few nights in a mobile home, surrounded by nature and magnificent views. Situated at the foot of theGaujac oppidum, the campsite is an ideal base from which to explore this archaeological site and enjoy the beautiful walks in the surrounding area. On foot, we explored the paths and climbed up to the oppidum to admire the view. There, we stopped time to enjoy the calm and greenery.
Afterwards, we decided to get back on the bus to visit Bagnols-sur-Cèze, a charming little town with a historic centre full of character. On arrival, we took the opportunity to do some shopping for local produce for our meals and stroll around the town.
Bagnols-sur-Cèze offers a self-guided tour of its narrow streets and historic monuments. Armed with a map, you can explore the facades, squares and architectural treasures that dot the town. Take time to appreciate every detail and stop off at the Albert André museum, a must for art lovers. Located in the town hall, this museum houses works by great artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, and is well worth a visit if you’re coming to the Gard.
After a quiet three-day stopover in Gaujac, we took the bus back to Bagnols-sur-Cèze, then the UGGO shuttle (line 14) which serves the Cèze valley. Our next stop: Goudargues, the‘Venice of the Gard‘, where we pitched our tent to immerse ourselves in nature for a few days.
Once we’d set up camp, we hired bikes to explore the valley and its listed villages. The Cèze valley offers the perfect setting for cycle touring : rolling countryside, vine-lined roads and incredible views.
Our first stop was La Roque-sur-Cèze and the famous Sautadet waterfalls, where we enjoyed the wild beauty of the area. We then continued on to Cornillon, a hilltop village with splendid views over the surrounding valley. Then on to Montclus, a medieval village with picturesque narrow streets and stone houses.
For a change of pace, we took the Chartreuse de Valbonne cycle tour. This route took us through the forest to the Chartreuse de Valbonne, an ancient monastery nestling in a green setting. It’s a peaceful place, ideal for recharging your batteries away from the hustle and bustle. Along the way, we passed vineyards and orchards, symbols of the local terroir.
During our eco-responsible holidays in Provence Occitane, we focused on the small markets in the surrounding area and the local producers we came across along the way. The market in Goudargues , on Wednesday mornings, is a must, where you can find fresh produce, perfect for our meals on the campsite.
Festival evening at the Gub’ in Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols
The highlight of our stay was the Gub’ festival in Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols. This music festival is organised in a friendly atmosphere at the home of a duck farmer, offering an unusual and warm setting. What’s more, there are free shuttles to and from the festival, so you can enjoy the evening in complete safety. The perfect opportunity to discover artists, dance and meet other enthusiasts, all in an environmentally friendly way.
For our departure, we took the Vallée de la Cèze shuttle bus to Bagnols-sur-Cèze, then the Lio 121 bus to Nîmes to catch our return train. This eco-responsible holiday in Provence Occitane allowed us to discover the region from a more sustainable angle, in touch with nature and the local people. It was an enriching holiday that left us with unforgettable memories and just one desire: to come back and explore this beautiful region.
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