EVJF/EVG - Provence Occitane

Last summer, my best friend Hélène announced her wedding. As I live here in Provence Occitane, I knew it would be the perfect place to throw her a hen party worthy of the name! And I was right: between outdoor activities, tasty discoveries and unusual places, our long weekend was absolutely memorable!

Breathtaking outdoor activities

To get your weekend off to an adventurous start, there’s nothing quite like activities in the great outdoors, combining adrenalin and breathtaking scenery.

Thrills guaranteed with tree climbing and caving

To get our stay off to a good start on Saturday morning, we opted for some thrills! We started with a treetop adventure course at Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas. There was something for everyone. From the most fearful to the most daring, everyone rose to a real challenge. But the highlight of the morning was a potholing trip to theAven d’Orgnac. Suspended in the void in the middle of thousand-year-old concretions, we had an extraordinary experience, with a 50-metre abseil that we won’t soon forget.

Mountain biking in Provence Occitane

Motivated to continue the adventure, we then got on our mountain bikes, accompanied by a guide. It was an ideal way to discover the trails of Provence Occitane, combining speed and fun, while admiring the wild, unspoilt countryside. The guide led us through vineyards and garrigues, offering unforgettable panoramic stops.

As we wanted a gentle end to the day, we added a bucolic touch to our stay with a horse ride. Some of us even opted for an unexpected companion: a donkey ! With our guide, we rode along peaceful paths alongside the Cèze, stopping to bivouac in the heart of nature. The contact with the animals and the silence of the starry night made this a unique and soothing experience.

The next morning, we headed for the river for a canoeing adventure on the Cèze. Paddling at sunrise with the first rays illuminating the landscape was pure bliss.

Gourmet activities to bring you together

After the adrenalin and the exploration, it’s time to enjoy the pleasures of food and drink and share some tasty, authentic moments!

Discover the flavours of Occitan Provence

Provence Occitane is a land of flavours! So we took part in tasting workshops to indulge in the many local products (including a memorable honey tasting!). Local aromatic plants were also part of our discovery sessions: lavender, rosemary, thyme… we learned how to identify them and even how to make essential oils. It was an experience that added an authentic, local touch to our stay in the Gard.

Wine tasting and food pairing

Being a great wine lover, I was keen to introduce my friends to the local wines. So we booked a wine tasting at a winegrower’s, in a magnificent setting surrounded by vines. The estate offered food and wine pairings, combining mature cheeses and charcuterie from the Gard with the flavours of white, rosé and red wines. It was a real taste journey that allowed us to learn more about the art of wine tasting. The atmosphere was so friendly that we took a few bottles home with us to prolong the pleasure.

Festive outings and entertainment in Provence Occitane

To round off your stay in style, there’s nothing like fun and games and lively evenings with friends.

End your stay with an escape game and a musical evening

To end our stay on a high note, we tried out an outdoor escape game in a natural setting. We had to solve riddles while discovering the region’s heritage. The experience strengthened our friendship and introduced us to some fascinating anecdotes about Occitan Provence. Finally, on our last evening, we attended a concert at La Moba, the local cultural cooperative. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, perfect for enjoying the music and dancing the night away.

Savouring in convivial surroundings

After all these adventures, it was time to recharge our batteries! Provence Occitane is full of nice little places where you can grab a bite to eat or stay longer. We loved the waterside guinguettes, perfect for relaxed al fresco dining, as well as the small ice-cream parlours and cafés where we sampled home-made ice creams with local flavours. The pizzerias and crêperies were also ideal for convivial meals.

Sleep in an unusual place in Provence Occitane

To accommodate the whole gang from Friday evening, we booked a spacious gîte in an old renovated farmhouse in the Gard region, where everyone had their own room while sharing a large communal area. The rustic charm, stone walls and bucolic setting did much to create an atmosphere conducive to celebration and relaxation. For the last night, we opted for something a little more original: a night in a gypsy caravan in a bull farm, where we were able to watch the animals at sunrise, right in front of our accommodation. It was a magical moment that we’ll never forget!

How to get to
Provence Occitane?

Getting to Provence Occitane couldn’t be easier! From Avignon or Nîmes, the best way is to take the Lio bus network, routes 121 and 122. By car, take the A7 or A9 motorways and you’ll be in the heart of this authentic region in no time. A quick getaway for a weekend full of surprises and discoveries!

Make your hen or stag party a unique adventure in Provence Occitane

As a resident, I loved introducing Hélène and all my friends to the richness of Provence Occitane. What’s more, the Tourist Office helped me choose the outdoor activities, the culinary discoveries and the festive evenings. Every moment shared in this exceptional natural setting made this hen party as authentic as it was unforgettable. If you’re looking for a destination where anything is possible, Provence Occitane is waiting for you!

Pratique