A few days ago, Baptiste and I decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle for a romantic weekend in Provence Occitane. This discreet region in the Gard offered us an authentic getaway full of discoveries.
We began our weekend with a visit to Goudargues, often referred to as the “Little Venice of the Gard”. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the charm of this village. The plane tree-lined canal, with its extraordinary wildlife and calm waters where majestic swans floated, created a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. We took the time to sit on the terrace and enjoy a coffee while admiring the landscape of Provence Occitane.
The village is full of little hidden treasures. Walking along the canal, for example, we came across an old mill and, wandering through the narrow streets, we discovered a period wash-house . This leap back in time allowed us to imagine what life was like in the Gard in days gone by, while enjoying thesoothing atmosphere of the place.
To continue our escapade, we headed for La Roque-sur-Cèze, one of France’s most beautiful villages, just a few kilometres from Goudargues. This medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop is a real gem. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and panoramic views over the surrounding Gard valley make it the ideal place for a romantic stroll.
After strolling hand in hand through the village, we heard the sound of water in the distance. Curious, we approached and discovered the Cascades du Sautadet. This natural site in Provence Occitane is a real little paradise. We found a secluded spot overlooking the waterfalls and decided to have our picnic there.
What’s on the menu? Local produce: cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit, all accompanied by a bottle of Tavel rosé, a wine typical of the region. It was the perfect place to enjoy this lovingly prepared meal for two. The sun was slowly setting, and we let the magic happen as we gazed at the horizon, lulled by the song of the cicadas.
To extend this moment out of time, we booked a night in an unusual accommodation, far from everything. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by our host from the Gard region, who showed us around this little haven of peace. The place was a real cocoon, perfect for just the two of us.
We spent the evening chatting, enjoying the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside, and relaxing in a gentle, romantic atmosphere. It was the perfect end to anemotional day.
After a good night’s rest and a delicious breakfast on the terrace of our accommodation, we were ready for the next stage of our romantic weekend in the Gard: a canoe trip on the Cèze. We collected our equipment and headed for the starting point.
Paddling together on this river in the Gard, surrounded by sublime scenery, was an unforgettable experience. The majestic cliffs, secluded beaches and lush vegetation that surrounded us made it all the more special. We laughed, chatted and enjoyed every moment, even when the canoe was testing our patience! But that’s exactly what made it so much more fun!
After several hours on the water, we found a quiet spot to take a break and have a swim. The water was cool and clear, and we swam while admiring the natural beauty that surrounded us. It was a moment of pure freedom, away from it all, where we could really reconnect with nature and ourselves.
At the end of the afternoon, we left the river for a new discovery: a visit to a wine estate in the Gard. The owner, a passionate winemaker , gave us a warm welcome and showed us around his cellar, before inviting us to taste his wines. We tasted several vintages, each reflecting the soul of this rich and unique terroir.
The tasting continued with an aperitif featuring local produce, which made the moment even more enjoyable. We shared this experience with other visitors, and the exchanges were both enriching and convivial.
On the way home, a touch of melancholy set in. Our romantic weekend in Provence Occitane had been simply perfect, and we would have liked to extend this timeless moment even further. But one thing’s for sure, we’ll be back, this time with Simba, our dog, to show him around this little corner of paradise!
34°C