Provence Occitane is much more than just a holiday destination. It’s a veritable crossroads of discovery, where every excursion becomes a new adventure. My little family and I are always amazed at how ideally situated this region is for exploring historical, cultural and natural gems. Do you want heritage, nature,adventure or just a good dose of relaxation? By staying here, it’s all at your fingertips, less than an hour’s drive away.
Just a 30-minute drive away, we love going to the Gorges de l’Ardèche. This spectacular canyon, classified as a nature reserve, stretches for 30km between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche. Believe me, the 250-metre cliffs are impressive, even for someone who thought they’d seen it all in terms of scenery.
To explore them, we alternate options: the first time, we followed the tourist route, dotted with lookouts where you can stop to contemplate breathtaking panoramas. Another time, we booked a canoe trip for total immersion in nature. If you prefer cycling or hiking, there are signposted footpaths that run alongside the gorges. The sight of vultures soaring overhead and the occasional wild goat make this adventure all the more magical.
Just 20 minutes from Provence Occitane, Uzès welcomes us with its incomparable southern charm. Its Saturday morning market on the Place aux Herbes is a veritable festival of colour and flavour. With stalls selling local produce from the Gard and small craft shops, it’s the ideal place to stroll and indulge in a few delicacies.
And because we just can’t resist it, we often drop in at the Musée du Bonbon Haribo, a stone’s throw from Uzès. It’s a real treat, not only for children, but also for adults who want to rediscover their childlike spirit.
In just 35 minutes, we’re lucky enough to reach the Pont du Gard, one of the most impressive Roman monuments I’ve ever had the chance to visit. Almost 50 metres high, this aqueduct once carried water over 50 kilometres fromUzès to Nîmes. Today, it’s the perfect place for a historic escapade in the heart of nature.
The site is entirely pedestrianised, and we often take advantage of the bathing areas by the river to cool off. With its interactive museum and large green spaces, it’s also an ideal place for a family picnic. Our favourite part of the day is when the bridge is lit up at dusk. A magical spectacle!
Just an hour’s drive from Provence Occitane, we regularly visit Nîmes, a veritable open-air museum. The city is packed with Roman monuments, including the Arena, the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne. Each of these buildings plunges us into another era, and for history buffs like us, it’s a must!
The Musée de la Romanité is a modern, interactive museum that provides a fascinating insight into the history of Nîmes. If you’d rather avoid driving, you can also reach the city by train or bus from Bagnols-sur-Cèze, for a relaxed, hassle-free journey.
Just 45 minutes away, Avignon is a city with a rich and fascinating past. We can’t get enough of exploring the famous Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe, before strolling along the Pont d’Avignon, sung by so many generations.
In summer, the City of the Popes becomes even more vibrant thanks to its world-famous festival, which attracts artists from all over the world. For us, it’s a great way to round off the day, letting ourselves be carried away by the city’s cultural effervescence, all the while knowing that a train will take us back quietly to Provence Occitane.
In less than an hour, we know we can also set course for Arles, where history and culture meet. After visiting its Roman amphitheatre and the Saint-Trophime cloister, we stroll through the streets in search of the spirit of Van Gogh, who left his mark on the city.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll love the Rencontres de la Photographie, a not-to-be-missed summer event that brings life to every street corner. Arles always charms us with its unique atmosphere, a blend of heritage and creativity.
One of our favourite places to visit is Orange, just 30 minutes from Provence Occitane. Its ancient theatre and Arc de Triomphe, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, take us back to Roman times.
We’ve been lucky enough to attend the Chorégies d’Orange, an open-air opera festival held every summer. The acoustics of the theatre are simply breathtaking!
Finally, if you want to get away from it all, take the road to the Cévennes, about an hour away. If you’re looking to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature, this is the place to go. We board the Cévennes steam train and take a timeless journey through the Gardon valley.
On the way, we visit the Bambouseraie d’Anduze, an exotic botanical garden filled with giant bamboos, perfect for a day out with the family or friends.
Each time we return from these escapades, we’re happy to return to the peace and comfort of Provence Occitane, knowing that new discoveries await us, always less than an hour’s drive away.
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