There are getaways with friends that leave a lasting impression. With Thomas and Lucie, we wanted to get some fresh air, to take a real break somewhere where nature is still unspoilt, where the villages tell stories and where the sun warms both the landscapes and the people. Three days, no more. So we loaded up the van, mapped out a loop through the heart of the southern Gard, and that’s how our road trip through Provence Occitane began.
We started with a classic that never disappoints: the Ardèche gorges route. Even Thomas, who is not very impressionable, was left speechless by the panoramic views. We stopped at almost every viewpoint – partly because of Lucie, who insisted on taking a different photo every time, “with the rock there in the background”. The result: a slow start, but already a real feeling of disconnection.
In the afternoon, we arrived in Aiguèze, and it was love at first sight! This village, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, with its blond stone houses and plunging view over the gorges, enveloped us in a rare calm. We took our time, wandered through the narrow streets, found a bakery and then made our way to theservice area just outside. Simple, peaceful, perfect for a first night under the stars.
We woke to the sound of birdsong and the sun was already high. Lucie, always an early riser, was already heating water for coffee while Thomas was still trying to emerge. After breakfast in Aiguèze, we continued our road trip in Provence Occitane towards Pont-Saint-Esprit.
There, we strolled through the town centre, admiring the old buildings, the church, the elegant facades… The atmosphere was peaceful, with this mix of lively town and ancient heritage. We found a small market in the square, perfect for filling our bags with picnic food.
We then headed for the Chartreuse de Valbonne, nestling in the heart of nature. The place is both monumental and soothing. We set up our tablecloth not far from the entrance, under the trees, and then set off for a hike in the surrounding national forest. The path was shady, cool and fragrant. We walked without talking too much, just happy to be there. In the evening, we drove back to the campsite at La Roque-sur-Cèze for a peaceful night, lulled by the distant murmur of the Cèze.
We woke up early that morning. And it was worth it! At 7.30am, the Cascades du Sautadet were still deserted, bathed in an unreal golden light. We sat on the rocks, watching the water flow by and listening. It was one of my favourite moments of the trip.
We then climbed up to the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, as intimate as ever, with its cobbled streets and unexpected views over the valley. Then on to Goudargues, our lunch stop. Settled on a terrace alongside the canal, we shared a platter of local cheeses and a fresh salad, our feet almost in the water. “It’s like a mini Venice,” said Lucie. Good point: Goudargues is also known as “La petite Venise Gardoise”! The afternoon went off without a hitch, with a swim in the Cèze, a siesta by the water and lots of laughter. We slept in, full of sunshine and relaxation.
On our last day, we drove to Chusclan, a village surrounded by golden vines. We parked at thetarmac near the cooperative cellar, and enjoyed a wine tasting guided by a passionate winemaker. Thomas liked the fruity whites, Lucie the full-bodied reds. Personally, I was particularly pleased to discover a genuine local wine, far from the sterile standards.
In the afternoon, wearing hiking boots, we climbed up to Château de Gicon. The path climbs gently, then opens out onto a breathtaking view: the Rhône valley, Bagnols-sur-Cèze, Mont Ventoux in the distance. We stood there for quite a while, silent, just watching. There are images that become imprinted without being photographed.
This road trip in Occitan Provence lasted three days. But it gave us so much more: deep-rooted memories, moments of real breathing space, landscapes that were both powerful and simple. Each stage, fromAiguèze to Chusclan, revealed to us a luminous South, where nature, history and conviviality weave an art of living that we won’t forget.
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