When Jeanne whispered to me the idea of a weekend away from the hustle and bustle, we decided to set off to discover Provence Occitane, an authentic corner of the Gard, still sheltered from the crowds. In just a few days, we enjoyed a timeless interlude of walks, heritage discoveries, luminous landscapes and unforgettable moments of sharing. An ideal destination for couples looking for a simple, sincere getaway.
From the moment we arrived, a feeling of fulfilment enveloped us. This land seems to have the rare gift of making you slow down and put down your bags, not just physically, but mentally too.
In a matter of moments, we’ve forgotten about notifications, overloaded diaries and the noise of the city. Here, everything exudes blissful simplicity, as if nature and mankind had come together to create a place conducive to reconnection.
The golden light of late afternoon bathed the hills and every bend in the road brought us a little closer to a southern art of living that is both discreet and generous. It was a powerful first impression, that of an authentic South, radiant without being flashy, welcoming without excess.
Our journey began in Vénéjan, nestling in the hills overlooking the Rhône. This village, labelled a “Petite Cité de Caractère”, lives up to its name magnificently. The silence, punctuated by the rustle of leaves and birdsong, accompanied our footsteps along the cobbled streets, between the blonde stone houses. All around, peaceful nature surrounds the village like a green scarf.
We fell under the spell of its carefully restored windmill. Perched on its hill, it seems to watch over the village and the surrounding plains. Time stands still here: you can almost still hear the grinding of the millstones, the breath of the wind in the wings, the patience of a forgotten skill. A little further on, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste chapel, discreet and imbued with spirituality, offered us a moment of simple, sincere contemplation.
We left Vénéjan with a light heart, as if this first step into Occitan Provence had already connected us to something essential: time for ourselves, for each other and for marvelling.
If there’s one thing Jeanne and I love about our escapades, it’s walking together, away from the well-trodden paths, in search of new horizons. In Provence Occitane, every hiking trail seems to have been mapped out for lovers of nature and peace and quiet. Whether you’re a long-distance walker or just a Sunday stroller, here the landscapes reveal themselves at the rhythm of your footsteps, in a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.
The day after our arrival, we put on our trainers for a loop starting from La Roque-sur-Cèze, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This little gem of blonde stone, perched above the famous Sautadet waterfalls, is in itself a living postcard. The path we followed took us through evergreen oak forests, past terraced vineyards and to a breathtaking viewpoint. There, hand in hand, in silence, we gazed down at the Cèze winding its way below, like a silver ribbon between the hills. A moment suspended, simple and precious.
For our second day, we opted for a change of pace by hiring two electric bikes in Goudargues, the little Venice of the area. The wine roads took us through a patchwork of lavender fields, orchards and vineyards. At the end of the route, a stop at a local wine estate with a quality label was an obvious choice. Over a glass of chilled white floral wine, we discussed the terroir and traditions with a passionate winemaker. Once again, the human element was at the heart of the experience.
When you go away as a couple, it’s not just to see the sights or take in the sights: it’s also about slowing down, breathing together and savouring those silent moments when everything is said without a word. In Provence Occitane, nature invites you to let go. Between two explorations, it seemed natural to take some time out together, just to be there.
After several hours walking through vineyards and forests, we put our bags down on a small clearing, in the shade of a hundred-year-old olive tree. A simple impromptu picnic, with a few products from the market – crusty bread, local goat’s cheese, juicy fruit – turned into a moment of pure fulfilment. The song of the cicadas, the scent of the garrigue and that feeling of benevolent isolation made this moment a precious memory. No network, no constraints. Just Jeanne and me, in a bubble of nature.
To round off this gentle day, we had booked an unusual night in a romantic gypsy caravan nestling in the heart of a manade. As soon as we arrived, the atmosphere changed: a rare silence, the kind you don’t hear anywhere else, enveloped the place. In front of us, a small, tranquil lake and a few Camargue bulls coming forward to drink. After a candlelit dinner and a few laughs, we looked up at the starry sky, snuggled under a blanket. Far from it all, but close to what’s essential.
Sleeping here was a bit like setting the record straight, feeling the simple beauty of a place that respects the earth and the life that is rooted in it. It’s an experience we’d recommend to any couple looking for a warm, gentle refuge.
In Provence Occitane, eating isn’t just about eating: it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the land, the seasons, know-how and above all the present moment. For us, lovers of simple, authentic cuisine (and gourmets), this culinary stage was a veritable feast for the senses. Here, gastronomy is a universal language, a bridge between generations, traditions and passing travellers.
Every morning, we had the pleasure of setting off together to discover the region’s farmers’ markets. In Bagnols-sur-Cèze or Goudargues, the colourful stalls overflowed with local produce: golden honeys, fragrant truffles, mature cheeses, aromatic herbs… What particularly impressed us was the direct contact with the producers, all of whom were passionate about their work and proud to share their love of it.
One lunchtime, we sat down on the terrace of a small restaurant in Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson. On the menu: market cuisine, with award-winning olive oil from Saint-André-d’Olérargues, still-warm bread and a glass of fruity Tavel. It was a real treat, and we were delighted with every mouthful.
But the most memorable moment was our dinner at sunset, on the heights of Sabran. The light, already orange, bathed the hills as we were seated at an intimate table d’hôtes, set between two rows of vines. The chef – a local caterer committed to a sustainable approach – had concocted a light and tasty seasonal menu.
Each dish was accompanied by an anecdote, a wine pairing and an explanation of the origin of the produce. We sampled a squash and saffron velouté, a delicately smoked fillet of trout from the Cévennes, and a fresh fig tart. All accompanied by a glass of elegant, well-structured red Lirac.
This dinner was a real declaration of love to the terroir, but also to our couple. For these suspended moments, when flavours and emotions come together, are ones we’ll never forget.
To ensure that your time together is as perfect as ours, here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of every moment.
This weekend in Provence Occitane was a breath of fresh air, a return to basics, a celebration of our connection. It’s a perfect destination for couples, whether you’re a lover of nature, heritage or wine, or simply looking for some quality timeout…
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