I arrived in Provence Occitane late in the morning, excited by the prospect of immersing myself in a corner of France that was as peaceful as it was unspoilt. The first step was to drop off my belongings at the charming bed and breakfast I’d booked in the heart of a picturesque village. As soon as I arrived, my hosts gave me a warm welcome, passionately telling me about the history of their house and the secrets of the village. My room had that authentic feel, with antique furniture and a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
After settling in, I put on my trainers for a short stroll in the surrounding area. The village is a real postcard setting, with its cobbled streets, stone facades and colourful shutters. Along the way, I discovered some charming spots where the garrigue and vines stretch as far as the eye can see. This moment in the heart of nature immediately immersed me in the bright, tranquil atmosphere of Provence Occitane.
In the evening, I stayed for dinner at the table d’hôtes. What a delightful surprise! The hosts had prepared a menu based on local produce : traditional charcuterie, seasonal vegetables, goat’s cheese matured in the region… The meal was a feast of flavours. I shared this moment with my hosts and other travellers passing through. The exchanges were as tasty as the food, with local stories and good tips for the rest of my stay.
For this second day, I decided to go on an adventure and tackle the Rocher de Castelviel hike, an 8.5km loop starting fromAiguèze. Solo, it’s ideal: a three-hour walk, well signposted and offering incredible views over the Ardèche valley. The path winds between the rocks, with plunging views of the river below and the Gard hills all around. The effort is rewarded at every turn. I felt very privileged in this magnificent setting.
On arrival, I took the time to visit Aiguèze, a medieval hilltop village that has it all. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Aiguèze is full of charm, with its stone streets, little cafés and breathtaking views over the Ardèche gorges. After my hike, I had lunch on the terrace of a local restaurant, enjoying a typical southern dish, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine – the kind of lunch that stretches out quietly in the sunshine.
In the afternoon, I drove down to La Roque-sur-Cèze. This village is also listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and it’s easy to see why as you drive through. But the highlight is the Cascades du Sautadet, just next door. Here, thecrystal-clear waters of the Cèze form small pools and spectacular waterfalls, even if they are inaccessible for swimming. Farniente, on the beach below, was on the programme for this relaxing break. For me, it was a perfect moment, away from it all, with just the soothing sound of the water.
Back at the B&B, I was lucky enough to take part in a wine-tasting workshop organised by my hosts. They introduced me to the secrets of Gard wines, with spicy and fruity notes that I loved. The tasting continued with some fascinating discussions, before we sat down to a home-cooked dinner. This meal, shared with my hosts, was a wonderful conclusion to a day full of discoveries.
For my last day in Provence Occitane, I headed for Pont-Saint-Esprit, a small town on the banks of the Rhône. I started with a walk along the quays, admiring the river and the town’s old stonework. A visit to theSaint-Pierre staircase gave me the opportunity to take some great photos of this charming historic site.
I then visited the Musée d’art sacré du Gard, which houses an astonishing collection of remarkable works and objects, some of them quite surprising! It’s a calm and inspiring place, perfect for taking a break and learning a little more about the history of the Gard.
In the afternoon, I lost myself in the narrow streets of Vénéjan, a village full of character that exudes calm and authenticity. I took my time wandering around, soaking up thesouthern atmosphere, before continuing on to Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres. This medieval village is surrounded by vineyards and boasts some remarkable historic architecture. Between the old towers and the little churches, it was as if I’d stepped back in time. A fine conclusion to a stay full of discoveries and authentic moments.
These three days in Provence Occitane were a real bubble for me. Travelling solo allowed me to discover this region at my own pace, to make the most of every moment and to meet some precious people. Whether you love nature, heritage or gastronomy, this unspoilt corner of the world is the perfect place to switch off and recharge your batteries .
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