Living in Provence Occitane means having the chance to constantly rediscover this magnificent region through the eyes of those who come to visit me. Whether it’s my sister Léa, who’s passionate about history, my friend Thomas, who loves hiking, or my parents, who like to wander around the little villages full of character, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re looking for ideas for an authentic stay in this unspoilt corner of the Gard, here are my tried and tested favourites!
When my brother Julien came for the first time, I wanted to show him an impressive site as soon as he arrived. So we headed for Caesar’s Camp, in Laudun ! After a short walk, we arrived on a plateau with a sublime view over the Rhône valley. With its Gallo-Roman remains and orientation tables offering views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, it’s the perfect place to plunge into the past.
And because he loved it, I also took him to see the Saint-Vincent oppidum, perched on the heights of Gaujac. Another fascinating archaeological site, where ancient stones tell the story of the first inhabitants of the region. As an added bonus, there’s an exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
When my sister Léa comes, it’s impossible not to take a medieval trip. Château de Gicon, overlooking Chusclan and its vineyards, is one of my favourite places. I love climbing up to the ruins and imagining what life was like for the lords of yesteryear, while enjoying the incredible view.
In the same vein, I always try to include Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, with its keep and fortified church. And if you’ve got the time, you can head off to the Castellas de Saint-Victor-la-Coste, which is well worth the diversions just for the (rather strenuous!) climb and the breathtaking views over the surrounding area.
For a touch of art, I often take my parents to the Albert André museum, on the second floor of the town hall in Bagnols-sur-Cèze. They love art, so the works of Matisse, Renoir, Marquet and Claudel fill them with wonder every time they visit. This little museum, once known as the“Museum of Friendship“, was reborn after a fire, thanks to the generosity ofAlbert André‘s painter friends. It’s a wonderful story and a must-see for art lovers!
My best friend Claire loves places where water and nature meet. So whenever she comes to see me, we head off to La-Roque-sur-Cèze, a village listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. After a stroll through its cobbled streets, we settled down near the Cascades du Sautadet. The swirling water sculpting the rock creates a fascinating backdrop, and even though swimming is banned here, there’s always a peaceful spot below to dip your feet and enjoy the soothing sound of the river.
For a gentler atmosphere, I love taking my friends and family to Goudargues, nicknamed‘the Venice of the Gard‘ for its canals lined with plane trees. When my parents are visiting, we like to take a leisurely stroll along the canals, visit the wash-house with its famous frog, then sit down at one of the terraces along the water. TheRomanesque abbey church is also well worth a visit, but what I really like here is thefriendly, relaxed atmosphere of the village.
For a quiet getaway, I often take my friend Thomas, who loves peaceful places, to the Chartreuse de Valbonne. Lost in the middle of the forest, it offers a soothing atmosphere with its cloister and glazed-tile roofs that glisten in the sun. After the visit, take a signposted walk in the surrounding forest. Far from the usual tourist trails, it’s a breath of fresh air between hundred-year-old beech trees and shady valleys.
When my friends come for a long weekend, I can’t let them discover Occitan Provence without passing through Aiguèze, another‘Most Beautiful Village in France‘. Perched on a cliff on the edge of the Ardèche gorges, it offers breathtaking views.
I always take them for a walk along the ‘chemin de ronde’, which takes us back to the days of the knights, and visit the church of Saint-Roch before enjoying a coffee on the terrace.
If there’s time, we can continue on to Montclus, with its charming narrow streets, or Vénéjan, where its windmill and Saint-Pierre chapel offer a breathtaking panorama of the Rhône valley.
A day of discoveries is a great way to spend a day! Here are some of my recommendations:
Waterside guinguettes: perfect for an open-air meal, with local produce and a relaxed atmosphere.
What I love here is that there’s something for everyone: between heritage, nature and the southern art of living, every corner of Provence Occitane has its own surprises in store.
Whether you’re a lover of old stones, a hiker or simply looking to relax, you’re bound to find something to suit you in this region still unspoilt by mass tourism.
So, when are you coming to visit me?
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