When my sister asked me for ideas for a responsible week’s holiday in the heart of nature with her little family, I didn’t hesitate for a second: Provence Occitane is the ideal destination! With its unspoilt landscapes, charming little villages, local markets and many environmentally-friendly travel options, the region offers a great alternative for discovering the South of France in harmony with the environment. Here’s the programme I’ve put together for them for an authentic, eco-responsible week’s holiday in the Gard.
They arrived in Goudargues, our little canal-side paradise, also known as ‘ La Venise gardoise ‘. For this stay, I advised them to put the car down as soon as they arrived and to hire bikes to get around easily and reduce their ecological impact. They found a beautiful site in an eco-responsible campsite, perfectly integrated into the surrounding nature. Located in the heart of the village, they can enjoy the charm of Goudargues and its many local shops.
On their first day, they explored Goudargues, strolled along the canals, and got their bearings for the days ahead by stopping off at theTourist Office. The next day, they were ready for a 100% nature adventure!
There’s no better way to explore Provence Occitane than by bike : a gentle, immersive way to enjoy the rolling countryside and peaceful banks of the Cèze.
The next day, they set off by bike towards Montclus, one of France’s most beautiful villages. This shared route winds its way through lavender fields and vineyards, revealing breathtaking scenery. On a narrower stretch, between cliffs and a river, cohabitation with cars requires a little care, but the enchanting setting invites you to continue. On the way, they took several breaks to admire this little corner of the Gard. It has to be said that it’s a bit of a climb to get to Montclus!
Once they arrived in Montclus, they took the time to visit this medieval village and its picturesque streets. The visit was made all the more enjoyable by the fact that the children had fun wandering around the village using the Randoland cards, full ofriddles and games relating to the history of Montclus, that the Tourist Office had given them. For lunch, I had arranged for them to have a picnic on the banks of the Cèze, an ideal river for a refreshing swim in the heart of nature. They were also able to stop at a local producer to buy seasonal vegetables and even an artisanal beer, perfect to accompany their grills at the campsite in the evening, a beer that they were able to find a few days later on sale in the shop of the Provence Occitane Tourist Office!
The next stage of their adventure is to discover this village of character perched on the heights of the Cèze, offering a picture-postcard setting.
The following day, I suggested they get back on the bikes and head for La Roque-sur-Cèze, another village listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. With its cobbled streets and viewpoints, this little jewel of the region is a must for anyone wanting to enjoy a typical southern setting.
After visiting the village, they headed off to the Cascades du Sautadet. These natural waterfalls, formed by the Cèze river, offer a marvellous spectacle of bubbling pools. Although swimming is strictly forbidden, the site offers an ideal spot to relax on the small beach below. The children spent a lazy afternoon on this magnificent site. It was a memorable experience, combining the pleasure of the water with the beauty of nature.
This new day is all about local flavours and a touch of culture, with colourful stalls and artistic masterpieces.
For their fourth day, I advised them to start with the market in Goudargues. It was an opportunity to stock up on local produce: fruit and vegetables, goat’s cheese and honey. They also did some shopping for a picnic lunch using local produce.
In the afternoon, they took the free UGGO shuttle bus to Bagnols-sur-Cèze to discover the Albert André Museum, where works by Matisse, Renoir, Claudel and other great artists are on display. This museum is a real cultural nugget, nestling in a tranquil setting. After their visit, they enjoyed the narrow streets of Bagnols and its southern ambience before taking the shuttle back to the campsite for a stress-free, environmentally-friendly return.
For their fifth day, I booked them in for a day of canoeing. The Cèze is ideal for a gentle descent, accessible to all, even the youngest. They took advantage of the shade provided by the trees and the small natural beaches for swimming breaks. The children loved this adventurous day of paddling and splashing about in 100% natural surroundings.
To vary the pleasures, I suggested a hike around Cornillon. This hilltop village offers breathtaking views over the Cèze valley. The waymarked paths allow you to discover the flora of the Gard and the route is punctuated by breathtaking panoramas! It’s a peaceful place, perfect for recharging your batteries and enjoying unspoilt nature.
After the hike, they enjoyed a cool drink on the terrace, while admiring the village and its architecture. It was the perfect way to round off an active, natural day.
After a week rich in discoveries, this final day is all about the good life and conviviality.
For their last day, I suggested they take advantage of the calm of the Cèze for a swim, a moment of reading or a siesta by the river. That day, there was no strict programme, just the pleasure of relaxing to the sound of the water and enjoying their last moments in Provence Occitane.
In the evening, they attended the village’s night market. It’s the perfect opportunity to do a bit of shopping and discover local crafts. The friendly atmosphere of the market under the stars was a fitting end to their stay in the Gard .
This week in Provence Occitane was a wonderful adventure for my sister and her family. An immersion in the heart of nature that respects the values of responsible tourism. Between bike rides, meetings with local producers, cultural discoveries and relaxation in the river, they were able to enjoy an authentic and sustainable stay. We’re already looking forward to welcoming them back to explore other wonders of our region!
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