Last weekend, we decided to explore Provence Occitane, a discreet corner of the Gard region, full of natural and cultural treasures. To add a touch of originality to our stay, we booked some unusual accommodation in the middle of nowhere. With cultural discoveries, local markets, hikes and canoeing, this getaway gave us the chance to take full advantage of the region’s riches.
To kick off our weekend in Provence Occitane, we chose to combine culture and discovery by exploring a small town with discreet charm and unsuspected treasures.
Our first stop was Bagnols-sur-Cèze, a quiet little town in the Gard region that is home to a real cultural treasure: the Musée Albert-André. Located on the second floor of the town hall, this museum houses an incredible collection of works by some of the greatest names in painting. We were amazed to discover paintings by Matisse, Marquet and even Renoir ! Albert André, the museum’s curator, was a friend of these artists and collected their works through his personal connections. This ” museum of friendship ” offers an intimate atmosphere where you can admire masterpieces without the crowds of the big museums. It was a real surprise and a great way to start our weekend.
In the Place Mallet, you’ll find some delicious treats… and an escape game based around wine!
For lunch, we set up on the terrace in Place Mallet. Surrounded by arcades and private mansions, this square has a typically southern feel and is a great place to linger. The little restaurant we chose served simple, tasty food, perfect for building up your strength before the afternoon.
And we really needed it! We had booked a rather special escape game at theEspace Rabelais. This interactive museum is dedicated to the region’s wines, and the escape game combines puzzles and discoveries about the world of wine. Plunged into the heart of this world, we had a pretty fun time solving riddles, while learning a few secrets about local wines.
Then it was off to our unusual accommodation: a gypsy caravan in the middle of nowhere! We enjoyed the evening in peace and quiet, surrounded by the sound of foliage and birdsong. The unusual, peaceful setting was the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the next day’s discoveries in the Gard region.
This second day was all about local flavours and breathtaking panoramas, with a lively market, gourmet picnic and spectacular hike .
On Saturday morning, we went to the weekly market in Pont-Saint-Esprit, where local producers come to showcase their specialities. The market was the perfect place to meet local artisans and discover the products of the Gard. The stalls were overflowing with fresh bread, goat’s cheese and seasonal fruit.
Loaded up with all these delights, we headed off for a picnic in Aiguèze, a charming village listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. This medieval village, set high up in the mountains, offers an impressive view of the Ardèche Gorges. We took a seat along the parapet walk, enjoying the soothing panorama of the river below. After lunch, we enjoyed a coffee on the terrace before strolling through the cobbled streets of the village. With its ancient houses and church, Aiguèze has a unique atmosphere.
For the afternoon, we decided to take the hike to the Rocher de Castelviel. This trail, which overlooks the village and theArdèche, offers impressive views all along the way. From the top, the panorama was spectacular, with a plunging view over the valley and the winding river. Back at our accommodation, we ended the day with a local wine bought along the way, perfect for prolonging the pleasure after this beautiful day in Provence Occitane.
What better way to round off a weekend in the great outdoors than with a canoe trip down the peaceful River Cèze ?
To round off the weekend in style, we’re planning a canoe trip down the Gorges de la Cèze. The Cèze winds its way through unspoilt countryside, its clear waters sparkling blue and green in the Gard sunshine. Picnic in the bag, we glided along the water, surrounded by the calm of the river. Along the way, a heron even accompanied us for a moment, adding a magical touch to the day.
During this canoe trip, we alternated between peaceful sections and more rhythmic ones, where we had to choose our path carefully to avoid the rocks. It was an exhilarating experience, with just the right amount ofadrenalin to make it a memorable adventure. The wild beauty of the Gorges de la Cèze gave us the impression of being in a bubble outside of time.
Unfortunately, the weather still managed to catch up with us and we had to head back. With Provence Occitane only two hours away, we’ll be back without hesitation: there are still so many treasures to discover!
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