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A walk along the water in Provence Occitane

It couldn’t be easier to take a walk along the water in Provence Occitane! Bordered by the Rhône, Ardèche and Cèze rivers , our little corner of the Gard is a destination shaped by waterways. Among them, the Cèze occupies a central place: it crosses the region from west to east, forming a natural border and revealing, as it meanders, a wide variety of landscapes. Garrigues, vineyards, limestone caves and hilltop villages follow one another, creating an ideal setting for discovery, nature walks and encounters with an authentic, luminous South.

A walk along the water through a mosaic of landscapes

The Cèze basin has a contrasting topography, with wooded hills, fertile plains, areas of dry garrigue and limestone reliefs.

The vineyards are very present in the valley, marking the hillsides with their neat rows of vines. They bear witness to the deep-rooted local winegrowing know-how and coexist with orchards, cultivated fields and fallow areas, forming a lively agricultural mosaic. These agricultural areas are framed by holm oak woods, pine forests and more open areas typical of the southern garrigue.

The Cèze valley is also home to a number of natural caves, evidence of a karstic subsoil. Some caves are open to visitors on guided tours, offering a high-quality geological and heritage approach that respects the fragile nature of the site. These caves complete the mineral aspect of the landscape, alongside the limestone cliffs that line certain stretches of the river.

The Cèze, home to a host of outdoor activities

The River Cèzeis ideal for outdoor activities that are accessible to all. In summer, its natural beaches, often nestled between pebbles and overhanging trees, offer freshwater bathing in an unspoilt, undeveloped setting .

The river is also ideal for canoeing, with several starting points in the valley’s villages. The descents are accessible to beginners and the more sporty alike, thanks to courses of varying lengths.

At the same time, a number of signposted footpaths criss-cross the banks of the river. They cross wetlands, scrubland, undergrowth and cultivated plateaux. These routes, some of which use old country lanes, are suitable for all levels of ability: from family walks of just a few kilometres to day-long hikes. A concrete example? Route no. 23 “Découverte de la Cèze” from Montclus (17 km, 470 m ascent) passes through forests, vineyards and hills, offering breathtaking views of the Cèze valley and its surroundings. This loop will give you a real feel for the diversity of the valley’s landscapes, while remaining within easy reach.

Montclus

A stroll along the water... and the know-how of Provence Occitane

The Cèzevalley is a living land, shaped over time by human activity in close contact with nature. Generations offarmers, winegrowers, producers andcraftsmen have shaped its landscapes, handed down practices and preserved a rural culture that is still very much alive today. Weekly markets, biodynamicwineries , oil mills and farms selling local goat’s cheese are all gateways to a sensory and humanexperience.

These encounters are often spontaneous: a chat at a stall, an impromptu tasting, a visit to a cellar. They are part of an authentic discovery of the region, where the link to the land remains essential. This local dynamic is fully in line with the principles of respectful tourism, which makes the most of resources without over-exploiting them.

We love and protect the Cèze

The Cèze basin boasts a rich biodiversity, which is now being enhanced by a number of local conservation initiatives. Citizens’ collections, rational water management, raising awareness of the flora and fauna… There are many initiatives in favour of the environment. They are accompanied by a tourist offer designed to minimise impact: committed accommodation, short circuits, harmless activities, etc.

As a visitor, we invite you to join us in contributing to this balance by adopting responsible behaviour: respecting the trails, managing waste and consuming locally.

By sharing this collective responsibility, we can ensure the long-term future of this unique place, for future generations as well as for those who discover it today.