Hiking Gard-Provence

This Hiking vacation in The Gard Provençal optimises light self-guided hiking and independent travel in and around the lower reaches of the beautiful Ceze Valley in your hire car or own vehicle.

There is simply no better way to enjoy the delights of this most picturesque of valleys.The sixteen villages that compose the commune of 'Valcezard' are either huddled in the bottom of the valley or perched on the top of steep-sided hills. You gain fascinating insights into life of these villages, the character of the Ceze Valley and Ardeche Gorge.

Your rambling tour culminates in the exploration of Uzes, the region’s most enigmatic town, and its hinterland like few others see it. Then you hike France’s most magnificent aquaduct – The Roman Pont du Gard.

See our article on strolling and rambling in Gard-Provence

Day 1. Montclus.

Arrival and hotel check-in at this 'castled' village. Both are classified as historical monuments. Early arrivals can enjoy the pool, a 90-minute walk to one of the winding Valley’s greatest vantage points or do a spot of fishing or lavender appreciating.

Day 2. Cornillon and Goudargues. 5.5 miles-9 kms.

You climb up to the fortified village of Cornillon with its ramparts, feudal castle, twelfth century chapel and outstanding view over the lower Ceze Valley. Then descend once again into the wonderful aromas of the Garrigue towards the enchanting Goudargues or ‘Venise Gardoise’.

Day 3. Roque sur Ceze. 4 miles-7 kms

From the hilltop village, another listed site, you cross the twelfth century Charles Martel bridge, tread carefully past some imposing waterfalls before arriving at an octagonal cellar, village washroom and neo-Byzantine style church. After lunch there is a chance to learn more about the natural riches of the forest via a short botanical walk near La Chartreuse de Valbonne: 2 miles-3 kms.

Day 4. Aigueze. 5 miles-8kms to.

Day 5. Gorge de l’Ardeche.7 miles-11 kms.

Enjoy the marvels of this cliff-top experience with some unforgetable panoramic views.

Day 6. Uzes and the Gorge de l’Alzon. 10 miles-15kms.

Before you enjoy wending your way around the narrow streets and alleyways of this multi-faceted town, here is the chance to see it as very few others do. A delightful tour of the gorge that will reveal the source that fed the Pont du Gard, two castles, a bee farm and some memorable views of Uzes.

Day 7. Pont du Gard. 11.5 miles-17 kms, with shorter version at 7.5 miles-11kms.

Commence the day at a tenth-century medieval village and walk the panorama that culminates in Pont du Gard and the Gardon Gorge. Then its up the hill to Castillion-du-Gard, one of the prettiest Gard villages with its gourmet hotel and restaurant (much loved by Gerrard Depardieu) and a visit to perhaps the loveliest cemetery in Le Midi - a view that’s almost worth dying for!

Day 8. End of Tour.

Au revoir et à bientôt.

Note: We reserve the right to alter the programme.

3. Accommodations

You stay in four different places/hotels en route in order to reduce driving time to a minimum. Walks then start and finish from your hotel, or after a short drive in your car, for greater convenience.

These are your four overnight stops and the nights you stay in each one:
1. Goudargues area - two nights;
2. Aigueze - two nights;
3. Uzes - two nights;
4. Pont du Gard area - one night.

4. What's Included

• 7 nights B & B in 3-star accomodations and local hotel taxes;
• One week’s car hire from Nimes or Montpellier airport, including minimum accident damage waver;
• Tailored walks to suit your needs and capacity;
• Rambling Insight Notes™ that make map reading redundant*;
• Themed vacation dossier;
• Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
• Cultural ‘What’s on’ information;
• Emergency telephone help-line service delivered by British nationals.

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