The most beautiful natural sites to discover Gard

If La Roque-sur-Cèze, half an hour by car from Bagnols, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the region, it is not for nothing. Perched at the top of a hill, this small medieval village with steep alleys and breathtaking views will delight the lovers of old stones and authenticity with its typical houses of seemingly bisdious stone and glued to one another in a somewhat anarchic but highly atypical way. Walking around is a real pleasure, especially since even during the high season the hamlet is relatively calm and little frequented. Below, the Cèze runs its meanders between huge flat and white rocks where it makes it good to take the sun, relax or even picnic. Here, the river is also known for its famous "marmites", portions of the Cèze surrounded by the rocks. However, there are marmites where it is strictly forbidden to bathe because water makes it a siphon effect and may lead to bathers in the bottom. However, be reassured: The marmites do not cover the entire length of the river, and it persists in many places where swimming is possible, or canoeing. In any case, between typical alleys of flowered geraniums and refreshing river, La Roque -sur-Cèze is a real jewel combining charm and history, and it would be a shame to miss it if you walk around!

From the plateau of Poulx, between the school and the stadium, a slow descent in the direction of the Roach promises a smooth and spectacular walk, even though the stony path requires to be well downstairs to walk well. From the first point of departure, the landscape is breathtaking. The Gardon here widened the valley until it got harmonious gorges, less cliffs than those of Tarn or Verdon but with amazing geological particularities. It was here that Henri-Georges Clouzot turned a good part of his Fear of Fear and sent the truck of Yves Montand and Charles Vanel a few hundred metres lower (the carcasses in the precipices did not date from that time). On the edge of the river bed, two mills were recently restored by the joint management union. On the other side you can admire the grotto of La Baume and its hermitage, because the floods of 2002 destroyed the threshold that allowed the Gardon to cross the Gardon on foot or almost. For this other bank, it's Sanilhac that you will have to leave.

A green walk, in a quiet and relaxing garrique, romantic to wish. With its dry stone towers, old time remains, its silent and yet so lively capitelles, the Domaine des Des is a site filled with stories and mysteries, full of charm. In the past, it contained gardens of ownership of the property, traces that are still seen during the walk.

A wild walk in Garrigue, Clos is the rendezvous of the small and the big. It is therefore a family that you walk on a discovery trail (700 m) specially built for the 4 to 6 years. A communal forest, just 5 km from the town, near the town of Courbessac, where you can go by bus (line A) or by car. Walk along the paths and trails of capitelles, botanical route, picnic and the invitation in any season to feel, observe, listen and… respect the fragile nature.

On the D 986, after Valleraugue towards Esperou, is the water body of the Mourétou. A large shady terrain welcomes you for a stopover in nature. A barbecue is available to visitors who, in the beautiful days, would like to picnic on the edge of the river. Wooden games are set up to entertain children. You can play ball, snowshoes, ping-pong or try fishing. In summer, the water body is filled with swimmers looking for freshness! The smaller ones can quietly walk upstream without losing foot. A bathing supervisor present every afternoon guarantees safety. Information for fishing: Café Le Jardin à Valleraugue, tel. 04 67 82 23 34 - and tobacco-press Le Quai à Valleraugue, tel. 04 67 82 20 28

Located after the mining pass in the mountain of Linguas, south of the Massif de l'Aigoual, Lake Des is a suitable place for fishing activities (however regulated) and hiking. Take a IGN map of Mont-Aigoual, you never know, it is better to be able to locate if you go hiking!