Uzès PDG - Boucle cyclo de l’Uzège.jpg
Voie verte Uzès © Conseil départemental du Gard.jpg

Uzès

Between the sea and the Cevennes, Uzès, nicknamed the Tuscan City, seduces with the charm of its medieval streets. Don't miss the Saint-Théodorit cathedral with its imposing Fenestrelle tower. Stroll through the narrow streets of the city and admire the remarkable Renaissance façade of the Duchy. Do not leave Uzès without visiting the medieval garden at the foot of the King's and Bishop's towers. This garden of simple plants is a living herbarium where you can learn more about the endemic plants of the region during an unusual and entertaining visit. From Uzès, on the parking lot of the arena, go along the arena and turn right on the "chemin de l'escalette". Continue straight on. You will pass "Pamperigouste" where you will take "the path of the mill of Bargeton" and will follow this one until the D 981. Be careful, the passage is sensitive. Keep going straight on the "chemin Lou Saute" until you reach "La Cailleraie" where you will follow on your right the "chemin de Perret".

The scrubland

In this mineral universe, the scrubland thrives and gives to your route this typically Provencal atmosphere. Once you arrive in Sagriès, take the D212 (be careful!) to Sanilhac-Sangriès.

Orientation table

Halfway between the sea and the Cevennes mountains, Sanilhac-Sangriès has kept a certain authenticity, certainly linked to its rich heritage, which makes it attractive. The commune is actually composed of two villages 3 km apart. Located on the plateau of Sanilhac, an orientation table helps the eye to get lost among the pine forest, the nature reserve of the Gardon gorges, which will again offer itself to your gaze on your way, and beyond, the chapel of Saint-Vérémède. Fork right on the avenue du stade".
Turn left and join "l'allée des platanes" in Sanilhac, then join "route de Collias" D112 (Passage to be taken with caution). Between Sanilhac and Collias, don't miss the menhir known as "La Pierre Bamboche", a witness to the prehistoric occupation of the area.

The Gorges du Gardon

Geological treasure, the Gardon gorges blend into this mineral decor. Here, the Gardon has carved out a veritable canyon where "its silvery waters capriciously unwind its endless laces" (Félix Mazauric, speleologist). In this grandiose setting, the fauna and flora are queens and inscribe their diversity in the richness of the site. Collias offers you an incomparable view of the gorges: in this charming southern village you can also refresh yourself by the river. In Collias, turn left on the road to Uzès, then right at Le Plan. Take the first right after the campsite onto the Coste Garoute path and continue on the Grès path. Again take the first right onto the Draille path and then left onto the Garrège path. Continue on the "chemin des Begudes", "chemin de Valive" and finally cross the famous Pont du Gard.

The Pont du Gard

An admirable Roman antiquity, the Pont du Gard ensured the continuity of the Roman aqueduct that carried water from Uzès to Nîmes. A true architectural feat dating from the 1st century, this bridge-aqueduct still surprises today by its dimensions and its incredible state of preservation. Overlooking the winding valley of the Gardon, the Pont du Gard is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grand Site de France and Grand Site d'Occitanie, the bridge has crossed the centuries and invites you today to cross it and become fully aware of its rich heritage and the prestigious setting in which it is located. Drive along the Avenue du Pont-du-Gard and carefully join the D981. Cross the Gardon to join Remoulins by the "chemin de Castillon-du-Gard" and the D892 "route de Remoulins". At the second intersection, take the chemin de la Coste and D228. Then turn right onto the chemin de la Berrette and join the road to Remoulins D 981 by Begude Vers-Pont-du-Gard.

Interpretation trail of the stone

The stone of the Pont du Gard comes from the quarries of Castillon du Gard and Vers-Pont du Gard. It is a soft stone, easy to work with, and its porosity gives it a solid resistance to bad weather, which can be violent in the region. Take a break and follow the stone interpretation trail: over a distance of 4 km, six stages will reveal the history of this stone, which is still quarried to the north of the village of Vers-Pont du Gard.

Vers-Pont du Gard

It is one of these small villages typically Provençal where one likes to lose oneself in the narrow streets. Discover the wash houses and the clock tower, and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Follow the track and at the third roundabout, join the D227 "route d'Argilliers", then the D3B "route d'Uzès". Here, the Uzège reveals its picturesque villages in a setting adorned with vines, olive trees and garrigues.

Argilliers

A Provençal jewel in the garrigue of the Gard, Argilliers is home to the Château de Castille. Privately owned, this imposing building owes its originality to the Baron de Castille. A bit eccentric, he undertook in the 17th century the transformation of the castle in an antique spirit inspired by Italy. Two hectares of park and garden surround the castle in a green setting punctuated by geometrically laid out fabriques. Go straight on and take the road to Castille, "chemin de Bornegre" to then join the D365, Les Santolines.

Saint-Maximin

Clinging to the southern slope of its hill, Saint-Maximin observes its vineyards and orchards coiled in the Alzon valley. Its church, its typical southern square, its tower and its 13th century château Racine are all invitations to discover the authenticity of this charming Provencal town. Continue on "chemin de la coste", La Calotte then Carrignargues. Once on the road to Avignon, turn right and join the starting point in Uzès.

Haribo Candy Museum

Notice to food lovers, young and old, you are entering the sweet den of the Haribo Museum. Created in 1996, this museum retraces the history of Haribo candies, as well as the various stages of production of these little sweets. Located in a building of the former Zan factory, the museum is a source of wonder, and the playful and colourful scenography is appreciated by all. A little extra, the shop is full of sour sweets, ready to be eaten!