Araman
Close to the papal lands of Avignon, the village reveals its prestigious past to those who are willing to take the time. Situated on the banks of the Rhône, the village has a castle whose origins date back to the 12th century, and therefore offers beautiful views of the river. Owned by the Sauvan d'Aramon family since 1653, the castle has undergone many transformations and vicissitudes. Today, it is possible to visit its main courtyard as well as its splendid park of 7 hectares planted with Mediterranean species. Facing the castle, on a rocky promontory accessed by a stone bridge, this wooded area punctuated with stone buildings is particularly pleasant on hot summer days. Once a very attractive trading port on the Rhône, Aramon's narrow, winding streets still bear witness to this prosperity through the beautiful mansions and Renaissance-style facades of some of its fine homes. Don't miss the house where the famous hydraulic engineer Henri Pitot (1695-1771) was born: the house is topped by a turret from which the scientist liked to observe the stars. Your walk through the town would not be complete without visiting the church of Saint-Pancrace: a small church in the Romanesque style of Provence, it was enlarged over the centuries and its current configuration dates back to the 17th century. It also has painted decorations, woodwork and remarkable baptismal fonts. From Aramon, take the direction of Chemin du Mas Neuf: be careful with the level crossing and the railway tracks.
At the first intersection, turn left onto "la voie communale n°10", from Vallabregues to Theziers in the direction of Cavière. Turn right, cross the river Briançon. Carefully cross the TGV track, and take a direct left onto the "Chemin de Montfrin aux Plancons" and go to Montfrin.Montfrin
Montfrin, which overlooks the Gardon valley and its confluence with the Rhône, is surprisingly rich in heritage. The Templar commandery, the church of Notre-Dame de Malpas, one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in the Bas-Languedoc, the castle and its gardens attributed to Jean Hardouin Mansard, not forgetting the Chapel of the Black Penitents, are all historical testimonies that underline the importance of the town. Take a walk in the centre of the village and you will see the rich heritage of the old village through the many architectural details. Montfrin is also the dynamism of a city that knows how to reinvent itself: in parallel to the wild beaches of the Gardon, oscillating between minerality and Mediterranean vegetation, the village has a beautiful leisure area, "les Berges du Gardons". A fitness trail, a bowling alley, a BMX track, a city stadium, everything is there for a good time with the family.
Montagnac and its hives
Before heading back to Théziers, take the path to the site of La Baume to arrive at the Montagnac apiaries. You are here in the presence of the largest apiary in France. In the front of a limestone quarry, this bee wall has 76 niches cut into the rock. These sheltered the hives from bad weather. Probably of Templar origin, the site of La Baume is also home to two troglodyte dwellings, the living quarters of the beekeepers of the time. Sheltered from the prevailing winds, the site is now equipped with tables, benches and a drinking water point for walkers.
The Castellas
Take the first left onto the Chemin de la Baume and join the D351 via the Chemin de la Garrigue de Romanès. Then branch off onto the D351a towards Théziers and Le Castellas. A small village built on the Puech du Castellas where the ruins of a feudal castle remain, Théziers dominates the plains stretching as far as the Rhône and the Gardon. This charming rural village seduces with its picturesque streets and its church Saint-Grégoire. Do not hesitate to go to the orientation table located on the heights at the exit of Théziers in the direction of Fournès. Finally, by taking the wine road, at the exit of the village, you will notice in the pine forest, the Saint-Amand Chapel. Characteristic of Romanesque art, its 12th century architecture is highlighted by pretty details such as the sawtooth frieze on the entrance arch. A solid mission cross welcomes the visitor in this pleasant Gardoise atmosphere.
Domazan and its museums
Continue on the D108 towards Domazan. Domazan is a village with a Provençal poetry, stretching its territory in the Brainçon valley. Surrounded by hillsides, this rural commune is nestled in the vineyards of the AOC Côtes de Rhône. The village atmosphere that reigns in Domazan is accentuated by the authenticity of its old center. Here you will find narrow streets, characteristic of the Provençal medieval model which develops around its squares, its church and its 14th century castle. Notre-Dame de la Rouvière, a Romanesque-Byzantine style church built in the 14th century, has a superb wrought iron bell tower. Don't miss a stop at the Children's Museum located at the Château du Bosc on the RN100. This interactive museum is a great place for children to learn. Complete this visit with a visit to the Motorcycle and Bicycle Museum. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful museum in France, retracing the evolution of the two-wheeled vehicle from its origins to the present day. The museum has a special feature that has been highlighted by the Monuments Historiques. It is a zoomorphic draisienne from 1818, the only object whose history is known until today. Contemporary art lovers, don't leave without a walk in the castle park: a beautiful collection of contemporary sculptures awaits you. Continue on your way and cross Estézargues. Then turn right onto the Chemin de la Carene. Join the Route d'Aramon via the Chemin des plaines and take the first right after crossing the railway line, in the direction of Aramon. You have arrived at your starting point.
