Goudargues, the "Little Venice of the Gard
Goudargues is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the Gard. In the heart of the Cèze Valley, the town is an oasis of coolness and tranquility. The "La Fontaine" canal, lined with plane trees, is the heart of the village. It is a place of walk and relaxation very appreciated by all: the many shaded terraces of cafes and restaurants are widely coveted in the summer. It is easy to understand why it has been given this nickname! Take an interest in the church of Goudargues, which is actually an abbey church: there was an important abbey here in the 12th century. Today, the chapter house regularly hosts exhibitions. Finally, don't miss the pretty bronze frog sunbathing near the washhouse!
1. From Goudargues to Pont du Courau
Take the RD371 towards Frigoulet for several kilometres until you reach the Pont du Courau. Make a stop under this stone bridge and enjoy the coolness of the Cèze and its sun-warmed pebble beaches.
The return to Goudargues is done by the same path as the first one
2. From Goudargues to VerfeuilTake the RD23 towards Verfeuil and leave Goudargues. After a few kilometres, you will arrive at the hamlet of La Bastide. From here you can easily access the river for swimming and lounging on the beaches. Go back on the RD23 and after several kilometres, turn right at the crossroads of "Clapeyret" in the direction of Lussan / Verfeuil. After a few kilometers, fork the small hamlet of Goussargues on the right. Leaning against a pine-wooded hill, in a beautiful setting bathed in light, Goussargues is worth a visit. The charming chapel and the colourful and picturesque streets make this little hamlet a joy to behold! Then take the road back to Verfeuil by returning to the RD143
Verfeuil
Dominated by the ruins of the Marcuel Tower, Verfeuil has the charm of these Provencal villages. Sometimes bathed in lavender flowers, sometimes brightened up by the reddish leaves of the vines, the village loves its stone houses in a beautiful setting. The return journey is by the same route as the first one. From here, reach the village of La-Roque-sur-Cèze from the intersection of the RD143 and RD23 at the level of the place called "Clapeyret"
3. From Goudargues to La-Roque-sur-CèzeAt the level of the place called "Clapeyret", turn left towards Bagnols-sur-Cèze. After having crossed the places called "Mas Blanquet" and "la Bégude", take the first left onto the RD166. Follow the road for several kilometres to reach the village of La-Roque-sur-Cèze.
La Roque-sur-Cèze, Most Beautiful Village in France
Without question one of the most beautiful villages in the Gard department, La Roque-sur-Cèze sits proudly on the top of a hill, offering magnificent views over the Cèze Valley. A charming little medieval village with cobbled streets, La Roque-sur-Cèze will delight lovers of old stones and authenticity. A discovery circuit criss-crosses the town and highlights the heritage, history and characters of the town thanks to 13 points of interpretation, the highlight of which is at the lookout point of the Castellan chapel. Walking around this jewel of a town, combining charm and history, will be an enchantment! Below, the Cèze meanders between huge flat white rocks where it is pleasant to sunbathe, relax, swim or even picnic. Don't miss crossing the robust "Charles Martel" bridge, built on the rock, which, with its 12 solid arches, spans the Cèze. At the place called "Cascades du Sautadet", discover the formidable work of erosion of the stone by the river. A grandiose natural site where the waters of the Cèze, which know how to be pugnacious, have given birth to "marmites": these natural basins thus create a whole network of hollowed out rocks unsuspected from the outside. A spectacle which remains slippery and hazardous, so be careful on the rocks. Especially since nearby sandbanks and beaches are suitable for swimming.
The return is done by the way borrowed at the outward journey, via the small RD166, then the RD23 in direction of Goudargues.
