Sports and leisure activities Cévennes Vallée de la Cèze

Discovering the Cevennes with its interlacing green valleys by helicopter with a totally panoramic view will leave you with unforgettable memories. Baptisms of the air, tourist circuits or initiation flights. From Saint-Jean-du-Gard, without doubt the best way, with the flights in tourist plane from the airfield of Deaux, to discover the Cevennes. Especially as seen from the air, you will become aware of this incredible narrowing of massifs which characterizes the Cevennes. All year round by appointment or on Thursday July - August from Anduze.

Aqua Forest is an adventure park that combines nature and thrills. Over 3 hectares of pine forest, courses and games await adults and children alike. There's something for everyone: Tarzan vines, a flying seat, a zip line, a bouncy castle, water games in the trees and a 10 m high jump. We appreciate the continuous lifeline for children, and the CLIC-IT safety system for older children. Great: combine the tree course with a lasergame afterwards! On-site picnic, refreshment bar and relaxation area.

Jean-Pierre makes his donkeys available for walks and hikes of varying lengths, accompanied by his good advice. A superb activity, so typical of one of the most beautiful parts of the Cévennes, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Natur'Ânes also offers accommodation in small wooden chalets (for 2 to 4 people, with shared or private bathroom facilities). An enchanting setting, with a swimming pool and river just 700m away, offering a good mix of comfortable vacations and a home away from home, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Gard region is highly suitable for caving, and while the SCSP may not have won any medals, it has a fine roster of enthusiasts ready to share this sport with the greatest respect for an infinitely fragile environment. Equipment is supplied by the club, and introductory sessions are organized on request. The association also brings together geology, prehistory, via ferrata and canyoning enthusiasts, many of whom also enjoy photography.

This green trail links Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues with the south of Alès. Starting at the Pôle Mécanique crossroads, it crosses the town along the Gardon, taking you over a distance of just 7 kilometers to the 18-Juin-1940 commemorative bridge. The smooth surface is perfect for rollerblading and skateboarding, and whatever your preferred sport, you'll be able to progress in complete safety thanks to the concrete edges.

A real competition pool of 25 m long and 10 water lines, a pool with a bubbling bath, a huge 35 m slide, huge bay windows to make the place very bright and sunny, this recent high-tech water sports center is really at the forefront of progress in the field. You can come and swim alone but also take lessons. Its great plus for the nice days: large outdoor grassy areas where you can lounge on deckchairs. Many activities are also offered during the vacations.

At the end of March, the town of Alès receives one of the rare races of races against the watch organised in the Hexagon, and takes place between the city and the Belvedere. You have understood: the climb is sporty! But if you are driven and the final coast of 1,2 km is not cold in your eyes, rush! The opportunity is ideal for measuring to others, but also - and above all - for yourself, in a cosy and warm atmosphere. And whatever your time, remember that the most important thing is to participate!

Tariff: 5 €.

Distance: 4,6 km.

Difficulty: difficult.

Rendez-vous: Scientific and cultural pole of Alès. Departure inside the race, every 30 seconds from 9 h.

Other practical information: any non-licensee shall have a medical certificate indicating the absence of a contraindication to the practice of the race on foot. Preferred pre-registration, by telephone to ✆ 06 45 26 87 30.

A former factory near the city centre transformed into an amusement park, that's really not ordinary! Urban Parc offers children an impressive number of activities: accrokid, accrofun, trampoline, skate park, etc. You can of course organise birthday parties or any other group outing. Here, the equipment is extremely safe and the smiling staff is always very vigilant. The little extra, the gallery dedicated to street-art with exhibitions and giant frescoes, and the catering area where the croque-jaffles are a delight!

Canoe rental and courses on the Cèze, and quad bikes for children.

The Les Nuits du Causse Noir astronomical gathering is a fine initiative by the Société Astronomique de Montpellier, and the Domaine de Pradines (the campsite where the gathering takes place). Take a site at an altitude of 900 m on the border of the Gard and Aveyron departments, with a sky of excellent quality right in the heart of the Réserve Internationale de ciel Étoilé (RICE) (very limited light pollution), add astronomy enthusiasts who come for several nights, or even longer, often equipped with good equipment, and you've got yourself a few unforgettable hours plunged into the Milky Way! Of course, daytime sun observations are also on the menu. This star party is aimed primarily at amateur astronomers.

A former railroad line, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time as soon as you take your first steps, or start pedaling. The 3 m wide track passes over the Eiffel-type Lavassac metal bridge, viaducts and tunnels for 3.5 km. Pleasant both for the quality of its surface and for the views it affords over the Cévennes valley of the Rivière d'Arre. It lends itself equally well to walks and bike rides with family and friends, rollerblade training and daily jogging.

Create your own outing, designed and guided by a true Cévenol and mountain guide. Julien Travier knows his region, its trails and its history by heart, and he knows how to share his passion. On foot, in the water, on mountain bike, on donkey, by day, by night, over several days, for a concert in the heart of nature in a place of moving beauty: the services offered give you a taste for adventure. We'll tailor the experience to your age and interests. In summer or winter, for sports enthusiasts or children, it's an excellent way to enjoy lush natural surroundings.

The Cèze is a magnificent river, and here's a great way to make the most of it. A team of qualified instructors will give you the best advice depending on the temperature and water level, and the return trip is organized by minibus. You can choose from 4, 8 or 14 km routes, depending on your wishes and your level, and 29 km excursions over 1 or 2 days are also possible, outside the summer season and by reservation. Swimming stops can be made, and there's a small snack bar and an affordable equipment store on site.

Whether you're an experienced motorcycle enthusiast or an amateur, the truth is well known in the Cévennes, particularly in the Aigoual massif: mountain biking is king, especially in Valleraugue where "Base VTT Explosion" is located. For the past 15 years, this base has offered packages to suit all levels, whether you're a beginner, amateur or professional. Services include à la carte rentals, topo-guides, technical and logistical assistance, downhill formulas and raid organization.

Les Poneys du Val d'Émeraude offers the perfect setting for introducing children to horse riding. In a lush 11-hectare park, young explorers can enjoy pony rides accompanied by caring adults, exciting introductory sessions and encounters with the farm's adorable inhabitants. 7-day pony courses for children aged 6 to 12 promise unforgettable adventures during the school vacations. With a breeding program of pedigree Shetland ponies available for sale, this is a paradise for pony lovers.