Situated close to the larger town of Nimes in Languedoc-Rousillon, the picturesque village of Bagnols-sur-Ceze is home to a number of interesting historical buildings and a modern art gallery that would be more at home in Paris than in a small community in south-west France. Surrounded by the lush countryside of the Ceze valley, with its walking and cycling trails and charming villages, there is plenty to see in the Bagnols-sur-Ceze area, which is close enough to the Mediterranean to make it a worthwhile day trip for tourists staying on the French Riviera.
Many of the medieval houses and streets in Bagnols-sur-Ceze are still standing today, providing a pleasant old quarter for visitors to explore on foot. Attractions include the ruins of the town's 12th century ramparts and fortifications and the 11th century church. Built on the site of a Roman chapel, the 18th century organ is the main attraction here, still used in services and concerts today. Just wandering the streets of Bagnols-sur-Ceze is a tourist attraction in itself, noting the carved and painted buildings, the streets named after traditional industries and the arcaded market place, home to a weekly produce market each Wednesday. The town's museum features exhibits on the history of the area, as well as many artefacts found in local archaeological digs.
It is another museum that has put Bagnols-sur-Ceze on the map, however. The Albert-Andre modern art museum is home to paintings by some of the biggest names in impressionist art, such as Renoif, Matisse and Monet. Set up by Leon Alegre, a painter himself who was born in Bagnols-sur-Ceze, he asked many of his friends in the art world to donate works to his museum. The collection would be the envy of many larger towns and art lovers’ travel from far and wide to visit the museum.
Bagnols-sur-Ceze is located in the heart of the Ceze valley, named after the river that flows through the area. Noted for its outstanding natural beauty, the gentle countryside is ideal for exploring on foot or on bicycle and there are many marked trails to follow. Many run alongside the river itself, taking hikers through some of the other picturesque villages that established themselves on the banks of the Ceze. Villages such as the fortified Saint-Ambroix, home to an unusual festival that takes place in July. The volo biou or “flying beef” festival recreates a Middle Ages legend that the residents of the village once threw a stolen ox from the top of the nearby hill after drinking a great deal of local wine. These days, it is not a live animal that is thrown, of course, but just the meat itself!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Bagnols sur Ceze? Then below is a selection of gites in Bagnols sur Ceze and villas in Bagnols sur Ceze that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
