The departement of Gard is in Languedoc-Rousillon in the south of France. Bordered by the mountains of the Massif Central and the Mediterranean, the region is one of contrasts, boasting outdoor activities, beautiful beaches and some of the most impressive Roman ruins in all of France. Whether you are at home in cultural and historical cities or walking through remotes areas of countryside, there will be something for you in the Gard area.
The main town of the departement,Nimes, is a great place to base yourself for touring the area. However, it is one of the most interesting cities in France in it's own right, with a wealth of Roman remains and ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheatre dating from the 1st century AD and a Roman temple. The amphitheatre is still used for bullfights, concerts and festivals and if you are in town when there is an event at this historic venue, try your best to get hold of tickets, particularly during the Nimes Feria each May. The medieval centre of the town too has some pretty streets and squares, which are usually full of pavement cafes in the summer months, while the parks and gardens that were built in the 18th century are still popular with locals and tourists on warm, summer days.
The Central Massif area of Gard is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor sports, particularly walking. Mount Aigoual, the second highest peak in the mountain range, is located in Gard and is home to an observatory and even a museum about meteorology! You can drive most of the way to the peak, if you prefer to save your energy or have trouble walking, so that no-one needs to miss out on the fantastic view. There are several caves in these mountains which are always popular with tourists, and a great way to cool down if the weather is hot. The Trabac cave is one of the largest in this part of France, with a guided tour taking over an hour to pass through the 1,200 metres of paths and galleries, while the Cocaliere cave in the north is smaller, but boasts some more unusual geological features and has been the site of several archaeological digs.
One of the most visited attractions in this region is the Pont du Gard, a 1st century aqueduct that is not only still standing, but that is still used to transport water. The three tiers of arches make for a spectacular backdrop to your photographs, while the museum on the left bank can explain how the Romans went about constructing something so complicated. In the summer, the beaches on the river below are very popular and you can enjoy a swim in the shadow of the bridge.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Gard? Then below is a selection of gites in Gard and villas in Gard 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.
