The River Cèze Valley in Provence
The River Cèze; flows peacefully down from the Cévennes Mountain range ; crystal clear water surrounded by beautiful wild unspoilt scenery hosting an impressive aray of wild life, beavers, herons, kingfisher and eagles to name just a few. Sand and pebble beaches are childrens and families delight, ideal for picnics, swimming, canoeing, fishing and day dreaming...
Numerous pretty Provençal Villages , full of charm and just waiting to be explored, lie in the meanders of the River Cèze or perched on the hilltops overlooking the valley.
Montclus, dominated by its castle tower, souvenir of long gone days of the Seigneur de Montclus dating from the 12th century, conceals beautifully restored character properties along its tiny pedestrian paths. Listed by the French Arts Council, it ensures an unique atmosphere in a village where time has stood still.The Cèze flows directly beneath the ancient ramparts with all the beaches at walking distance, much appreciated on the hot summer days. Off season the valley provides long riverside walks and is a pleasure for fishermen and nature lovers.
Goudargues, also known as the "Venise Gardoise" due to its canal that flows lazily through the village shaded by century old plane trees, has many waterside cafés and restaurants to while away the time. With its bustling weekly market, full of the perfumes of Provence, and choice of shops selling local produce; fruit and vegetables, pain, "patisseries" and "charcuteries" it is the ideal shopping venue for the villages around and ideal for morning café with croissants or "pastis" before lunch !
Cornillon, at 2 kms from Goudargues, is a charming, medieval hilltop village, also listed by the Arts Council, with spectacular views from the ramparts over the valley below.
La Roque sur Cèze, another medieval listed village, clings to the hillside above the famous waterfalls "Cascades du Sautadet"
Issirac lies between the Ardèche and Cèze rivers, at ten minutes drive from the Cèze and Goudargues, in a region mainly cultivated with lavender, cherry and almond orchards.
Barjac, further upstream, is known throughout France for its important Antique Market held every Easter and mid August .
With beautiful Renaissance architecture, its tiny paved streets also provide a large selection of shops and lovely restaurants.
Apart from the pleasure of discovering this beautiful region, there are many activities to be enjoyed :
- Tennis courts at Goudargues, St André de Roquepertuis, Méjannes and Barjac
- Horse riding centres at Goudargues, Méjannes and Barjac
- Bike rentals possible at Pont St Esprit and Mejannes
- Canoeing from Goudargues and Barjac or on the River Ardèche at Vallon Pt d'Arc
- Golf courses at Uzès, Avignon and Nimes
An ideal base for exploring all of Provence , many important sites are at just a short drive :
Uzès, beautiful market town with impressive architecture and the world famous Pont du Gard within 30 mn drive.
Avignon, renowned for its bridge, Papal Palace and important summer arts festival at an hours drive
Nimes, with many important Roman vestiges is at an hours drive
Orange and its fabulous Roman amphitheatre is an hour away.
Châteauneuf du Pape and many other famous wine cities are within an easy drive.
Further south towards the coast is the Camargue National Park with its wild bulls, horses and pink flamingoes, also the pretty towns of Aigues Mortes and Stes Marie de la Mer at about 1 _ hrs drive making a lovely day trip.
The long sandy beaches just outside Montpellier such as Palavas and Grau du Roi make an agreable day out for the youngsters.
Access :
Very accessible by all means of transport
Airports :
- Nimes ( Ryanair ) 1 hr
- Montpellier & Marseille 1 _ hrs
- Lyon 2hrs
Eurostar & TGV trains : Avignon & Nimes 1 hr
Motorway : A7 (via A6 or A9) exit Bollene at 35 mins
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