Are you in the Gard and want to explore the department during your stay? Here are the 11 most beautiful villages in the Gard that we’ve selected for you!
When you think of the Gard, the first thing that springs to mind is its capital, Nîmes. Or the coastal towns of Aigues-Mortes and Le Grau du Roi, or the larger villages of Sommières, Uzès and Alès.
And yet, this département is also home to many charming little villages, all of which have something unique about them. A plunge into the France of the territories that we love to appreciate.
Fancy exploring the Gard department? Discover our selection of the 11 most beautiful villages in the Gard. Follow the guide!
1. La-Roque-sur-Cèze
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jean-Philippe BABU
Set on a rocky outcrop, La-Roque-sur-Cèze is a real little escape from everyday life. Here, time seems to have stood still centuries ago. The stone houses and streets date back to another era, and their preservation is remarkable. Climbing up rue de l’Arceau or rue Rompe-Cul, you can’t help but admire the buildings around you and the old mulberry tree, thinking of the long centuries they have passed through.
The highlights of one of the most beautiful villages in the Gard are its 12th-century church, the Charles-Martel bridge over the Cèze and the Sautadet waterfalls, a sublime natural setting where a dozen small cascades have formed over the course of time.
2. Goudargues
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Michael Kaercher
Nicknamed the Venice of the Gard, Goudargues is crossed by a small canal from which you can visit the old village. A town in bloom, Goudargues boasts a wealth of architectural treasures, from its abbey church to its narrow cobbled streets, not forgetting its washhouse with its bronze frog dating back to medieval times.
The stroll through this beautiful Gard village is pleasant, and you’ll enjoy sitting on a terrace in the shade of the trees. You can also sail on the canal outside the village for a complete change of scenery!
3. Aiguèze
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Robert van der Schoot
On the border between the Gard andArdèche departments, Aiguèze is a town built on a cliff overlooking the Ardèche river. Aiguèze is a beautiful medieval village, where a few ramparts remain from the old guardians’ walkway, and from which the view is splendid.
Some of the buildings, such as the remains of the keep and the Saracen tower, have a distinctive shape, reminiscent of the village’s fortifications. The peaceful setting makes it an excellent base for travellers wishing to explore the Ardèche gorges.
4. Lussan
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax
Of all the villages in the Gard, Lussan’s shape is reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Built on a hill, the town still benefits from its fortifications. This curiosity plunges us several centuries back in time, and that’s what makes this place so charming.
A stroll through the village’s narrow streets is a pleasant way to discover its superb buildings. These include the church in the center and the château at the far end. The latter, the former residence of the Lords of Lussan, is topped by an attractive campanile-shaped bell tower.
5. Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arnaud Chapuis
Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, the capital of Camargue bullfighting, lies on the edge of the Camargue Regional Nature Park, on the border with theHérault department. With its bullring next to the church, bullfighting is an integral part of the village!
Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze is a charming town, without the splendid buildings of other villages, but it’s a pleasant place to live and stroll around. With its large shady squares, Saint-Laurent is an ideal place to enjoy a drink or a coffee on the terrace.
6. Vézénobres
Photo credit: Flickr – Modestine l’ânesse des Cévennes
Vézénobres is one of the perched villages of the Gard. Built on a hill, the village owes its cultural heritage to medieval times, with the majority of its dwellings dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. With its steep cobbled streets, the village is a great place to stroll and discover the architectural gems of the Middle Ages.
These include the châteaux, which can only be admired from the outside, the Rue des Maisons Romanes with its magnificent stone buildings, some of which are eight centuries old, and the Hôtel de Montfaucon. For fig lovers, the village is a major producer and even boasts its own Maison de la Figue!
7. Barjac
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mike_O
Barjac is a village in the Gard region which, although newer than the others, seems to have emerged from the Middle Ages! It has to be said that Barjac developed over several periods. While the fortifications date back to the 14th century, the Renaissance saw the construction of some of the town’s most famous buildings, including the Renaissance Tower, close to the old town hall, and the castle.
The village atmosphere is best experienced near the old town hall, with its terraces and pretty fountain. Barjac is also the ideal place for a stroll through the peaceful stone houses typical of the region’s villages. Be sure to stop by!
8. Montclus
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MeloDPhoto
Surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, Montclus is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Gard. Built into the meandering Cèze river, the town’s charm and emblematic buildings, such as the old bridge and the houses that have remained unchanged over the centuries, take the visitor by surprise.
On certain days of the year, this village of barely two hundred souls seems to have died out, as if we were alone in this magical, abandoned place. You’ll have time to admire the narrow streets and stop off somewhere to soak up the atmosphere.
9. Gallargues-le-Montueux
Photo credit: Instagram – chrystel_grgn
Among the villages of the Gard, Gallargues-le-Montueux stands out for its location between plain and hill. It’s also a livelier place than most, with daily activity in the village.
Gallargues-le-Montueux is mostly made up of asphalt streets and old-fashioned houses, most of which have not been renovated. Typically Languedoc, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a drink on a terrace and stroll around without having to climb cobbled streets!
10. Aujargues
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Clem Rutter
Close to the magnificent Sommières and Villevieille towns, Aujargues is a recommended stopover for lovers of fine stonework, but with a modern touch. In fact, Aujargues offers a wide range of activities and shops, and is much easier to get around than other hilltop villages in the department.
The arch of the town hall crossing the road is Aujargues’ landmark. It’s impossible to miss! A listed natural site since the 1960s, the Château d’Aujargues is also a must-see, with its two imposing towers. The village is a great place to discover, and can be visited quickly and easily.
11. Junas
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Henk Monster
Barely two kilometers after Aujargues, Junas bears a striking resemblance to its neighbor. The streets are narrow but paved, the houses are not medieval, but many have not been renovated recently. This is a beautiful Gard village with a soul and a lively atmosphere.
But the most emblematic site in Junas is the Bon Temps quarries. Dating directly back to medieval times, they are now disused and host numerous shows during the summer months. The rest of the year, it’s a unique visit to make in the department.
Now you know which villages in the Gard are not to be missed!
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