The 14 most beautiful walks in the Gard region

Need to get away from it all in the South of France? Generation Voyage has compiled a list of the best walks in the Gard.

The Gard is a pretty department in the south of France. Apart from its prefecture, Nîmes, it has remained rather rural and offers a wide variety of landscapes. Cévennes, Mediterranean coastline, Causses, Camargue and garrigues: what diversity! This diversity is internationally recognized.

Some of the region’s natural areas and historic monuments are even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s a list of the best walks in the Gard region, so that you can admire them in your own way. Get your boots on and get ready for adventure!

1. The Gardon gorges

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The Gorges du Gardon is a canyon carved out by the River Gardon some twenty kilometers north of Nîmes. This hike in the Gard starts from the pretty village of Collias, with a walk through the gorges. You’ll hike up the river (and swim in it, if you like!) through rocks and undergrowth to a plateau with a bird’s-eye view of the canyon.

In the distance, you can admire the ruins of the Baume mill. The route continues through the garrigue on the GR to your starting point. An absolute must.

2. The 4,000 steps trail

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The 4,000 Steps trail is located in the Cévennes National Park, close to the park’s second-highest peak: Mont Aigoual. It rises to an altitude of 1,567 metres and offers panoramic views of the sea, Canigou and as far as the Alps.

To admire it, this hike in the Gard starts from Valleraugue and begins with a challenging ascent of Mont Aigoual. The Cap de Brion and the Coulet viewpoint are the highlights of your walk, which ends with a discovery of Clarou. Sublime!

3. Pont du Gard via Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard

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The Pont du Gard is a world-famous 2,000-year-old historic site. Built by the Romans, you can visit it on this hike in the Gard region. What’s more, you can swim near the bridge after a stony but shady stretch.

Ideal in summer, especially as the way to and from this sumptuous monument is through the garrigue. The gradient is low and the route can be walked all year round. So, when are you going to do it?

4. Corbès and the Valaurie cave

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This hike in the Gard region is accessible to all, and promises beautiful panoramic views over the Gardon valley. The famous Valaurie cave and its monumental underground galleries can be reached after walking through the undergrowth. Beware of slipping – it’s wet down there!

The trail also takes in the Cévennes and the pretty village of Corbès. The route is best taken in autumn, to admire the reddish hues of the Gardon d’Anduze valley.

5. The Séguissous waterfalls

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This hike in the Gard starts from the hamlet of Le Cal near the famous village of Navacelles. After a beautiful climb offering sumptuous panoramic views of the Cévennes and Ardèche mountains, the route follows the course of the Séguissous river. You’ll soon reach the Petites Aiguillères and Peyrou waterfalls.

Large potholes have been naturally carved out of the limestone, where the water takes on a color oscillating between emerald green and turquoise blue. Ideal for the whole family!

6. Pont du Hasard and Corconne chapel

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Here, your journey will take you to the Coutach plateau in the heart of a dense Mediterranean forest for an escapade worthy of Indiana Jones! No Lost Ark here… but the Pont du Hasard, a natural archway carved out of the rock and linking two cliffs. It overlooks the village of Corconne and its 19th-century chapel.

The view is exceptional: the sea unfolds on the horizon and you can see the Pic-Saint-Loup, Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The path is long but fairly easy, and requires good climbing shoes.

7. Pont du Hasard short loop

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This hike in the Gard is similar to the previous one: it’s a shorter version. You’ll linger in the village of Corconne and its narrow streets. Typical of the area, it overlooks the region’s emblematic vineyards and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The Pont du Hasard is reached with some effort, and requires the use of metal ladders set into the rock. There’s no danger, however: this trail is an easy hike in the Gard region, best enjoyed by the whole family in spring or autumn.

8. The mer des Rochers loop

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What a charming little medieval town Sauve is on the banks of the Vidourle! It’s the starting point for your escapade to the chaos of the Mer des Rochers. Follow the yellow signs to this splendid natural tangle of shrubs and rocks.

This labyrinthine lapiaz has amazing geological features detailed on interesting computer panels. Just be sure to bring a hat and a large supply of water during the hottest hours!

9. Le Puech via Petites Aiguières

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This hike in the Gard region takes you between the villages of Bouquet and Navacelles to the Petites Aiguières. This is a series of rocky basins over which a stream flows peacefully. These baths are linked by small waterfalls, which are very pleasant in summer.

Natural toboggans are a particular attraction for the little ones! Note that in summer, the creek is almost dry. So it’s best to take advantage of early spring or autumn.

10. Around Lac des Pises

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The Lac des Pises tour takes you to the heart of the Lingas massif in the Cévennes National Park. This hike in the Gard region is close to the village of Dourbie. You’ll discover this astonishing artificial lake nestling in the heart of a sometimes marshy forest area. Pontoons and footbridges allow you to cross certain passages, and are equipped with information panels on the flora and fauna.

Please note: fishing is permitted, but swimming is not… An astronomical observatory is nearby, and you can also climb the Pic de Saint Guiral.

11. Tornac castle

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This hike in the Gard region begins with its star attraction: the ruins of the Château de Tornac. This 11th-century citadel overlooks the right bank of the Gardon river. From here, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over Anduze and the Tornac vineyards.

The colors of the Lédignan basin are sumptuous, especially in autumn! This forest trail then follows an easy path to the Autiès hamlet, before returning in a loop. Ideal for an afternoon in the shade of the holm oaks.

12. From Sanilhac to Gardon

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Departure is from the medieval village of Sanilhac-Sagriès. This hike in the Gard is very close to the Gardon gorges and leads to the Baume site and its famous Romanesque chapel. You even have to cross a 150 m-long cave to reach the river gorges!

Here you can take a dip or picnic in the shade of the cliffs. Between forests and pastures, this varied hike is sure to please.

13. The Senhac hills

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This hike starts in Sernhac, between the Pont du Gard and Nîmes. Once you’ve parked in the village, you’ll take a picturesque signposted path that begins to climb… until it becomes somewhat dizzying. Yes, you’re now on a ledge right in the heart of the Gard scrubland!

A ridgeline then opens up over the region: the lower Rhône valley and the Alpilles steal the show from the Gardon. Wow…

14. Latrone balm

La baume Latrone is a prehistoric site in the commune of Sainte-Anastasie. Animal drawings dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic have been discovered here. This cave dwelling is one of the oldest known in Europe.

To get there on this hike in the Gard, you’ll have to follow the Gardon river and take the GR6 to the Plateau des Garrigues. Between forests, bridges and cliffs, this route promises to be unforgettable. Don’t you think?