The Fons Area Guidebook
Local
Your local amenities include a splendid artisan boulangerie, bar, tabac and corner shop, all within a five minute walk, in a row in the centre of the village. Supermarkets (Lidl & Casino) are a 5km drive away in La Calmette.
There are two excellent wines caves in the village of Fons. The Co-operative and a private wine-maker, and many, many more vineyards in the surrounding villages. Rose is the local speciality and should be drunk as the sun goes down, very cold. See also the listing for Bourdic.
Over the last weekend in August the rip-roaring village fete takes place - with its traditional bull-running through the streets, parades, music, dancing and village supper. And the Sunday lunchtime foam party in the main street!
Fons
Your local amenities include a splendid artisan boulangerie, bar, tabac and corner shop, all within a five minute walk, in a row in the centre of the village. Supermarkets (Lidl & Casino) are a 5km drive away in La Calmette.
There are two excellent wines caves in the village of Fons. The Co-operative and a private wine-maker, and many, many more vineyards in the surrounding villages. Rose is the local speciality and should be drunk as the sun goes down, very cold. See also the listing for Bourdic.
Over the last weekend in August the rip-roaring village fete takes place - with its traditional bull-running through the streets, parades, music, dancing and village supper. And the Sunday lunchtime foam party in the main street!
Clos Gaillard is a lovely little beauty spot just off the Fons to Nimes road which you can spend a happy hour ambling around looking at the lovely flowers and little insects and lizards who inhabit it. You can find it on the left hand side as you drive towards Fons about 5 kms after the roundabout at La Braune. Find out more here: http://www.nimes.fr/index.php?id=1949&id_site=764
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Clos Gaillard
Clos Gaillard is a lovely little beauty spot just off the Fons to Nimes road which you can spend a happy hour ambling around looking at the lovely flowers and little insects and lizards who inhabit it. You can find it on the left hand side as you drive towards Fons about 5 kms after the roundabout at La Braune. Find out more here: http://www.nimes.fr/index.php?id=1949&id_site=764
Sightseeing
Historic Roman Nimes is a wondrous sight to behold; from the almost complete amphitheatre where conerts take place every summer through to the Maison Caree, on which the design of the White Houise was based. Norman Foster's incredible new library abutts the square containing maison Carrtee, which also contains the Thursday night market, which spills out into the surrounding streets. Nimes Jeudis (Thursday nights in Nimes) are a well-establsihed favourite night out, with the buzz of thousands of tourists mingling with locals for great food and wine in the many street cafes and restaurants.
The museums are very interesting, particularly the new one near the Arena (Arenes) and the Jardins de la Fontaines (Fountain Gardens) offer a beautiful walk just on the edge of the city centre. The aiport is just south of the city if you are arriving or dep[arting that way.
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Nîmes
Historic Roman Nimes is a wondrous sight to behold; from the almost complete amphitheatre where conerts take place every summer through to the Maison Caree, on which the design of the White Houise was based. Norman Foster's incredible new library abutts the square containing maison Carrtee, which also contains the Thursday night market, which spills out into the surrounding streets. Nimes Jeudis (Thursday nights in Nimes) are a well-establsihed favourite night out, with the buzz of thousands of tourists mingling with locals for great food and wine in the many street cafes and restaurants.
The museums are very interesting, particularly the new one near the Arena (Arenes) and the Jardins de la Fontaines (Fountain Gardens) offer a beautiful walk just on the edge of the city centre. The aiport is just south of the city if you are arriving or dep[arting that way.
The famous World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard, is about a 30 minute drive from the villa. Not only is the bridge itself stunning, but so is the underground museum and cinema at the Visitor Centre. You can also drive to Collias and hire a canoe then paddle down to the bridge, taking your packed lunch with you and enjoy a bite on the beach and a dip in the Gard. Perfect for a hot day!
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Γέφυρα του Πον ντυ Γκαρ (Δεξιά όχθη)
24 Av. du Pont du GardThe famous World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard, is about a 30 minute drive from the villa. Not only is the bridge itself stunning, but so is the underground museum and cinema at the Visitor Centre. You can also drive to Collias and hire a canoe then paddle down to the bridge, taking your packed lunch with you and enjoy a bite on the beach and a dip in the Gard. Perfect for a hot day!
Aigues-Mortes is an incredible fortified town from which the 7th crusade led by Louis IX left for the eastern Mediterranean in 1248 and the 8th crusade in 1280. The town is now a tourist haven, with a statue of Louis at its heart, packed with bric a brac stalls, art shops and lovely restaurants. You can walk all around the city walls (1 hour or so) with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and sea and you can visit the beautiful old church, now installed with modern, colourful stained glass.
The beaches of La Grau du Rois and La Grande Motte are just a few kms down at the coast, so you can spend a morning ambling around Aigues-Mortes then hit the beach to appease the youngsters!
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Aigues-Mortes
Aigues-Mortes is an incredible fortified town from which the 7th crusade led by Louis IX left for the eastern Mediterranean in 1248 and the 8th crusade in 1280. The town is now a tourist haven, with a statue of Louis at its heart, packed with bric a brac stalls, art shops and lovely restaurants. You can walk all around the city walls (1 hour or so) with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and sea and you can visit the beautiful old church, now installed with modern, colourful stained glass.
The beaches of La Grau du Rois and La Grande Motte are just a few kms down at the coast, so you can spend a morning ambling around Aigues-Mortes then hit the beach to appease the youngsters!
The Camargue region of southern France is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is full of white horses and bulls running free. The etangs (lagoons) often feature flamboyances of Flamingoes growing pink on the wonderful shellfish, which you can enjoy in local restaurants. Try the local Vin des Sables (wine of the sands) too.
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Camargue
The Camargue region of southern France is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is full of white horses and bulls running free. The etangs (lagoons) often feature flamboyances of Flamingoes growing pink on the wonderful shellfish, which you can enjoy in local restaurants. Try the local Vin des Sables (wine of the sands) too.
Montpellier is a classy city with a young vibe. Great food and muiseums are available. it is about an hour's drive to get to the centre and the airport is between the city and the coast if you are arriving or departing that way.
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Montpellier
Montpellier is a classy city with a young vibe. Great food and muiseums are available. it is about an hour's drive to get to the centre and the airport is between the city and the coast if you are arriving or departing that way.
The second city of France is well worth a visit. It's historic port is home to wonderful restaurants, while the musuems offer plenty to marvel at. The Stade Velodrome is to the south fo the city, near the beaches and the airport is just to the north.
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Marseille
The second city of France is well worth a visit. It's historic port is home to wonderful restaurants, while the musuems offer plenty to marvel at. The Stade Velodrome is to the south fo the city, near the beaches and the airport is just to the north.
A journey up into the mountains offers spectacular views down to the sea from the summit of Mont Aigoual, the tallest mountain in this part of France. On a clear day you can also see down towards Spain and then in the opposite direction glimpse Mont Ventoux, rising out of the plain near Chateaneuf de Pape, which is, of course, the infamous climb which features regularly in the Tour de France cycle race. Atop Mont Aigoual sits a weather station which is operating but also offers and interesting museum and a great place to have a bite to eat or your lacked lunch enjoying the views.
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Mont Aigoual
A journey up into the mountains offers spectacular views down to the sea from the summit of Mont Aigoual, the tallest mountain in this part of France. On a clear day you can also see down towards Spain and then in the opposite direction glimpse Mont Ventoux, rising out of the plain near Chateaneuf de Pape, which is, of course, the infamous climb which features regularly in the Tour de France cycle race. Atop Mont Aigoual sits a weather station which is operating but also offers and interesting museum and a great place to have a bite to eat or your lacked lunch enjoying the views.
Sommieres is a town dominated by its river and its market. On the first Saturday of August each year the two combine in the spectacular Abrivado through the town which sees the Gardienne drive cattle into the river FVidourle on horseback. locals potter around in small inflatables to general hilarity and you can enjoy this by taking up station on the crowded river bank, or if you get there early and sip a coffee slowy, from one of the bankside cafes.
The market is well worth a visit and features a great Bric a Brac section in which you can buy anything from an ancient edition of Asterix through to an Ameircan WWII Jeep (not kidding!)
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Sommières
Sommieres is a town dominated by its river and its market. On the first Saturday of August each year the two combine in the spectacular Abrivado through the town which sees the Gardienne drive cattle into the river FVidourle on horseback. locals potter around in small inflatables to general hilarity and you can enjoy this by taking up station on the crowded river bank, or if you get there early and sip a coffee slowy, from one of the bankside cafes.
The market is well worth a visit and features a great Bric a Brac section in which you can buy anything from an ancient edition of Asterix through to an Ameircan WWII Jeep (not kidding!)
Sauve and Quissac are two local towns around 20 minutes drive from the villa, which are nice to have a quick potter around, but the main reason to visit is to cycle along the Voie Vert (cycleway) between them. it is around 10kms long, is fairly flat as it is an old railway line and you can park at either end and cycle there and back. See: https://www.tourismegard.com/quissac/voie-verte-quissac-sauve/tabid/2864/offreid/72e7915c-a7fb-4c33-af09-7362e20141ad
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Sauve
Sauve and Quissac are two local towns around 20 minutes drive from the villa, which are nice to have a quick potter around, but the main reason to visit is to cycle along the Voie Vert (cycleway) between them. it is around 10kms long, is fairly flat as it is an old railway line and you can park at either end and cycle there and back. See: https://www.tourismegard.com/quissac/voie-verte-quissac-sauve/tabid/2864/offreid/72e7915c-a7fb-4c33-af09-7362e20141ad
if you are a lover of Roman antiquity and Vincent van Gogh, then Arles is the place for you. The city boasts a Roman amphiteatre, which you can visit, but was also the place that Van Gogh arrived at in 1888 from Paris, sharing an apartment with fellow painter Paul Gaugin for a while. he eventually had his famous breakdown and sliced off his own ear here, before being removed to the nearby St Remy en Provence asylum, which you can also visit. Throughout this period Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings and you can visit the museum dedicated to him right in the centre of the city, near the river.
You can find out more about Van Gogh's time in Arles here: https://www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org/en/documentation-2/vincent-van-gogh/la-vie-de-vincent-a-arles/
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Αρλ
if you are a lover of Roman antiquity and Vincent van Gogh, then Arles is the place for you. The city boasts a Roman amphiteatre, which you can visit, but was also the place that Van Gogh arrived at in 1888 from Paris, sharing an apartment with fellow painter Paul Gaugin for a while. he eventually had his famous breakdown and sliced off his own ear here, before being removed to the nearby St Remy en Provence asylum, which you can also visit. Throughout this period Van Gogh painted some of his most famous paintings and you can visit the museum dedicated to him right in the centre of the city, near the river.
You can find out more about Van Gogh's time in Arles here: https://www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org/en/documentation-2/vincent-van-gogh/la-vie-de-vincent-a-arles/
One of the most incredible and beautiful cities you will ever visit, Avignon is about an hour's drive away to the east. It is dominated by the Palais des Papes, the amazing 14th century seat of the Popes. You will spend 2 to 3 hours touring around here, then enjoy a meal or ice cream in the squares as you wander around the walled city, ending up at the famous Pont d-Aivgnon, where you obviously have to sing the song and do the dance...
over the river Rhone you will see Chateuneuf de Pape, the woirld famous vineyard. You may well need to make an appointment to visit the caves (wineries) and taste there, but we've often just turned up on the off chance and been lucky there is a slot available. Beautiful wine, not cheap! Although cheaper than supping it in a UK restaurant!
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Avignon
One of the most incredible and beautiful cities you will ever visit, Avignon is about an hour's drive away to the east. It is dominated by the Palais des Papes, the amazing 14th century seat of the Popes. You will spend 2 to 3 hours touring around here, then enjoy a meal or ice cream in the squares as you wander around the walled city, ending up at the famous Pont d-Aivgnon, where you obviously have to sing the song and do the dance...
over the river Rhone you will see Chateuneuf de Pape, the woirld famous vineyard. You may well need to make an appointment to visit the caves (wineries) and taste there, but we've often just turned up on the off chance and been lucky there is a slot available. Beautiful wine, not cheap! Although cheaper than supping it in a UK restaurant!
Les Beaux is an astonahing rock formation atop which sits the ancient seat of the Grimaldi family, Princes of Monaco. The museum there is brilliant, especially if you love Grace Kelly, who of course famously married Prince Rainier III in 1956 when she was one of the world's most glamorous film stars.
If you have an afternoon flight out of Marseille airport its well worth a visit on the way there as it's situated halfway to Marseille.
Find out more about Les Beaux here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baux-de-Provence
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Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Beaux is an astonahing rock formation atop which sits the ancient seat of the Grimaldi family, Princes of Monaco. The museum there is brilliant, especially if you love Grace Kelly, who of course famously married Prince Rainier III in 1956 when she was one of the world's most glamorous film stars.
If you have an afternoon flight out of Marseille airport its well worth a visit on the way there as it's situated halfway to Marseille.
Find out more about Les Beaux here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baux-de-Provence
The Bambooseraie (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and International Dark Sky Reserve) is a beautiful garden, one of the best in France, around which you can amble and enjoy the exotic plants. It is based around vast swathes of tall bamboo, boasting over 240 varieties of Bamboo, Japanese Maple, Camelia, Ginkgo Biloba or centenary Sequoias, representing every continent, and with rare tree species, many of which are unique in Europe.
A fabulous half-day relaxing trip. it is about an hour north west of Fons, just the other side of beautiful Anduze.
For details, see: https://www.bambouseraie.fr/en/homepage/
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The Bamboo Cevennes
552 MontsauveThe Bambooseraie (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and International Dark Sky Reserve) is a beautiful garden, one of the best in France, around which you can amble and enjoy the exotic plants. It is based around vast swathes of tall bamboo, boasting over 240 varieties of Bamboo, Japanese Maple, Camelia, Ginkgo Biloba or centenary Sequoias, representing every continent, and with rare tree species, many of which are unique in Europe.
A fabulous half-day relaxing trip. it is about an hour north west of Fons, just the other side of beautiful Anduze.
For details, see: https://www.bambouseraie.fr/en/homepage/
Trabuc caves complex is found near the village of Mialet, near Anduze, in the Cevennes mountains. With its 1,200 metres of galleries, it's the biggest network of underground passages in the region. Take a guided tour (lasting around an hour) and discover splendid coloured minerals, draperies, waterfalls, lakes, and most excitingly, a mysterious group of 100,000 small stalagmites that bear a strange resemblance to an army of soldiers, the origin of which remains unexplained to this day!
Perfect for families and especially good on a rare wet day!
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Σπήλαια Τραμπιούκ
Trabuc caves complex is found near the village of Mialet, near Anduze, in the Cevennes mountains. With its 1,200 metres of galleries, it's the biggest network of underground passages in the region. Take a guided tour (lasting around an hour) and discover splendid coloured minerals, draperies, waterfalls, lakes, and most excitingly, a mysterious group of 100,000 small stalagmites that bear a strange resemblance to an army of soldiers, the origin of which remains unexplained to this day!
Perfect for families and especially good on a rare wet day!
The Cirque de Navacelles is an incredible natural phenomen, formed millions of years ago. Take in the views from the visitors' cente on the cliffs above, then plunge down the windy road to enjoy the lush countryside, ancient village and waterfall down in the uniquely shaped valley.
An absolute must if you are in the Herault and have a day to explore this wonderful natural site. It offers the possibility to take a stroll with shady places to rest in between find the dozens of superb views which offer a paradise for photographers. For those who enjoy a long walk the trails are superb.
Makes a great day out when paired with the nearby Grottes (caves) de Demoiselles.
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Σιρκ ντε Ναβασέλ
The Cirque de Navacelles is an incredible natural phenomen, formed millions of years ago. Take in the views from the visitors' cente on the cliffs above, then plunge down the windy road to enjoy the lush countryside, ancient village and waterfall down in the uniquely shaped valley.
An absolute must if you are in the Herault and have a day to explore this wonderful natural site. It offers the possibility to take a stroll with shady places to rest in between find the dozens of superb views which offer a paradise for photographers. For those who enjoy a long walk the trails are superb.
Makes a great day out when paired with the nearby Grottes (caves) de Demoiselles.
This amazing cave is an old "swallow-hole" - where a surface stream disappeared underground. The huge principal chamber is 50m high and 120m wide. Vast columns, cool temperature and the large open space give the cave a cathedral-like air. You'll also find the famous stalagmite of the Virgin and Child on a white calcite plinth. For added fun, when you've completed your amble through the cave complex a funicular railway takes you back to the entrance.
Perfect for families. Makes for a great day out when paired with the nearby Cirque de Navacelles.
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Grotte des Demoiselles
This amazing cave is an old "swallow-hole" - where a surface stream disappeared underground. The huge principal chamber is 50m high and 120m wide. Vast columns, cool temperature and the large open space give the cave a cathedral-like air. You'll also find the famous stalagmite of the Virgin and Child on a white calcite plinth. For added fun, when you've completed your amble through the cave complex a funicular railway takes you back to the entrance.
Perfect for families. Makes for a great day out when paired with the nearby Cirque de Navacelles.
Food scene
On a Saturday morning the historic city of Uzes (home of the First Duke of France) bustles with its huge market in the main town square. Go early so you dont have to park too far outside of town! Local delicacies include spice, soap, lavender, pizza, pain bagnat, olives, sausage and vegetables. Stock up for you evening barbeque or come back later on to enjoy one of the restaurants once the market has packed up. Our favourite is Le Cote, where you can cook meat on hot stones to your personal satisfaction. There is also a great ice cream shop!
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Uzès
On a Saturday morning the historic city of Uzes (home of the First Duke of France) bustles with its huge market in the main town square. Go early so you dont have to park too far outside of town! Local delicacies include spice, soap, lavender, pizza, pain bagnat, olives, sausage and vegetables. Stock up for you evening barbeque or come back later on to enjoy one of the restaurants once the market has packed up. Our favourite is Le Cote, where you can cook meat on hot stones to your personal satisfaction. There is also a great ice cream shop!
The Bourdic Cave is a lovely vineyard which you can visit to taste and purchase wine. The white is particularly good and goes down well when chilled.
Bourdic can be found on the way to Uzes, about 20 minutes from Fons to the east.
See: https://domainebourdic.com/
Bourdic
The Bourdic Cave is a lovely vineyard which you can visit to taste and purchase wine. The white is particularly good and goes down well when chilled.
Bourdic can be found on the way to Uzes, about 20 minutes from Fons to the east.
See: https://domainebourdic.com/
Activity
La Roque-sur-Ceze (around an hour's drive from the villa) is notable for the beautiful village which sits atop the hillside, but also for the nearby rapids which form a playgruond for youngsters and adults alike. We love to spend the morning exploring the hillside village, its steep streets, old church and then having an ice cream at the summit cafe 9you cant quite get to the top as its privately owned) and then walking down to the rapids to clamber up rocks, jump into the foaming water and swim along the lazy river. park down by the town bridge for a few euros and follow the crowds to find the rapids. Do take care though. There are no emergency services or cafe etc down by the rapids and you will see signs telling you about safety (it's only safe if you keep an eye on youngsters all the time) as it is not an official place, so nothing is provided.
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La Roque-sur-Cèze
La Roque-sur-Ceze (around an hour's drive from the villa) is notable for the beautiful village which sits atop the hillside, but also for the nearby rapids which form a playgruond for youngsters and adults alike. We love to spend the morning exploring the hillside village, its steep streets, old church and then having an ice cream at the summit cafe 9you cant quite get to the top as its privately owned) and then walking down to the rapids to clamber up rocks, jump into the foaming water and swim along the lazy river. park down by the town bridge for a few euros and follow the crowds to find the rapids. Do take care though. There are no emergency services or cafe etc down by the rapids and you will see signs telling you about safety (it's only safe if you keep an eye on youngsters all the time) as it is not an official place, so nothing is provided.
Grau du Roi (beach of kings) is a typical bustling Mediterranean port right next to Aigues-Mortes, with lovely beaches, loads of sea activities, including many boat trips and oodles of lovely restaurants to enjoy. If you love seafood then you can gorge yourself on local produce here.
the beaches are very youngster-friendly as the sea-break in the harbour keeps the waters calm and the shelf of the beach is very shallow. You can hire pedalos with slides on them by the hour to have fun too! you will often find huge sandcastles being made, while just down the coast at L'Espighette is a wilder, less occupied beach, but beware that about a further kilometre down the road there is a nudist colony!
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Grau Du Roi
2196 Rte de l'EspiguetteGrau du Roi (beach of kings) is a typical bustling Mediterranean port right next to Aigues-Mortes, with lovely beaches, loads of sea activities, including many boat trips and oodles of lovely restaurants to enjoy. If you love seafood then you can gorge yourself on local produce here.
the beaches are very youngster-friendly as the sea-break in the harbour keeps the waters calm and the shelf of the beach is very shallow. You can hire pedalos with slides on them by the hour to have fun too! you will often find huge sandcastles being made, while just down the coast at L'Espighette is a wilder, less occupied beach, but beware that about a further kilometre down the road there is a nudist colony!
The nearest waterpark is about an hour's drive away but it is well worth a day out. Book online for a discount and yuo can't take a packed lunch in but they do let you out to eat in the car park if you ask nicely. Otherwise you can spend heavily in the usual bars and fast food joints in and around enjoying the slides, lazy river and sometimes crazy tubing experiences. Many are a significant climb to get up to the start and you need to do in 'matched' pairs or have age or weight limits but they are brilliant fun and there's something for everyone!
The 'Coffin' is my personal favourite... you climb up about 30 metres and stand in an enclosed, coffin-shaped box on end, then await the trapdoor to open and a quick 3 second whoosh down the almost vertical slide! Again, again!
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Splashworld
663 All. de BeaulieuThe nearest waterpark is about an hour's drive away but it is well worth a day out. Book online for a discount and yuo can't take a packed lunch in but they do let you out to eat in the car park if you ask nicely. Otherwise you can spend heavily in the usual bars and fast food joints in and around enjoying the slides, lazy river and sometimes crazy tubing experiences. Many are a significant climb to get up to the start and you need to do in 'matched' pairs or have age or weight limits but they are brilliant fun and there's something for everyone!
The 'Coffin' is my personal favourite... you climb up about 30 metres and stand in an enclosed, coffin-shaped box on end, then await the trapdoor to open and a quick 3 second whoosh down the almost vertical slide! Again, again!
The Garrigues is an area north and west of Nimes (centred around Fons and ancient hillside village Montpezat), which has a particular type of low bush scrub across lowland foothills for the Cevennes mountains. It is packed with flora and fauna and is perfect for walking and mountain biking and the trails directly outside the villa in Fons can all be found on the maps in the dresser drawer in the dining room.
For walkers, the Grand Randonnee routes surround Fons on every side. See this list here: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-fons-gard.html.
I love cycling up the hill directly opposite (via St Mamert to the right) and then down the steep, rocky descent on the other side which leads to vineyards and then a circuitous route back through Gajan and the village of Fons.
You can also turn right out of the villa then right again and go up the hills to the north west, which offer spectacular views into the Cevennes (it is a very long hill...). From there you can either scoot back down in what seems like seconds the same way, or continue on round and to the right to get back into the north end of Fons.
You can also take your bikes to any of the surrounding areas to cycle including the Sauve-Quissac Voie Vert, which is pretty flat and so more suitable for youngsters, or, for the slightly crazy amongst you, head over to Mont Ventoux near Avignon, if you want to try the Tour de France's infamous climb.
Montpezat
The Garrigues is an area north and west of Nimes (centred around Fons and ancient hillside village Montpezat), which has a particular type of low bush scrub across lowland foothills for the Cevennes mountains. It is packed with flora and fauna and is perfect for walking and mountain biking and the trails directly outside the villa in Fons can all be found on the maps in the dresser drawer in the dining room.
For walkers, the Grand Randonnee routes surround Fons on every side. See this list here: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-fons-gard.html.
I love cycling up the hill directly opposite (via St Mamert to the right) and then down the steep, rocky descent on the other side which leads to vineyards and then a circuitous route back through Gajan and the village of Fons.
You can also turn right out of the villa then right again and go up the hills to the north west, which offer spectacular views into the Cevennes (it is a very long hill...). From there you can either scoot back down in what seems like seconds the same way, or continue on round and to the right to get back into the north end of Fons.
You can also take your bikes to any of the surrounding areas to cycle including the Sauve-Quissac Voie Vert, which is pretty flat and so more suitable for youngsters, or, for the slightly crazy amongst you, head over to Mont Ventoux near Avignon, if you want to try the Tour de France's infamous climb.
One of the best activities in the local area is canoeing down one of the many rivers. Our favourite, although it is the easiest, is from Collias to just beyond the famous Pont du Gard. The gard river is quite gentle so good for any age over 6 (younger not allowed) and the various canoe companies in Collias will collect you from the far side of the Pont to bring you back. Take a packed lunch and eat it on one of the beaches near the pont, and also plenty of suncream!
You can just turn up as long as you get there late morning and use one of the three companies - Kayak Vert, Canoe Collias or Canoe Le Toubillon.
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Collias
One of the best activities in the local area is canoeing down one of the many rivers. Our favourite, although it is the easiest, is from Collias to just beyond the famous Pont du Gard. The gard river is quite gentle so good for any age over 6 (younger not allowed) and the various canoe companies in Collias will collect you from the far side of the Pont to bring you back. Take a packed lunch and eat it on one of the beaches near the pont, and also plenty of suncream!
You can just turn up as long as you get there late morning and use one of the three companies - Kayak Vert, Canoe Collias or Canoe Le Toubillon.
Looking for some fun and adventure? Then visit Abracadabranche, a family-oriented orienteering and climbing centre in the Cevennes hills (about 60 mins drive north west near Anduze). Situated by the beautiful river La Salindrenque (a tributary of the river Gard), the centre offers five levels of climbing, net bridges and zip wires, plus a farm for youngsters to enjoy.
For details, visit: http://www.abracadabranche.fr/
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Abracadabranche
Le MoinaLooking for some fun and adventure? Then visit Abracadabranche, a family-oriented orienteering and climbing centre in the Cevennes hills (about 60 mins drive north west near Anduze). Situated by the beautiful river La Salindrenque (a tributary of the river Gard), the centre offers five levels of climbing, net bridges and zip wires, plus a farm for youngsters to enjoy.
For details, visit: http://www.abracadabranche.fr/