Natural & cultural sites

What to see and do in the_{Cévennes National Park?}

The Cévennes National Park: A Land of Character, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Just a stone’s throw away from Camping les Cascades lies an area of wild beauty and invaluable cultural richness: the Cévennes National Park. Much more than just a mountain range, this iconic region is a real gem, recognized by UNESCO in two ways: as a Biosphere Reserve and as part of the Mediterranean agropastoral cultural landscape of the Causses and Cévennes.

Immerse yourself in the heart of a powerful and unspoiled natural environment, where the landscape changes with every turn. From windswept ridges to deep valleys carved out by the Gardons rivers, from the vast limestone plateaus of the Causses to forests of ancient chestnut trees, the Cévennes National Park offers a breathtaking variety of panoramas. It is an exceptional playground for hiking, inviting you to follow in the footsteps of writer Robert Louis Stevenson on his famous GR70 trail, or to explore countless paths leading to breathtaking viewpoints and charming villages.

But the Cévennes are also a land of history and culture. With its strong Protestant identity and spirit of resistance, this region tells stories of life and labor, shaped by generations of shepherds and farmers. Discover an authentic architectural heritage, built of schist and slate roofs, and visit the museums that celebrate the spirit of the Cévennes.

For a unique immersion, hop aboard the Cévennes Steam Train, which will take you through spectacular landscapes via tunnels and viaducts. You can also explore the hidden treasures underground in the many caves and sinkholes that dot this fascinating region.

The Cévennes National Park invites you to embark on an adventure, reconnect with authentic nature, and discover a unique culture. Prepare yourself for unforgettable moments of escape in the beating heart of the Gard region.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT _{Museum of Roman Culture?}

The Museum of Roman Culture: A Bold Bridge Between Antiquity and the Future in Nîmes

Opposite the majestic Arènes de Nîmes, the Musée de la Romanité stands as a bold architectural masterpiece, a contemporary setting designed by Elizabeth de Portzamparc that dialogues with the city’s two-thousand-year heritage. Opened in 2018, this exceptional museum is a fascinating gateway to understanding 25 centuries of Nîmes’ history, from the Gallic period to the Roman era and beyond.

As soon as you arrive, you will be captivated by its undulating façade, composed of thousands of screen-printed glass panels that evoke the drapery of Roman togas. Inside, the permanent exhibition immerses you in the heart of Roman civilization thanks to innovative and interactive museography. Admire archaeological collections of incredible richness: sumptuous mosaics restored with incredible precision, thousands of everyday objects, statues, architectural remains, all displayed with breathtaking attention to detail.

The museum brings history to life and makes it accessible to all ages through immersive multimedia displays, virtual reconstructions (such as that of a Roman villa), and spectacular projections that will transport you directly into the past.

But the experience doesn’t end there. The Museum of Roman Culture also offers:

• A Mediterranean archaeological garden, where the remains of the ancient Roman ramparts can still be seen, offering a peaceful stroll.
• A bistronomic restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Colosseum, ideal for a gourmet break.
• Above all, a 360° panoramic rooftop offering breathtaking views of Nîmes’ main monuments—the Arena, the Maison Carrée, and the Magne Tower.

The Musée de la Romanité is an essential stop to complete and enrich your discovery of Nîmes’ ancient treasures. It is an experience that combines knowledge, beauty, and wonder, offering a modern and exciting perspective on the Roman heritage of this iconic city.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT _{Gorges of Gardon?}

The Gardon Gorges: A Wild Canyon and a Treasure Trove of Biodiversity in the Heart of the Gard

Just a few miles from the famous Pont du Gard, the Gardon Gorges invite you to immerse yourself in unspoiled wilderness. This exceptional site, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors, outdoor sports, and tranquility.

Over thousands of years, the Gardon River has patiently carved its bed into the limestone, shaping impressive cliffs, mysterious caves, and secluded pebble beaches. It is an exceptional playground, offering a multitude of activities for all tastes:

• Canoeing and kayaking: Canoeing down the Gardon is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the beauty of the gorges. You will paddle at the foot of the cliffs, pass under the majestic arch of the Pont Saint-Nicolas and, of course, under the Pont du Gard itself, offering unforgettable views of this Roman masterpiece from the water.
• Swimming: The clear, refreshing waters of the Gardon River are perfect for a welcome dip, especially on hot summer days. Numerous natural beaches await you for a relaxing moment by the water.
• Hiking: Marked trails wind along the gorges and surrounding plateaus, offering spectacular views of the canyon, the fragrant scrubland, and the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean.
• Climbing and Via Ferrata: The limestone walls of the gorges are renowned climbing sites, with routes for all levels. Via ferrata routes also allow you to climb to great heights in complete safety, for thrills and breathtaking views.

The Gardon Gorges are also a refuge for remarkable flora and fauna, making every walk an opportunity to observe the local biodiversity. It is a place of escape and adventure, where the power of nature blends harmoniously with the richness of heritage, and is definitely worth exploring during your stay.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT _{Concluses du Lussan ?}

Les Concluses de Lussan: A Mysterious Canyon in the Heart of the Garrigue

After exploring the medieval charm of Lussan, prepare for a spectacular immersion in nature with the Concluses de Lussan. This unique geological site, classified as a “Sensitive Natural Area,” is a truly mysterious canyon, shaped over thousands of years by water erosion in the limestone.

Les Concluses is a series of deep, narrow gorges, winding passages, giant potholes, and astonishing rock formations. They are at their most spectacular after heavy rains, when water rushes through them with great force, creating an impressive display of whirlpools and temporary waterfalls. In the dry season, the bed of the temporary river, the Aiguillon, offers a unique hiking trail, inviting you to explore an almost lunar landscape, worthy of an adventure movie set.

It is a special place for lovers of wild nature, hikers seeking something unique, and photographers. You will discover flora adapted to this limestone environment and, with a little luck, some elusive wildlife. The atmosphere is both soothing and imbued with a primitive force.

Please note: Visiting Les Concluses requires a good level of fitness and is strongly discouraged in rainy weather or when there is a risk of thunderstorms due to flash floods that can make the site dangerous. Always check the weather and local conditions before venturing out to fully enjoy this extraordinary experience.

Les Concluses de Lussan is an invitation to adventure and discovery of powerful and secret nature, just a stone’s throw from the magnificent village of Lussan.

VISIT _{César’s camp}

Caesar’s Camp: A Window onto Antiquity in the Cèze Valley

Discover a fascinating historical site, Caesar’s Camp, nestled in the hills above the Cèze Valley between Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis and Pont-Saint-Esprit. This Gallic oppidum, later a Roman camp, offers a captivating immersion into ancient times, just a stone’s throw from Camping les Cascades.

Caesar’s Camp is a strategic plateau that has been occupied since the Iron Age, then fortified by the Gauls before being taken over by the Romans. As you walk around this archaeological site, you can still see the remains of cyclopean ramparts, evidence of the ingenuity of past civilizations, and traces of Roman military organization. It is a place where the imagination takes over, allowing you to visualize the lives of our ancestors in this historic setting.

Beyond its historical interest, César’s Camp offers exceptional panoramic views of the green Cèze valley, the surrounding plain, and the majestic foothills of the Cévennes. It is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll, where history blends harmoniously with the natural beauty of the landscape.

Accessible via hiking trails, this exploration of the past will give you an understanding of the strategic importance of this region over the centuries. Caesar’s Camp is an enriching cultural and natural stopover, a silent testimony to the history that has shaped our territory.

Visit uzes _{Duchy of Uzês}

The Duchy of Uzès: An Immersion into the Heart of France’s First Duchy

In the heart of the charming town of Uzès stands the Duchy of Uzès, an exceptional architectural complex that bears witness to centuries of history and the unbroken lineage of the Dukes of Uzès, the first in France. This iconic monument is a must-see during your visit to the region, offering a fascinating insight into aristocratic life and past power.

Dominating the city majestically, the Duchy is a veritable fortress that has been transformed over the centuries. Its silhouette is marked by the imposing Tour Bermonde, a 12th-century medieval keep which offers a 360° panorama from its summit over the rooftops of Uzès, the Place aux Herbes, the surrounding countryside and even the Cévennes in the distance.

Next to it, the elegant and bright Renaissance main building reveals the transformation of the fortress into a pleasure residence. Here you will discover sumptuous apartments, reception rooms, and treasures of art and furniture that tell the story of this illustrious family. The discreet but richly decorated ducal chapel adds to the magnificence of the place.

A visit to the Duchy of Uzès is a comprehensive experience, allowing you to explore different architectural periods and immerse yourself in the daily life of this ducal lineage. It is a captivating journey through state rooms, underground passages, and hanging gardens, revealing the grandeur and refinement of a living heritage.

The Duchy of Uzès is much more than just a castle; it is the beating heart of a city of art and history, a living testament to French nobility, and a site that continues to fascinate with its beauty and past.