Sports activities
THINGS TO DO
in the Ceze Valley
The Cèze Valley, located in the Gard department, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and mountain biking are a must, with trails suitable for all levels, offering panoramic views, hilltop villages, and natural sites such as the Sautadet Waterfalls. Canoeing, ideal for families on the Cèze or more challenging on the Ardèche, is a fun way to explore the waterways. Local caves, such as the Salamandre or the Aven d’Orgnac, offer underground wonders to discover. When it comes to local produce, the Provençal markets (Uzès, Goudargues, Barjac, etc.) invite you to savor local products and crafts. For the more adventurous, canyoning in the gorges promises adrenaline and refreshment. Swimming is possible in magical places such as Montclus or Goudargues. Finally, numerous shaded spots invite you to picnic and fully enjoy the natural and peaceful beauty of the region.
Hiking and mountain biking
Outdoor Adventures in the Cèze Valley
The Cèze Valley is a real playground for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts! Whether you enjoy contemplative walks or are passionate about mountain biking, the area around Camping les Cascades is full of trails that invite you to explore varied landscapes of striking beauty.
Hiking Trails for All Levels
Put on your walking shoes and set off on an adventure! From accessible family walks along the refreshing banks of the Cèze to more challenging routes through the scrubland and foothills of the Cévennes, there’s bound to be a trail for you. Follow the marked trails that will lead you to panoramic views of the valley, picturesque hilltop villages such as Cornillon or Lussan, or iconic natural sites such as the Sautadet waterfalls, just a stone’s throw from your campsite. Along the way, breathe in the scents of Provence and observe the Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Mountain Biking: Exploration on Two Wheels
For cyclists, the Cèze Valley and its surroundings offer a network of trails and paths that are perfect for all types of mountain biking. Whether you prefer rolling trails through vineyards and lavender fields or more technical, hilly routes winding through pine forests, you’ll find something to satisfy your thirst for adventure. The region’s gentle to moderate terrain is ideal for leisurely outings, while more experienced riders can venture onto the steeper trails of the neighboring Cévennes.
Numerous hiking and mountain biking maps are available locally to help you plan your outings. Whether on foot or by bike, the Cèze Valley promises unforgettable moments in the great outdoors, surrounded by generous and unspoiled nature.
Rock climbing in the Gard region
Between Magnificent Gorges and Vertiginous Rocks
The Gard is a true paradise for climbing enthusiasts. Its landscapes, sculpted by water and time, offer a multitude of exceptional sites, from the limestone cliffs of the Gorges du Gardon to the vertiginous walls of the Cévennes. Whether you are a beginner or an expert climber, looking for an introduction or technical routes, the Gard promises you memorable sessions. Enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings and varied rock formations for thrills in complete safety.
Canyoning
An aquatic adventure in the heart of the gorges near the campsite!
For thrill seekers and water adventure enthusiasts, canyoning is an unmissable experience in our region! Combining hiking, climbing, swimming, jumping, and sometimes abseiling, this activity invites you to explore spectacular natural canyons, patiently carved out by water erosion.
Accompanied by professional, state-certified guides, you will explore spectacular landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible, including vertiginous cliffs, crystal-clear pools, and refreshing waterfalls. Depending on the route you choose and your level, you can slide down natural slides, jump into turquoise pools (jumps are not compulsory and are adapted to each person’s level), or abseil down rock faces.
The limestone and Cévennes mountains near Camping les Cascades offer several canyons suitable for different levels, from beginner trails perfect for families discovering the activity for the first time, to more technical and challenging descents for experienced athletes. It’s the perfect opportunity to push your limits in complete safety, cool off, and share unforgettable moments of adrenaline and laughter in the heart of nature, surrounded by exceptional biodiversity.
Specialized equipment (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, etc.) is always provided by the local service providers who will accompany you. Get ready to reach new heights and enjoy a memorable aquatic adventure that will remain etched in your vacation memories!
The Via Ferrata in the Gard
Between Sky and Rocks
For an unforgettable experience combining hiking and climbing, the Via Ferrata in the Gard awaits you! Cling to the cliffs and cross rope bridges and zip lines for guaranteed thrills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, the Gard offers safe routes and breathtaking views of magnificent landscapes, particularly around Florac at the gateway to the Cévennes. Get ready to reach new heights and get your adrenaline pumping!
The Canoe
Your Refreshing Adventure on the Cèze and Ardèche Rivers!
Get ready for total immersion in nature and unforgettable experiences! Canoeing and kayaking are the region’s flagship activities, ideal for discovering our landscapes from a new perspective, as you glide along the water.
The Cèze: Gentle Living and Family Discoveries
Starting from Camping les Cascades, the Cèze river invites you to enjoy canoe trips of unparalleled tranquility. Its clear waters and gentle current are perfect for families and beginners. Paddle at your own pace, stopping at secluded pebble beaches for a picnic or a refreshing swim. You’ll glide past charming villages such as La Roque-sur-Cèze, offering unique views of the Mediterranean landscape. It’s a fun and friendly way to explore the valley, far from the hustle and bustle.
Ardèche: Adventure in the Great Outdoors
For the more adventurous or those seeking more thrills, the famous Ardèche Gorges are just a short distance away. With its majestic Pont d’Arc, vertiginous cliffs, and rapids (depending on the route), the Ardèche promises a more athletic and spectacular experience. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a life-size adventure, combining adrenaline and wonder at the magnificent landscapes.
Whether on the Cèze or Ardèche rivers, several local providers offer equipment rental and courses suitable for all levels. Embark on a half-day or full-day aquatic adventure and create unforgettable memories!
Explore the Underground Mysteries
The Caves Around Les Cascades Campground
Get ready for a fascinating journey into the heart of the Earth as you explore the many caves and underground cavities that dot our magnificent region. These geological wonders, patiently sculpted by water over thousands of years, offer a breathtaking spectacle of sparkling stalactites, imposing stalagmites, and limestone formations in astonishing shapes.
Near the Camping les Cascades campground, several caves are open to the public, each with its own atmosphere and unique features:
- The Salamander Cave: Not far from Méjannes-le-Clap, this magnificent cave reveals huge chambers adorned with impressive concretions, highlighted by a play of lights. You can explore it in various ways: on a traditional tour, via an accessible panoramic platform, or even on a “Grand Rappel” for a more daring experience.
- The Aven d’Orgnac Grand Site de France: Located in Ardèche, just a few kilometers away, this cave is one of the most beautiful in Europe. It will take you more than 120 meters underground to admire gigantic chambers and unique formations, enhanced by a final sound and light show. A prehistory museum completes the visit for a day rich in discoveries.
- Trabuc Cave: Located near Anduze, this cave is famous for its “100,000 soldiers,” a unique collection of stalagmites stretching several meters, creating a magical mineral landscape. Its easily accessible trail is ideal for families.
These underground tours are an excellent escape on hot summer days, offering natural coolness and a unique opportunity to contemplate the hidden beauty of our planet.
Where to swim ?
in the Cèze Valley?
The Best Places to Swim: Dive into the Clear Waters of the Cèze!
Summer in the Gard region is synonymous with cool temperatures, and the Cèze Valley is a permanent invitation to go swimming! With its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural setting, the Cèze offers a multitude of idyllic spots to cool off and enjoy the sun, just a stone’s throw from Camping les Cascades.
Here are some of the best swimming spots where you can relax and have fun:
- The Sautadet Waterfalls (Restricted Area): Right next to the campground, this is an iconic spot! The waterfalls are a fascinating sight, and downstream from the marked danger zones, you’ll find pebble beaches and natural pools where swimming is a pure delight. It’s the perfect place to relax in the sun and cool off while admiring this unique landscape. We urge you to exercise caution and respect the authorized swimming areas for your safety.
- Goudargues and its surroundings: The “Little Venice of the Gard” also offers some very popular swimming spots. The village and its surroundings offer gentler access to the Cèze, often designed for family comfort, with areas where the water is calmer and shallower, ideal for children.
- Montclus: At the foot of this magnificent listed village, the Cèze river reveals beaches and swimming areas that blend perfectly into an exceptional medieval and natural setting. It’s an opportunity to combine heritage discovery with the pleasures of the water.
- Along the Cèze: Numerous other hidden spots and small natural beaches dot the course of the Cèze, offering more intimate places for a refreshing swim in the wild. Feel free to explore on foot or by canoe to find your own little corner of paradise.
Whatever your preference, the Cèze promises moments of pure joy and refreshment. Enjoy its clean waters and beautiful banks to make every swim an unforgettable memory of your vacation at Camping Les Cascades.
WHERE TO PICNIC
in the Cèze Valley?
The Cèze Valley is full of absolutely charming and often very picturesque places to organize a beautiful picnic in the heart of nature. Here are some of the best ideas, within easy reach of Camping les Cascades:
- Around the Sautadet Waterfalls (La Roque-sur-Cèze): This is the iconic spot! There are many natural, shaded areas along the river, downstream from the dangerous areas of the waterfalls. You can spread out your picnic blanket on the pebbles or under the trees, with the mesmerizing sound of the waterfalls in the background. It’s a very popular site, so go in the morning or late afternoon during high season for more peace and quiet.
- On the beaches of the Cèze (near Goudargues or Montclus): The Cèze offers many small pebble beaches and accessible riverbanks along its course.
- Towards Goudargues: Away from the village center, as you travel up or down the river, you will find wilder and often less frequented spots, perfect for privacy by the water.
- Towards Montclus: At the foot of the magnificent village of Montclus, the Cèze river reveals access to beaches where you can easily settle down for a picnic and swim in a splendid historical and natural setting.
- Along the Cèze Gorges (between Goudargues and La Roque-sur-Cèze): Some hiking trails run alongside the gorges and offer viewpoints or more open areas with shade, ideal for a picnic with a view. Sometimes you have to walk a little to find these gems.
- In the heart of the garrigue (around Lussan or Cornillon): For a picnic with a panoramic view, explore the surroundings of hilltop villages such as Lussan or Cornillon. After a short walk, you can find a promontory or a shady spot with a breathtaking view of the Cévennes, the garrigue, or the valley. The climate is drier here, but the panorama is guaranteed!
- Les Concluses de Lussan (with caution and during dry periods): For the more adventurous, and only during dry periods when there is no risk of rain, picnicking in the dry bed of Les Concluses can be a unique experience. The setting is spectacular, almost lunar.
Tips for a successful picnic:
- Bring a good tablecloth or blanket.
- Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, especially in summer.
- Remember to bring trash bags so you don’t leave any trace of your visit and help preserve these beautiful places.
- Respect nature: Do not light fires and stay on marked trails.
Wherever you choose to go, picnicking in the Cèze Valley is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of our region and share a convivial moment outdoors.
