‘MENU FORMULE’ du Mas de la Bousquette
Day 1: Start the week with a car free local walk to Les Concluses, a spectacular rock gorge around 6km away across fields and through garrigue. Take a picnic and enjoy a dip in the cool green waters. Return via the same route or take a longer trip back across the Heights of Audabiac through pine forest. Longer option approx. 15km total. In peak summer when there may not be much water head to Tharaux , Frigoulet or the Grotte de la Salamandre to swim instead.
Day 2: Walk from Vers Pont du Gard to the iconic aqueduct via villages, olives groves and woodland. See the remains of the unrestored aqueduct before marvelling at the Pont du Gard itself. Swim from the beach below and enjoy lunch at Les Terrasses, with one of the best views around from your table. Return on a circular route through vines and orchards back to Vers. Maybe a quick refreshing beer at the bar before heading home.
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Day 3: You can’t not canoe. There are two options. The Gardon for lovely but busy canoeing and a stunning approach to the Pont du Gard, or go north to the Ardeche . We suggest you DON'T stop at the Pont d'Arc but go a little further north to Balazuc. Here you can canoe an equally spectacular stretch of the gorge without the hordes. The village of Balazuc is worth a stop too. Either way the trick here is to pack a picnic and a bottle of chilled wine. Stop somewhere along the way and swim, relax and savour your gourmet treats.
Day 4: Avignon or Nimes? Which to choose? Both about 45 -50 minutes drive and chock full of historic sights, delicious smells and often the sound of music! A plethora of lunch spots and good shopping.
Day 5: Back down to the Gorges of the Gardon. From Collias head up high above the Gard river and along the ridge to La Baume. Drop down steeply to the river and jump right in - you’ll need it. And you are likely to be the only people there other than an occasional passing canoe. Walk back along the river’s edge to L’Enclos, for a a simple but satisfying lunch. Around 11km in all.
Day 6: 40 minutes away is the very very pretty village of Banne, just where the Cevennes meet the Ardeche. Stroll the ruined fort there, take one of the many marked trails but make sure you end up at the Auberge de Bannes in the village square. Picture perfect, lovely food and smiley staff. Spend the rest of the afternoon in one of their armchairs savouring the view.
Day 7: If you are not already exhausted visit one of the many colourful and charming local markets. On Friday in particular there's St Quentin la Poterie ( famous too for its 40+ ceramicists and potters which you must visit) and you can enjoy lunch with locals and expats under the plane trees of the Bar du Marchè. Alternatively there's Barjac north of here, an absolutely gorgeous Renaissance period town just begging to be explored and with a large busy market in the square. Lots of cafes and restaurants. And of course on Wednesdays and Saturdays beautiful Uzès boasts one of the best markets in France . Get there early, buys some croissants, pick a spot for coffee and enjoy the view.
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There are many, many more options for all abilities and interests and we are always happy to help you plan a day out. Our library offers maps, guides, walks and cycle routes
