There are so many places to go and things to do within an hour or so of the villa that we can't write about them all... but here is a selection of our favourites. There's something here for all the family, young and old, active or sedentary, thrill-seeking or nature-loving.
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As well as the suggestions below, there are many, many other tourist attractions – museums, castles, monasteries, spectacular underground caverns, monuments to the WWII ‘Maquis’ Resistance, plus rushing rivers, rocky caverns and beautiful views from peak tops. You will find lots of leaflets in the villa. Also read our BLOG.
NIMES
(30 minutes)
With its Roman amphitheatre, Maison Carre, Tour Magne and Jardin de la Fontaine. There are many summer events in the amphitheatre, including pop and classical concerts, plus the May and September festivals.
ANDUZE
(30 minutes)
Known as ‘the Gateway to the Cevennes) with a private steam railway to St Jean du Gard, and close to the ‘Bambouseraie’ (a spectacular private botanical garden specialising in bamboos) and the Musee du Desert celebrating the history of the Huguenots.
ARLES
(45 minutes)
Full of roman remains and a mosaic floor museum, pluis the incredible arena, The city also features a Picasso gallery and Van Gogh’s famous ‘Yellow House’, (the café now named Café Van Gogh). There is an Easter bull-fighting festival.
GRAU DU ROI
(60 minutes)
Lies close to Aigues-Mortes and is a small bustling port with a long sandy beach, perfect for young families, and many restaurants and cafes selling superb locally caught fish.
MONTPELLIER
(75 minutes)
The Occitane regional capital, full of historic interest, shops, museums and art galleries and music events. A truly modern, cosmopolitan city and home to the nearest Ligue Un football team - Champions in 2011/12 season. The Place de la Comedie is a must see.
UZES
(20 minutes)
Home to the Duke of Uzes, this beautiful market town hums to the throng of the weekend market. You'll need to get up early to get the real bargains though. Uzes is regularly packed with street performers and hosts a great summer festival in early August.
PONT DU GARD
(30 minutes)
The spectacular Roman aqueduct, with an excellent hands-on audio/visual museum under the reception area on the north bank. You can also bathe here, enjoy the night-time lighting spectacular or visit by canoeing down the river Gard from Collias.
AVIGNON
(60 minutes)
Cultural centre, home of the famous bridge (you just have to dance on it and sing the song... and the Palais des Papes. Also hosts a world class music festival each year and boasts a wonderful waterpark plus the world famous centre of wine Chateauneuf du Pape!
AIGUES-MORTES
(60 minutes)
The renowned walled Crusader town, from which crusader Saint Louis (King Louis IX) set off on his two rather disastrous Crusades 7 and 8. You can also visit the beautiful stained glass church and the salt pans nearby.
MONT AIGUOAL
(75 minutes)
The highest peak in the southern Cevennes mountain range. It is worth the drive up for the views to the coast and to visit the interesting working weather station. Skiing in winter too!
SOMMIERES
(20 minutes)
Sommieres is a gorgeous market town, with a world famous Roman bridge. The market winds through the medieval streets and you might also catch the famous festival on the first weekend of August when the local cowboys drive their cattle up the river in front of thousands.
FONS
(walking distance)
Take time to walk around our ancient village centre, where Alphonse Daudet, author of ‘Lettres de Mon Moulin’ lived for a while. The village also boasts a tabac, boulangerie, bar and little supermarket or it's just a 5 minute drive to the Lidl or Casino at La Calmette.
