What to see in France

Camping in the Gard, from the Cevennes to the Mediterranean

Vue aérienne sur les Gorges du Gardon dans le Gard
Vue aérienne sur les Gorges du Gardon dans le Gard

 

The Gard owes its name to the river that runs through it and is part of the Occitanie region, formerly Languedoc-Roussillon. With a Mediterranean climate, a magnificent preserved environment such as the Camargue Gardoise and the Cevennes National Park, but also cities with a remarkable historical heritage such as Nîmes and Uzès, it can be said that the Gard has all the assets for a successful camping holiday.

 

Where are the best campsites for exploring the Gard?

In the heart of nature and on the banks of a river in the Gard (30)

Le Val de l'Arre **** campsite is located in Le Vigan, on the banks of a river in the heart of the Cévennes. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including mobile homes, pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as Coco Sweet accommodation for a more original experience. The site offers direct access to the water or shaded areas. For the comfort of its guests, the campsite has a heated swimming pool, a paddling pool for children, a snack bar and ice cream parlour, a grocery store, a bread and pastry service, Wi-Fi access, a launderette and facilities for campers and motorhomes. In addition to relaxation, it is a good starting point for hiking, exploring the nature of the Cévennes, cycling or visiting the many tourist sites in the region. The campsite is open from April to the end of September.

Camping Le Val de l'Arre ****
Camping Le Val de l'Arre ****© CampingFrance

A water park close to the historic centre of Nîmes

Le Domaine de la Bastide **** campsite, located just 6 km from the historic centre of Nîmes, offers modern mobile homes and shaded pitches in a pleasant, green setting. It has a complete water park with two heated swimming pools — one outdoor and one indoor — as well as several water slides, ideal for families. In addition to swimming, there are facilities for children (playground), mini golf, a snack bar/restaurant, a grocery store, WiFi, and practical services such as a laundrette. The campsite is also an excellent starting point for exploring the region: the arenas of Nîmes, the Pont du Gard, the Camargue, Uzès, Avignon... The site is open from April to September, with a possible reopening during the All Saints' Day holidays.

Close to the Cévennes National Park and with direct access to the river

The Isis en Cévennes *** campsite is a vast natural estate located on the banks of the Hérault river, in the heart of a lush natural environment. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, including pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, mobile homes, bungalows and unusual accommodation, offering great flexibility depending on your budget and style of holiday. During the season, the campsite offers numerous services and facilities: a swimming pool with paddling pool, a wellness area with spa/sauna, a playground, a variety of sports and leisure activities, entertainment for children and adults, Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a grocery store (often with homemade products), equipment hire, and comfortable sanitary facilities, some of which are private. Close to the Cévennes National Park, the campsite offers a family-friendly atmosphere that is focused on respect for the environment and well-being. It is open from April to November.

Family holidays at a campsite by a lagoon in the Gard

The Slow Village Anduze *** offers a true immersion in the nature of the Cévennes on an estate of around 30 hectares, bordered by a river with a private beach. There is a wide variety of accommodation available, from traditional pitches for tents or motorhomes to more comfortable options such as cottages, tiny houses or cabins ( ). The site features a 600 m² lagoon, ideal for swimming or relaxing, as well as direct access to the river for those who prefer swimming in natural water. During the day, families and adventurers can enjoy a variety of activities: mini golf, sports, walks, a children's playground, entertainment — not to mention a bar, restaurant and grocery store. In short, Slow Village Anduze combines comfort, nature and leisure for peaceful or active holidays, generally between April and October.

Slow Village Anduze ***
Slow Village Anduze ***© CampingFrance

Cheaper family camping near Nîmes

Camping Monte Cristo * in Vauvert is a friendly campsite surrounded by nature, ideal for holidays with family or friends. It offers mobile homes as well as pitches for tents or caravans, in a relaxed atmosphere. You will find a complete aquatic area: outdoor swimming pools, paddling pool and water slides for young and old. The campsite also offers a variety of facilities, including a playground, multi-sports ground, table tennis and a kids' club in summer, as well as a bar/snack bar and practical services (Wi-Fi, rentals, laundry, etc.). Located near Montpellier, Nîmes and Arles, it is a good starting point for exploring the region. Monte Cristo campsite is open from May to September.

 

For those who wish to extend their holiday or discover more campsites in the Gard, simply click here.

What are the must-see places in the Gard?

Nîmes, the Roman city

Famous for its remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre dating from the early 2nd century, which still hosts shows and events, Nîmes invites you on a journey back in time. Classified as a City of Art and History, it is also home to the Maison Carrée, an iconic Roman temple that bears witness to the city's importance in ancient times. Strolling through the narrow streets of the historic centre, you will discover a warm Provençal atmosphere, a d punctuated by lively squares such as the Place de l'Horloge, the Place aux Herbes and the Place du Marché, ideal for taking a break on a terrace. On the heights, the Magne Tower, listed as a Historic Monument, offers an exceptional panorama over the surrounding rooftops and hills. Further down, the Jardin de la Fontaine, classified as a Remarkable Garden, charms visitors with its paths lined with pine trees, cedars and Mediterranean plants, forming a perfect green setting for a peaceful stroll in the heart of the city.

Amphitheatre of Nîmes
Amphitheatre of Nîmes© iStock

Spanning the river, the Pont du Gard is a true archaeological marvel, a three-storey Roman aqueduct bridge, from which you can also enjoy the view from its height.

The Pont du Gard reflected in the river of the same name
The Pont du Gard reflected in the river of the same name© iStock

Uzès, the Medieval Town

An iconic medieval town in the Gard region, Uzès is both a Town of Art and History and the first duchy of France, offering a rich and varied heritage. Its historic centre is perfect for strolling, with the famous Place aux Herbes, lively and picturesque, where arcaded façades and café terraces mingle with the colourful stalls of the Provençal market, bringing the town to life with its traditions. As you lose yourself in the cobbled streets, you will discover magnificent stone houses, mansions and vaulted passageways that tell centuries of history. The Fenestrelle Tower, a remnant of the old cathedral, stands out with its circular bell tower, unique in France, offering an original vantage point over the surrounding area. The Duchy of Uzès is the jewel in the crown of any visit, with the majestic Bermonde Tower, an 11th-century keep that dominates the town and offers breathtaking views over the rooftops, gardens and surrounding hills. Between its heritage, picturesque streets and lively squares and markets, the undeniable medieval charm of Uzès appeals greatly to visitors, as does its architectural elegance and friendly atmosphere, a true invitation to explore and relax.

The medieval town of Uzès
The medieval town of Uzès© iStock

Aigues-Mortes, the Medieval Fortress

Aigues-Mortes, formerly the leading port of the Kingdom of France on the Mediterranean, is distinguished by its impressive defensive architecture. The Constance Tower, which once served as a prison, offers spectacular views of the Petite Camargue and its unspoilt landscapes from a height of 30 metres. The town, surrounded by 1,634 metres of ramparts, has a parapet walk, several fortified gates and numerous towers, giving this site the character of a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress. Strolling through its cobbled streets naturally leads to the lively and friendly Place Saint-Louis, where the terraces of cafés and restaurants invite you to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this city steeped in history.

View of the landscapes of Aigues-Mortes and its medieval fortress
View of the landscapes of Aigues-Mortes and its medieval fortress © iStock

Mont Aigoual, the iconic peak of the Cévennes

Nestled in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, whose landscapes, fauna and flora are recognised by UNESCO, Mont Aigoual dominates the region as the second highest peak in the Cévennes after Mont Lozère. Rising to an altitude of 1,567 metres, it is home to a meteorological observatory that is unique in Europe, remarkable for being the only weather station on the continent that is still inhabited. On site, the orientation table offers breathtaking panoramic views: the Causses, the Cévennes valleys, and, when the sky is clear, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the majestic Alps and even the distant Pyrenees. With its unspoilt nature, magnificent views and high-mountain atmosphere, Mont Aigoual is a must-see for all lovers of wild landscapes and boundless horizons.

Mont Aigoual in the background in the Cévennes National Park
Mont Aigoual in the background in the Cévennes National Park© iStock

Beaucaire, between history and Provençal charm

Located on the banks of the Rhône, Beaucaire reveals a timeless charm where medieval heritage blends with the gentle southern lifestyle. Perched on its rocky spur, the medieval castle proudly dominates the town; its ramparts, gardens and belvedere offer a remarkable view of the river, the old town and the rolling landscapes of the plain. Below, the historic centre invites you to stroll around: narrow streets, shaded squares, mansions and old houses bear witness to the flourishing past of this city, once renowned for its international fairs. The marina, a true link between history and modernity, enlivens the town with its quays lined with barges, terraces and cafés where it is pleasant to linger. With its richly preserved heritage, friendly atmosphere and warm southern light, Beaucaire offers a stopover full of character, ideal for enjoying the authentic atmosphere of Provence along the Rhône.

The medieval town of Beaucaire and its castle
The medieval town of Beaucaire and its castle© iStock

The Cirque de Navacelles, a listed natural wonder

A true jewel of the Cévennes countryside, the Cirque de Navacelles invites visitors to contemplate a spectacular natural amphitheatre, carved out over thousands of years by the waters of the Vis river. Isolated and majestic, the site offers breathtaking panoramas: gigantic cliffs, winding meanders, silent plateaus and vertiginous depths — a setting that seems to come straight out of a geological dream. This exceptional place has been labelled both a Grand Site de France and a Grand Site Occitanie, recognitions that celebrate its remarkable beauty, its natural heritage and the quality of its preservation. As they walk along the marked trails, visitors are immersed in a unique atmosphere where time seems to stand still, surrounded by silence, raw nature and magnificent horizons. The Cirque de Navacelles is a must-see for anyone seeking wonder, adventure and serenity in the heart of nature.

The magnificent landscape of the Cirque de Navacelles
The magnificent landscape of the Cirque de Navacelles© iStock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campsites connected with this article

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