The Ten Most Beautiful

Near Gaujac you will find four of the officially nominated “Ten most beautiful villages of France” – Aiguèze, La Roque sur Cèze, Montclus and Lussan.

Uzès

A short 15 minute drive to the west from The Bel Ami will take you to the exquisite town of Uzès, France’s oldest Duchy. Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the colourful Wednesday and Saturday morning market, then enjoy a drink at the many charming outdoor cafes in the Place aux Herbes. 

Festivals & Art Activities

There are plenty of festivals of dance, theater, music, pottery, truffles, harvesting, gardening and antiques. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon, Nîmes, Orange and the Gorge de l’Ardèche are half an hour away. The golden Mediterranean beaches are within an hour’s drive.

Le Pont du Gard

A trip to the tallest Roman Aqueduct the Pont du Gard, will take just 20 minutes. Whilst there, don’t forget to look in at the museum, which will explain as much as you could wish to know about the history of this incredible monument, constructed to carry water across the river Gard on its way from Uzès to Nîmes. The Pont du Gard is the second most photographed site in France, after the Eiffel Tower. 

Ardèche

Why not take a drive to the Gorges de l’Ardèche and experience some breathtaking scenery and maybe a spot of lunch under the shade of a mulberry tree?

Triumphal Arch

Orange also has some spectacular Roman monuments including the incredible theatre which stands 38 metres high and 103 metres long. It is the most beautiful and best conserved antique theatre on earth and hosts fantastic operas and all sorts of music concerts. 

Take a look at the Triumphal Arch which was constructed during the period of Augustus and has also been well preserved.

Avignon & Nîmes

Avignon has the famous festival each summer in July and the Palais des Pape is a must see. Maybe take a boat trip down river and check out the Pont St-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon). Wander the streets within the walled city then enjoy lunch from a bewildering choice in the buzzing Place de l’horloge.

The Roman presence in Nîmes is everywhere, nowhere more so than the Arènes and the Maison Carrée, right in the centre of the town. These remarkably well preserved monuments were constructed under Augustus over 2000 years ago. Don’t miss Les Jardins de la Fontaine.

Camargue, Arles & a Touch of Vincent

You can reach the Camargue in about an hour. Experience the spectacular bird life and perhaps see the famed wild white horses, pink flamingos and the occasional bull. Rice growing is the traditional crop here. And salt from the Camargue is sold throughout France. 

Call in at Arles on the way back and have a look at the Roman theatre, amphitheatre and the museum of ancient history. Be aware at Easter and the first week of September when they have “Bull running” in the streets preceding each Corrida!

The Dutch impressionist Van Gogh lived in Arles and completed much of his better known works here. The town still maintains a lovely, romantic 19^thCentury atmosphere and is justifiably proud of its artistic cultural links displaying much of Vincent’s presence here. Oddly, none of his works are on display in Arles!

The Sports

Golf, kayaking, swimming, hiking, cycling, tennis, nature walks and wine tastings are amongst the more popular pursuits in the region