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The 14 most beautiful hikes to do in the Gard

Need escape in southern France? Wanderlix offers its list of the best hikes in the Gard.

The Gard is a pretty department in the South of France. Apart from the agglomeration of Nîmes, its prefecture, it remained rather rural and offers a beautiful diversity of landscapes. Cevennes, Mediterranean coast, Causses, Camargue and garrigues: what diversity! It is recognized internationally.

Some natural territories and historical monuments are even listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To allow you to admire them in your turn with ease, here are the best hikes in the Gard. Boil your boots, it’s gone for adventure!

1. The Gardon Gorges

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration 2:30
  • Distance 10.6 km
  • Denivelé 247 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

The Gardon Gorges are a canyon dug by the Gardon River located about 20 kilometers north of Nimes . This hike in the Gard starts from the pretty village of Collias with a walk in the gorges. You will go up the river (by swimming there if you wish!) between rocks and undergrowth to a plateau offering a plunging view of the canyon.

In the distance you can admire the ruins of the Baume mill. The journey continues in the garrigue on the GR to your starting point. One. must Of course.

2. The trail of the 4,000 steps

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 6h30
  • Distance 23.5 km
  • Denivelé 1282 m
  • Difficulty : Difficult
  • See the hiking trail

The 4 000 Marche trail is located in the Cévennes National Park, close to the second highest peak of the park: Mont Aigoual. It peaks at 1,567 meters above sea level and projects a panorama of the sea, the Canigou and to the Alps.

To admire this hike in the Gard part of Valleraugue and starts with the ascent, sporting, of Mont Aigoual. The Cap de Brion and the viewpoint of the Coulet are a must-see moments of your walk which ends with a discovery of the Clarou. Sublime!

3. The Pont du Gard via Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration less than 2 hours
  • Distance 7.1 km
  • Denivelé 237 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

The Pont du Gard is a world-famous and 2,000-year-old historic site. Built by the Romans, you can visit him during this hike in the Gard. In addition, swimming is possible near the bridge after a stony but shaded journey.

Ideal in the summer, especially since the going and the return to this sumptuous monument are made in garrigue. The denial is low and the route can be surveyed all year round. So, when do you borrow it?

Also discover:
  • Survival course in the Cevennes

4. Corbès and the cave of Valaurie

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration less than 2 hours
  • Distance 7.2 km
  • Denivelé 253 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

This hike in the Gard is accessible to all and promises beautiful views of the Gardon valley. The famous cave of Valaurie and its monumental underground galleries are accessible after a sub-growth. Pay attention to the slides, it's wet!

In addition, the trail will make you discover the Cevennes and the pretty little village of Corbès. The course will take place in the autumn to admire the reddish shades of the Gardon valley of Anduze.

5. The cascades of the Séguisous

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : 3h30
  • Distance 13.5 km
  • Denivelé 518 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

This hike in the Gard part of the hamlet of Cal near the famous village Navacelles . After a beautiful climb offering a sumptuous panorama on the Cevennes and the Ardèche Mountains, the route runs along the course of the Seguissous. You will quickly reach the cascade of Petites Aiguillères and that of Peyrou.

Large hermits have naturally grown in the limestone: water takes a color oscillating between emerald green and turquoise blue. Ideal for families!

6. The bridge of the Hasard and the chapel of Corconne

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration 2:30
  • Distance 10.9 km
  • Denivelé 352 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

Here, your journey will take you to the Coutach Plateau within a dense Mediterranean forest for a trip worthy of Indiana Jones! No Ark lost here... But that of the Hasard bridge, a natural arch carved in the rock and connecting two cliffs. It overlooks the village of Corconne and its 19th century chapel.

The view is exceptional: the sea deploys on the horizon and you can see the Pic-Saint-Loup , Mont Ventoux and the Alpilles. The path is long but rather easy and requires good upright shoes.

7. Short loop of the Hasard Bridge

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : less than 1h
  • Distance 2.7 km
  • Denivelé 146 m
  • Difficulty Easy
  • See the hiking trail

This hike in the Gard is similar to the previous one: it is a short version. You will find yourself in the village of Corconne and its narrow alleys. Typical of the corner, it dominates the vineyards and the emblematic olive groves of the region that extend to lost sight.

The bridge of the Hasard is reached at the price of a few efforts and requires to borrow metal ladders fixed in the rock. No danger, however: this trail is an easy hike in the Gard to make with family in the spring or fall of preference.

8. The loop of the Rochers Sea

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration 4:30
  • Distance 13 km
  • Denivelé : 438 m
  • Difficulty Average
  • See the hiking trail

What a charm this medieval city of Sauve on the edge of the Vidourle! It will be your starting point for your escapade to the chaos of the Rock Sea. Follow the yellow marking to this splendid natural entanglement of shrubs and rocks.

This labyrinthic lapiaz features amazing detailed geological features on interesting computer panels. Just be sure to carry caps and water reserves consistent during the hottest hours!

9. The Puech via the Petites Aiguières

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : about 4h
  • Distance 12.1 km
  • Denivelé : 386 m
  • Difficulty : Difficult
  • See the hiking trail

This hike in the Gard leads you between the villages of Bouquet and Navacelles to the Petites Aiguières. It is a sequence of rocky vessels on which a stream flows peacefully. These tubs are connected to each other by small waterfalls very pleasant in the summer.

Natural slides will attract the smallest! Note that in the summer, the stream is almost dry. It is therefore better to prefer the beginning of spring or autumn to enjoy it.

10. The Tower of Pises Lake

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : less than 1h
  • Distance 2.9 km
  • Denivelé 46 m
  • Difficulty Easy
  • See the hiking trail

The tower of the Pises lake leads you to the heart of the Lingas massif in the Cevennes National Park . This hike in the Gard is close to the village of Dourbie. It will make you discover this amazing artificial lake nestled in the heart of a sometimes marsh forest area. Bridges and bridges allow you to cross certain passages and have informational panels on fauna and flora.

Small precision: fishing is allowed, not swimming... An astronomical observatory is nearby and you can complete with the ascent of the Pic de Saint Guiral.

11. The castle of Tornac

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration 2 hours
  • Distance 7.4 km
  • Denivelé : 343 m
  • Difficulty : Difficult
  • See the hiking trail

This hike in the Gard begins with its main point of interest: the ruins of the castle of Tornac. This citadel built in the 11th century overlooks the right bank of the Gardon. From above there is an exceptional panoramic view of Anduze and the vineyard of Tornac.

The colours of the Lédignan Basin are sumptuous, especially in autumn! This forest path then takes a easy path to the place-dit of the Autiès before returning to the loop. Ideal for an afternoon in the shade of green oaks.

12. From Sanilhac to the Gardon

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : less than 1h
  • Distance 2.7 km
  • Denivelé 46 m
  • Difficulty Easy
  • See the hiking trail

The departure is in the medieval village of Sanilhac-Sagriès. This hike in the Gard is very close to the gorges of Gardon and leads to the site of the Baume and its famous Romanesque chapel. A cave of 150 m long must even be crossed to reach the river gorges!

You can dip or picnic in the shade of the cliffs. Between forests and pastures, this varied hike will seduce amateurs.

13. The hills of Senhac

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Photo credit: Alltrails

  • Duration : less than 1h
  • Distance 9.8 km
  • Denivelé : 340 m
  • Difficulty Easy
  • See the hiking trail

For this hike, everything begins in Sernhac between the Pont du Gard and Nîmes. After you parked in the village you will follow a picturesque marked path that will begin to climb... until you become somewhat dizzy. Yes, you are now making a cornice in the heart of the guard maquis!

A ridge line then opens onto the region: the low Rhone Valley and the Alpilles fly the star in the Gardon. Wow...

14. Latron balm

  • Duration 1h30
  • Distance 5.1 km
  • Denivelé 154 m
  • Difficulty Easy
  • See the hiking trail

Latrone balm is a prehistoric site located in the commune of Sainte-Anastasie. There were drawings of animals dating from the Upper Paleolithic. This troglodytic habitat is among the oldest known in Europe.

To get there during this hike in the Gard, you will need to follow the Gardon and take the GR6 to the Garrigues Plateau. Between forests, bridges and cliffs, this route is an unforgettable one. Right?

Ethan Wilson

Ethan Wilson

I'm Ethan Wilson, an enthusiastic globetrotter forever in pursuit of the extraordinary. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, filled with vibrant moments, from scaling mountain peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Each destination holds a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Join me on this thrilling adventure, as we unveil the world's hidden treasures and create lasting memories that define our shared journey.

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