The 10 things to do in the Cèze Valley

Visit the Cèze valley: what are the best things to do and see near this mythical river of Midi de la France?

The Ceze Valley skillfully mixes genres. Come on. Cevennes , Ardèche and the Rhône valley, this sumptuous natural setting offers what the Midi de la France has better. There are some of them. more beautiful French villages .

Gastronomy enthusiasts come to enjoy delicious local specialties in authentic, well-known inns. Nature lovers will appreciate the great variety of breathtaking landscapes to cross by car, mountain biking, horse riding or hiking. Caves, garrigues, semi-desertic plateaus, forests or hills...

The most complicated is not to find activities to do in the Ceze Valley, but to choose them! Fortunately, Wanderlix has selected the best of them to simplify the task.

Here is a selection of the must-sees when you visit the Cèze Valley and you want to enjoy it at the end of your stay!

1. The Concluses of Lussan

The Lussan Concluses are located five kilometres north of the village of the same name. They form a succession of long wild gorges dug through the centuries by the Aiguillon. The Aiguillon is a modest-sized stream of water, dried in the summer, but it turns into a torrent during the autumn rains.

The Concluses are famous throughout the region because of this geological peculiarity but also for the beautiful hiking opportunities on the path that runs along them. Borrow it and admire the spectacular cavities nicknamed the "Dable pots", the rocky chaos and the incredible cliffs with countless caves.

The Concluses are an extraordinary natural spot, especially in late spring or early autumn. If you come to visit the Ceze Valley at this time, then explore them!

2. The Sautadet waterfalls

The Sautadet waterfalls are also one of the immanquable to visit in the Ceze Valley. We'll find them in Gard , near the splendid village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, one of the most beautiful villages in the Hexagon. This is a series of waterfalls and rapids on the course of the Ceze.

It is in this precise place that the river marked the limestone rock, forming crevasses, cylindrical cavities of several meters in diameter and other amazing geological manifestations. The water is soft and pleasant from May to September and is welcome in this area subject to the summer particle.

The Sautadet waterfalls are therefore appreciated for the many swimming spots they offer to visitors. Nicknamed "the jump of the devil", this unattended area is sometimes the scene of accidents due to the force of the current: caution, especially with children!

3. The Charterreuse de Valbonne

Located in Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, in the Gard, the Charterreuse de Valbonne is a former monastery of the Order of the Chartreux. This jewel of French heritage was founded in the 13th century in the heart of the sumptuous forest of Valbonne.

It includes a beautiful church, a gigantic cloister and many adjacent chapels. The Valbonne charterer is renowned for its roofs covered with atypical-style varnished tiles compared to other buildings in the region.

Classified as a historical monument, it is a very interesting cultural getaway. Guided tours, shop and beautiful walking opportunities make it a must to visit in the Ceze Valley. Our advice? Visit this marvel out of season or early in the day to avoid crowds of tourists!

4. The cave of Salamandre

What a beauty... The cave of Salamandre is certainly a must tourism of first plan. Discovered in 1965 only, it was opened to the public in 2013. If you are told, this gigantic cavity includes unique geological treasures in the world.

Crystal Gloves, for example. These stalagmites (they mount!) majestic are highlighted by light effects and spectacular scenery animations. We advise you to take a guided tour to enjoy an immersive and enriching experience.

The attendants know on the fingertips the specificities of this particular cave. Given its large size, even claustrophobia subjects can penetrate without fear.

The cave of Salamandre is one of the best spots when visiting the Ceze Valley. Take advantage of it especially if you meet with your family!

5. Les thermes des Fumades

It is important to know, when you come to visit the Cèze valley, that here nature makes its law. It is it that marks the territory and conditions human activities. Take the Fumade baths, for example.

Particularly loaded with sulphur hydrogen, a form of sulphur particularly well assimilable by the body, the water of the thermal baths is known throughout the region for its benefits. And this for millennia: Julius Caesar would have, according to legend, belonged to the first curists!

Today, the spas of the Fumades also welcome visitors simply wishing to relax. Saunas, powerful water jets, massages... Fumades are an ode to relaxation and will make your stay on site a well-being bubble.

Our advice? Go in a couple to relax with your half. Or friends to conclude a week dedicated to exploring the region!

6. The most beautiful villages in the Ceze Valley

La Roque-sur-Cèze

La Roque-sur-Cèze is a small village almost hidden in the gardoise Provence. If it is one of the most beautiful French villages, it is for this exceptional natural heritage (the Sautadet waterfalls are all close).

If you come to visit the Cèze Valley and you pass through the corner, stop at La Roque. You will discover the remains of its castle, its Romanesque chapel and its medieval bridge. The paved alleys breathe the authenticity of a town out of time.

Montclus

Montclus is a medieval village on the border between the departments of Gard and Ardèche. It enjoys an unusual position: installed in a meander of the Ceze, it is noticeable from the arrival on site.

Don't miss walking around the alleys with white stones to admire the castle dungeon, vineyards and lavender fields.

Aiguezze

Scenic medieval Hameau, Aiguèze, is a village of character. In addition to its sarrasine tower, the Place du Jeu de Paume and its platanes are an invitation to wonder.

Featuring a typical southern architecture, Aiguèze is a great opportunity to discover the sweetness of living Provence . Cigal atmosphere and sun guaranteed.

Barjac

Located between the gorges of the Ardèche and those of the Ceze, Barjac, it is the gate of the Cevennes. Historically, it is a trade hub of national importance. We can still see this by observing the calendar of countless fairs, crushing and other animations!

Otherwise, we come to photograph the restored castle dating from the early 17th century, a true heart of the village. A lizard circuit from the Bass Gate to the market place, passing through the Capuchins Chapel, St Laurent Church and the esplanade.

One last thing: about fifteen thousand and mysterious dolmen are located on both sides of the territory of the commune.

Goudargues

Goudargues... This is clearly our heartburn. This tiny village gathers a thousand inhabitants but has a crazy charm.

Known as the "Vice Gardoise", canals pass through the town. Follow them in the charming paved streets that will lead you to fountains, traditional shops, tasty restaurants or wine tasting cellars.

The discovery of the large wash and its iconic bronze frog will complete the visit.

7. The descent of the Ceze

A must-see in the Cèze Valley: get off the Cèze Gorge by kayak. Several distances or durations are possible, with night bivouacs or not. The rental of kayaks and full equipment is provided by specialized agencies during the summer season.

Take the route Tharaux – Montclus, 14 km long on a day. Or for Saint Victor – Montclus, 29 km to travel in two days. Crazy laughs, splashes and breaks on pebble beaches are on the program!

8. La cave de la Madeleine

It is in Saint-Remèze that we have the opportunity to discover the cave of La Madeleine. In the National Natural Reserve of the Gorges de l’Ardèche, it is an opportunity to admire stalactites, stalagmites (tuce: the first Tombent, the second Montent) and other wonders of nature.

Guided tours, special course or imprint moulding workshop: there are for all tastes!

9. The Parc Animalier des Gorges de l’Ardèche

Discover the Gorges de l’Ardèche family park! Located in Vagnas, this space is a haven of peace for many rare or unknown animal species.

Rack sheep, dwarf goats, woolly pigs, mules, turkey pigs or volatile. A park with caresses or pony rides will make the joy of the little ones. In 2020, the Parc des Gorges de l’Ardèche has even set up an area of water games to cool down.

If you're still looking for what to do in the Ceze Valley, go for a ride.

10. Hiking at the source of the Marnade

The source of the Marnade is a resurgence point of the waters from the Plateau de Méjannes-le-Clap. They are a mystery for divers who try to pierce their mystery. Close to Montclus, we propose you to go to their discovery by making a nice hike.

From the entrance of the village, this easy 8-kilometre loop takes beautiful marked paths, crosses sumptuous oak forests, lavender fields and cherry fields... along the Cèze, which allows to refresh. So you're trying?

How to get to the Ceze Valley?

The Cèze valley is quite enclaved but runs a few roads of national importance. Of course, to visit it, prefer the car... available for rent in large cities of the surroundings like Orange, Alès or Bollène.

To make it easy in the valley, borrow the A7 until the exits of Orange or Bollène. Once your vehicle comes out of the highway, the valley is only twenty kilometers away.

Come on, a tip: for a nicest road ride, take the splendid departmental 23 (to Goudargues), 980 (Mountain) or the sumptuous D901 who will literally see all the colors... of landscape!

Where to stay in the Ceze Valley?

When we look for what to do in the Cèze valley, we also have to look for accommodation. Fortunately, in this region so tourist, you will find on site several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget.

In addition to hotels, we recommend you to opt for an authentic guest house nestled in nature. Some of the picturesque villages quoted in this top have a rental offer too to consider.

It is the best value for money in the valley, especially if you want to stay there as a local.