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There are plenty of destinations in the surroundings. No matter, which direction you choose, you'll find everywhere sightseeing highlights, places to swim, culture sites and recreation. Of course everybody likes the coast. There you'll find a lot of beaches. The sea water is just fine and clean. If you are up to it, you'll find a cosy bar where you can enjoy a Cafe au Lait while you have a magnificent sea view. There you might also have a tasty seafood lunch.
Or you have a trip to the nearby Provence. You might visit the legendary Pope's palace in Avignon, the Roman excavations Glanum of St. Remy de Provence or taste the famous red wine Chateauneuf du Pape. An absolute must is the medieval town of Les Baux, located in the rocky Alpilles, where bauxite mines for the production of aluminium were exploited in the past, hence the name of this town.
The foothills of the Massif central extend to the North and West of our region. An expecially impressive landscape is the Tarn canyon. A well-finished road runs along the crest. Far below, the Tarn river flows through deeply notched rocks. You'll perceive the medieval rock constructions of the pristine native people that nestle, just above the water level, to the rocks. Most of the cots can only be accessed by steep and twisting trails.
Now and again you can see a hidden castle recalling Sleeping Beauty. And all of a sudden you arrive at a picturesque village on the riverside. Old men are sitting in the shadow in front of a bar, tourists buy postcards and on the small farmer's market, protected by planes from the sun, prevails a hustle and a bustle.
From the Tarn canyon further to the west, you'll see after a turn a giant construction, the Millau viaduct. This bridge, completed in 2004 is the world's highest motorway bridge! Its carriageway is 300 yards above the river Tarn. The highest pylon attains of 380 yards and is 21 yards higher than the Eiffel Tower. Source: www.Bernd-Nebel.de.
With a historical steam train, the Train a vapeur you can get on a twisted railroad track along the Gardon river far into the Cevennes mountains, allowing you to explore the region, have a swim, or to hike.
The 15 hectare bamboo park Prafrance is located in one of the Gardon valleys. It was created in 1860 by a botanist, Eugène Mazel, who recognised the favourable properties of the local microclimate on Bamboo culture. There are all sorts of bamboo species, giant mammoth trees, Gingko biloba, exquisitely planted parks, trick fountains, green houses with rare plant species, exotic fish and ancient bonsai trees. Kids will just take delight in the huge bamboo maze.
All in all, we assure you that you'll never be bored!
Susan and Peter Staeck, 129, Rue de l'ancien Relais, F-30610 Villesèque