The Gorges du Gardon
The Gorges du Gardon is magnificent site along 20km of the river covering 7,760 hectares and 14 villages.
The Gorges du Gardon, ‘Grande Site de France’ and Nature Reserve
The superb efforts made by the local authority (Syndicat Mixte) for many years to preserve the landscape and protect its wildlife have been rewarded by the status of ‘Grand Site de France’ and Nature Reserve.
La Maison des Gorges is a visitor centre opened in 2015 in the village of Sainte Anastasie. It is accessible for everyone and has a museum space which presents the different habitats and landscapes found in the gorges in an interesting, fun way. The Syndicat Mixte also organises lots of events and nature walks all through the year, run by professionals and mostly for anyone aged over 6.
A unique area, extremely rich in wildlife :
- Plant life including remarkable species recognised by the National Mediterranean Conservatory at Porquerolles (Fraxinella, Ophrys splendida (a wild orchid), Gagea Granatelli)
- Animal life including many species of birds (Bonelli’s eagle, little egret, short-toed snake eagle...), amphibians, insects, mammals (European beaver…), bats (barbastelle, lesser mouse-eared bat …)
Man has occupied the area since prehistoric times and traces of early and ancient history can be seen in the cave paintings in the Grotte de la Baume, the Pont du Gard built by the Romans and the 10th century Hermitage of Saint Vérédème.
Gorges du Gardon – a paradise for outdoor activities
The Gorges du Gardon is a well-known venue for outdoor activities : walking along the many signposted footpaths, rock-climbing and caving (NB. Grotte de la Baume is closed 15 November – 15 March, 15 May – 15 August to leave the bats in peace), mountain biking, Via Ferrata and canoeing. It is advisable to do these activities with one of the many qualified instructors and guides available. There are also some wonderful spots for swimming.
Our favourite way to explore the gorges is by gently paddling downstream in a canoe or on a stand-up paddle board. You don’t need to be overly fit and at the end of the day paddling under the prestigious arches of the Pont du Gard is truly something else !
La Maison des Gorges du Gardon Visitor Centre
Entry to the Maison des Gorges du Gardon and its museum is free. The centre is in the hamlet of Russan – 2 rue de la Pente – 30190 Sainte Anastasie. It is open all year round (except in the Christmas holidays) : Tuesday – Sunday 10.00 – 18.00. (Tel : 04 48 27 01 00).
The Pont du Gard is on the other side of the gorges and can be reached via Remoulins or Vers-Pont du Gard. It is open every day of the year - admission fee payable. (Tel : 04 66 37 50 99). For further information about both places and activities, please contact the Office de Tourisme du Pays d’Uzès - Pont du Gard (Tel : 04 66 37 22 34)."
