General GARD TOURISM Press kit

The march of history The Romans Nîmes Nature activities Cultural itineraries Wild landscapes

An appealing The Cévennes, the Camargue, lifestyle Vineyards and Garrigue… Traditions The Gard of and terroirs a thousand faces Plus Beaux Villages de France

Clermont-Ferrand Mende Grands Sites de France A75 Villefort E 11 Les Causses et les Cévennes E Villes d’Art et d’Histoire H Le Pont du Gard C È Villages de caractère Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle D En cours de labellisation Vallon-Pont-d’Arc R Paris L Aubenas O A Montélimar Lyon Z Génolhac È C h trimoine m R e Barjac Aiguèze Pa on m - d i Bessèges e ia l n m l E a d is de R e l D E ég Cèze ra L S C l’ Mende o Pont-Saint- o A É U rda t N V n Florac ne Saint-Ambroix Montclus Esprit s O E e a I N s Saint-Jean- Méjannes- p T c - N o le-Clap o A de-Valériscle r N E

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MAROC ALGÉRIE TUNISIE

2 The Gard : a highly characterful region

l 300 days of sunshine a year, and an outstanding meeting point between Provence, Languedoc, l Major festive events, the Cévennes and the Camargue including the Feria in Nîmes, the Fête de la St Pierre at Le Grau du Roi, the l with a population of 700,000 An area of 6,000 m² Transhumance Festival, the Hiking l A reception capacity of 90,000 commercial Festival and the "Fééries du Pont du beds and over 18 million tourist-nights per year, i.e. an Gard" light show. annual turnover of €1 billion l An extraordinary historical and cultural heritage with 550 listed monuments l A peak 1567 metres high in the Cévennes is home to the last inhabited mountain weather observatory still l Three world Heritage sites active in France: the Mont Aigoual The Pont du Gard, Saint-Gilles Abbey (on the Camino de Observatory Santiago pilgrim route via Arles), and the Causses and l Cévennes region for its cultural landscape of Mediterranean A 23 km-long seafront, home to Europe's leading marina: Port- agro-pastoralism Camargue, and the Mediterranean's l Three UNESCO biosphere reserves most important fishing port: Cévennes, Camargue and the Gardon Gorge Le Grau-du-Roi

l A National Park l An extraordinary variety The Cévennes: the only inhabited park in France of leisure activities, with over 9,000 km of hiking paths and seven l Three "Grands Sites de France" The Pont du Gard, the Camargue and the Cirque de Navacelles historical walking tracks (Stevenson, Régordane, Saint-Guilhem, "Urbain l (Nîmes and Alès) awarded 4 flowers Two towns V", the Santiago Camino, the "Grande in the "Villes et villages fleuris" (Communities in Bloom) Traversée du Gard" and the new competition GR 42, going from Le Pilat to the l Four of the " Plus Beaux Villages de Mediterranean) together with river France" (Most Beautiful Villages in France): tourism along the Rhône, the Petit Aiguèze, La Roque sur Cèze, Montclus and Lussan Rhône and the Canal du Rhône à Sète, not forgetting watersports tourism in l Three "Villages de Caractère" (Villages of Character): Vézenobres, Lussan and Barjac the bay at Aigues-Mortes l Three "Villes d’Art et d’Histoire" (Cities of Art and History) Uzès, Beaucaire and Nîmes

l Four "Sites Remarquables du Goût" (Outstanding Sites for Food) based on four labels: "Oignon Doux des Cévennes"(sweet onions), "Taureau de Camargue" (beef), the "Olive de Nîmes" (olives) and "Truffe d'Uzège" (truffles). l A broad variety of vineyards including two territories labelled "Vignobles & Découvertes"(Vineyards and discoveries), the Gard Rhodanien and the Costières de Nîmes. l A varied terroir with 12 AOP/AOC labels (7 in wine, together with "Taureau de Camargue", "Oignon Doux des Cévennes", Pélardon cheese, "Olive de Nîmes" and "Huile d’olive de Nîmes") and 5 PGI labels including Riz de Camargue So… Welcome (rice) and Fraise de Nîmes (strawberries). in the Gard !

3 THE GARD latest news

LE GRAU DU ROI-PORT th CAMARGUE : a 20 Century Heritage Site The bathing resort of Le Grau du Roi-Port Camargue now has four sites with the 20th Century Heritage label. Created during the 1970s through the Racine Act, Port-Camargue, the new district of Le Grau du Roi, a peaceful, ancient Mediterranean fishing port, was awarded this label for four outstanding sites: the harbour master's office of Port-Camargue, the urban complex of the main LUSSAN: THE GARD’S LATEST MOST wharf, an urban unit of marinas and the Espiguette Sicarex Entav BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE IN FRANCE! estate. The brainchild of the Very close to Uzès, and not far from three other listed villages in the Jean Balladur architect's firm, Gard (La Roque/Cèze, Aiguèze and Montclus), Lussan, perched on a designer of La Grande-Motte, this rocky outcrop, has been awarded the "Village de Caractère" and "Plus classified heritage site celebrates Beau Village de France" labels. It offers all the appeal of a mediaeval the prestige and recognition city surrounded by ramparts on a plateau overlooking the garrigue. The of creative thinking during the Languedoc village is characterised by its little narrow streets and ancient Seventies. An expression of stone houses, witnesses to a wealthy past in textiles – three silk mills modernity, this architectural style, can still be seen today – which made for the village's economic heyday in the same way as historically- in the 19th century. The Château de Lussan, dating from the 15th century recognised buildings, provides an and listed as a historic monument, houses the city hall. Meanwhile a interpretation of contemporary magnificent overview of the Cévennes can been seen from the ramparts history through its balconies and parapet walk. In terms of prehistoy and geology, two major sites (reproducing De Gaulle's nose), are worth exploring: the standing stone known as La Pierre Plantée, its curvaceous layout, its unique overlooking the Concluses area, witness to the worship of divine powers, water purifier (which later inspired and the magnificent Concluses Gorge, which contains traces of man's the marina of Dubai!) and its early presence in a remarkably well-preserved natural environment. interaction with nature.

FROM THE CÉVENNNES PIEDMONT TO THE GARD CAMARGUE: 500 years of Protestantism Throughout the year, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Protestantism, the Gard, a département containing a quarter of France's Protestants, will be laying on exhibitions, special opening times for monuments and magnificent shows staging true stories of the Camisards's struggle. From the Cévennes to the Camargue, the Musée du Désert and the Constance Tower in Aigues-Mortes, the Gard has a rich Protestant heritage, including the Maison des Illustres, a building once owned by the only Protestant President, Gaston Doumergue. Each year on the first Sunday of September, the Musée du Désert, built around the houses of most famous Camisard leaders, brings together Protestants from all over Europe to commemorate the meetings known as the Assemblées du Désert. As the setting of the Camisard war between 1702 and 1704, the Gard preserves the memory of Marie Durand's 38 years of imprisonment. Refusing to renounce her faith, she wrote the word "resist" on the walls of her prison.

4 Find all the latest news and more information on the website www.tourismegard.com SPRING 2017: THE NEW MUSÉE DES VALLÉES CÉVENOLES OPENS IN SAINT-JEAN DU GARD Reconstructed in the old silk mill of Saint-Jean du Gard, known as the "Maison Rouge", this 3,300 m² museum celebrates traditional, social To make our visitors and economic life in the Gard Cévennes, focusing on chestnut and silk activities. It promises to be an excellent venue for tourists keen to feel at home… explore the Cévennes identity. Original, authentic weekends and short stays with highly informative themes like heritage and lifestyle, as well New accommodation as outdoor activities. The Mas de la Chapelle near Uzès The Gard has something Leaning against the church in the hamlet of for everyone! Aubarne, the former house of the actor Jean- Gard Reservations Louis Trintignant completely enchanted Natalia www.tourismegard.com and Philippe Bucking. Entirely renovated, with a refined and elegant interior design by Delphine Louvel, this 18th century "mas" (farmhouse) consists of two main buildings with five outstanding guestrooms, including two large suites and one parental suite. Perfect for a quiet stay, the Mas de la Chapelle is an ideal starting point for exploring the region and visiting cities with a magnificent heritage, like Uzès, Nîmes, Aigues-Mortes, Beaucaire and Vézénobres – not to mention the Pont du Gard! For lazing around, the central swimming pool provides delightful leisure moments in an area with an open outlook. á Starting at €150 in the low season and €185 in the high season, CACHAREL RETURNS TO including breakfast. NÎMES, birthplace of the famous brand! New apartment hotel in central Nîmes Overlooking the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle The Nimes-born Jean Bousquet, with an unbeatable view of the arena, the new formerly its mayor from 1983 to Appart'City Nîmes-Arènes is ideal for budget 1995, has returned to his native city stays. In a totally refurbished Haussmann building, with the brand he created in 1958. it provides 67 apartments for 2 or 4 people, For this rebirth, he asked the Jean ranging from studios to T3 apartments, with Nouvel architect's firm to create specific hotel services as an option. A small equipped kitchen a store concept, so that fashion makes it easy to rustle up quick, simple dishes. This new home- victims can renew contact with this from-home provides an idyllic location for visiting Nîmes, with a French fashion icon. range of services to suit all requirements and comfortable facilities "There is real potential for opening designed down to the last detail. a shop in Nîmes, because people á Starting at €59 per night, not including breakfast. Open all year are very familiar with the brand round. locally," he says. By moving into the The Mas de l’Étoile near Aigues-Mortes town centre, he wants to restore A more than generous space for you to relax nobility to this part of the city, sadly inside and outside! abandoned by other ready-to- For a luxurious stay, two guestrooms are provided wear brands. In his view, this urban with scented candles, a king-size bed and satin activity characterises a genuine sheets in Gard Camargue style. Each suite has its community area encouraging own jacuzzi, with clear, non-irritating water treated people to meet. The brand also without chemical additives. The spa area has the option of opening wants to attract a new clientele. or closing the roof, so that the occupants can enjoy nature together With a new, younger and more as the seasons go by. The tropical ambience continues even in winter, with water maintained at 36°. On request, you can take affordable image, Cacharel aims to delightful meal tête à tête, and make the very most of the venue. cater to a demand with a difference. Its collection will be available in á Starting at €250 a night for two people, including breakfast. New York, Paris and Nîmes.

The overview of news and new products is non-exhaustive. 5 Contents

p. 8 Overview l The Camargue of the Gard: a unique change of scenery...... 8

l A concentrate of the Mediterranean...... 9

l Living valleys...... 10

l The Cévennes: the magnificent land of the Protestants...... 11

In the footsteps of history

l Timeless Nîmes...... 12

l The Pont du Gard: man and nature...... 14

l Uzès through the ages...... 15

p. 12 l High mediaeval strongholds...... 16

l The cultural imprint of religions...... 18

l Labelled villages...... 20

l Famous figures...... 21

l Silk: yesterday's industry…...... 22

l … And today's industry: cosmetics...... 23

Traditions and terroirs

l Craftsmanship: a historical legacy...... 24 p. 24 l Celebrations all year round...... 26 l Mouth-watering good food...... 27

l The Gard: an ideal place for œnotourism...... 30

l Enchanting gardens...... 32

Splendid landscapes : a longing for adventure

l The Gard : a hiking paradise...... 34

l Watersports in the Gard...... 36

l The benefits of water...... 37

p.34 l Diary...... 38 l Contacts...... 39

Press kit. designed and produced by agence bergamote. mockup : b. viget. chief editor : s. goldfarb. PHOTO CREDITS > Goodluz/IStockphoto (couverture), Bernard Liégeois (p. 5), SR (p. 2, 12), ADRT 30 (cover, p. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39), BestImage (p. 21), DR (p. 5, 13, 14, 21, 23, 33, 39), Bruno Preschesmisky (p. 33, 37), Demouy (p. 5, 36), B. Trouillet (p. 5), SMN Nav (p. 11), Jean du Boisberranger (p. 32), On-Visite.com (p. 10), J. Charbonneau (p. 35), OT VLA (p. 18-19), Jean-Mathieu Cazenove (p. 35), David Z. (p. 30), Christophe Grilhe (p. 31).

6 The Gard of a thousand faces

ne day you're hiking along the steep slopes of the Cévennes, the next galloping through the Camargue on horseback, then taking a dip in the Mediterranean… What other French département offers such a kaleidoscope of landscapes and such a broad sweep of O cultures? The Gard is a wonderful combination of rugged peaks, high plateaus, chestnut forests, green hills, raging rivers, fairy-tale caves, garrigue, little olive groves, long fine sand beaches bordered by dunes, marshes and more – all crisscrossed by paths, with a rich architectural heritage going back 2,000 years. A real paradise for both those who love untamed nature and unspoiled areas, and the curious who like waymarked footpaths. There's something for everyone, for hikers, riders, paddlers, yachters and surfers alike. And what if sport isn't your thing? No matter – the cultural offer is just as extraordinary. The Gard boasts three UNESCO heritage sites: the Pont du Gard, the Abbey of Saint-Gilles along the Camino de Santiago, and the Causses and Cévennes for their exemplary landscapes of Mediterranean agro- pastoralism. But the département also has outstanding historical cities, like Saint Louis's town Aigues- Mortes, "Cities of Art and History", "Villages of Character", and some of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", containing 500 protected buildings, of which a third are listed as historical monuments. The Gard is a region of meetings and exchanges impregnated by many cultures, marked by the influence of the Romans (halfway between Italy and Spain), the Languedoc, Provence, the Protestants, the Cévennes and the Carmague: all powerful identities that have marked the territory and are passionately perpetuated by its inhabitants. And how can you resist, when you know that the "good food Gard" alone guarantees utter delight for the senses? The list of AOP (appellation d’origine protégée) and PGI (protected geographical indication) labels, which are not easy to come by, will make your mouth water: Pélardon cheese, olives and olive oil from Nîmes, the sweet onion of the Cévennes, the strawberries of Nîmes, the chickens and capons of the Cévennes, the rice and beef of the Camargue and, very shortly, honey and chestnuts from the Cévennes… not to mention the wines: Costières De Nîmes, Côtes du Rhône Village, the crus of Lirac and Tavel and a wealth of other labels. If you're still not convinced, remember that the Gard enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year… A land promising adventures of all kinds!

7 THE GARD overview

The Gard Camargue: a unique change of scene

With rice fields, salt marshes, a coastline, drylands, migrating birds and pink flamingos, horses and bulls, not to mention enchanting villages and countless festivals, you're never bored in the Camargue.

here's nowhere like it. Huge open spaces stretching 215 hectares, the natural regional reserve of the Scamandre, into the distance, the meeting point of sky, earth, lying on the edge of the eponymous lake, is surrounded by river and sea, with a good helping of wind and the biggest managed reed bed in Western Europe, and offers Tsun and a large pinch of salt… It's a total change an incredible diversity of environments, with their various of scene with an endless range of sensations. Landscapes are plants and wildlife. simultaneously wild and peaceful, consisting of fine sand The Camargue is certainly a paradise for animals, particularly beaches, lakes, reed beds, marshes and meadows, where birds. Over 300 species have been listed there, and it is still one horses, bulls, flamingos and herons mingle together. Such is of the main stopover points in Europe for migrating birds. the picture of the Gard Camargue, where the "small branch" Other dreamlike landscapes characterise the area, like the of the Rhône flows into the sea, in the south of the départe- white mountains rising above the red waters of Aigues-Mortes, ment. In this unique territory, the Camargue has developed where salt workers cultivate sea salt. This marvellously diverse a powerful culture that goes far beyond the clichéd pictures landscape garnered the title of "Grand Site de France" in 2014. of Camargue bull races and horses galloping in the marshes. Its area of nearly 40,000 hectares contains four listed sites: the Living in the Gard means having a fully-fledged identity, marshes and reed beds of the Carbonnière Tower, the lake of which the people of the Camargue perpetuate with passion. Aigues-Mortes and its surrounding area, the listed site of the With the passing of time, a mosaic of environments and splendid open view of the town ramparts from the shoreline landscapes has grown up from the incessant struggle between road, the RD 62, and the listed site of L'Espiguette with its the Rhône and the sea, combined with the action of man. dunes and saline scrubs in Le Grau-du-Roi-Port Camargue. In the north, this has left its mark through the develop- The villages also hold their own. From Aigues-Mortes to ment of farming activities: cereal crops, vineyards and rice- Saint-Gilles and from Vauvert to Le Grau-du-Roi Port growing. In the south, you find all the authenticity of the Camargue (Europe's leading marina), they offer numerous Gard Camargue, where the "sansouire" (saline scrub planted activities that the inhabitants are keen to preserve and pro- with saltwort), lakes and marshes still dominate the lands- mote during village festivals where the bull reigns supreme. cape. The protection of this natural area requires a balance And you should also explore its magnificent coastline and between the wildlife and plants of the Camargue and the the culinary specialities you will only find here, like the existence of natural pasturelands essential for the tradi- "Gardiane": a bull stew served with Camargue rice (of course!) tional breeding of its bulls and white horses. Spread over and washed down with a tasty "Vin des sables".

8 The garrigue lands: a concentrate of the Mediterranean

Lying between two wild and very different ecosystems, the Cévennes mountains and the Camargue together in the Gardon, the Cèze and the Vidourle. A few marshes, you find the Garrigue: kilometres further on, they join the gorges carved out by the Provençal face of the Gard. flowing water over the millennia – 6 million years, in fact – to create an extraordinary landscape in the limestone: the Gardon Gorge. And those cool running waters are always ll in green and ochre, the central part of the Gard welcome in the sweltering heat of the summer months! This département consists of typically Mediterranean natural heritage is full of discoveries. But the historical and mineral landscapes, with a mix of valleys, slopes, cultural heritage is just as magical! Roman civilisation has rocks, stone, marl and clay-type limestone. The left many famous remains. The most outstanding is most A th th landscape is marked by 18 and 19 century stone buildings definitely the Pont du Gard, the former aqueduct of Nîmes (capitelles and masets), typical of the Gard. This is not the with three tiers of arches, visited each year by over a million home of the Gariguette strawberry for nothing: the stones and a half tourists, and designated a UNESCO heritage in the rocky soil that heat it up at the end of winter have site in 1985. Nîmes also provides marvellous evidence made it the earliest sweet crop, gathered from the first day of this antique period, with an amphitheatre in a unique of spring onwards. In the burning heat of summer, per- state of preservation, used for various events throughout meated with the sound of the cicadas, these landscapes full the year. The Middle Ages have also left their mark – for of wild low-growing vegetation, scattered with stone and example in Uzès, which became the First Duchy of France Aleppo pines, holm oaks and hackberry trees, thyme and during the Renaissance. Visitors can also wander at their herbs, exude resiny, aromatic scents. Another ancient tree ease through the little streets of typical towns and villages, has shaped the landscape over the centuries: the olive tree. like Sommières and Anduze, some with the "Villages de You will find small olive groves and mills in nearly every Caractère" label (Barjac, Lussan, Vézénobres). They will village. The Picholine, delicious to eat in its natural form or also find lively, colourful markets, like the one in the Place as oil, is the star variety here. And it is also in these plains aux Herbes in Uzès, held in the shade of the plantain trees that the "gardons"– as all the torrents, streams and rivers on the village square on a summer's evening. In short, all flowing down from the mountain slopes are called – mingle the delights of the Mediterranean lifestyle…

9 THE GARD overview

Contrasting enthroned on the Ardèche river; Montclus nestling in a bend of the Cèze, and La Roque-sur-Cèze with its magni- ficent setting high up. Meanwhile, "Villages de Caractère" valleys include Barjac, a paradise for antiques hunters; Lussan, celebrated for its gorges carved into the limestone, and With rivers like the Rhône, Cèze and Vézenobres, another enchanting hilltop mediaeval village Vidourle, the Gard is particularly well with little cobbled streets. irrigated. And each valley has its own THE RHÔNE: BETWEEN LAND AND SEA particular identity and landscape. Discover At the far end of the Languedoc, the Rhône Gard has a distinct the many faces of the Gard… touch of Provence. All along the most vigorous of France's big rivers, in the beautiful southern light, this area contains THE CÈZE VALLEY: WILD YET GENTLE famous vineyards and a wealth of heritage: Romanesque Between the Cévennes and the Rhône Valley, the elegant chapels, mediaeval sites and picturesque, out-of-the-way vil- Cèze Valley offers both dramatic natural surroundings lages. The valley has a wealth of historical sites, all witnesses and some of the most beautiful villages in France. And yet to its rich history in Roman and mediaeval times, including it is an area still untouched by the tidal wave of tourism: Beaucaire, Saint-Laurent-des Arbres, Villeneuve-lez-Avignon a destination you can explore with a sense of intimacy. and Roquemaure. The region also has two of the Provençal If you love wandering in wild, authentic landscapes, the Gard's major cities: Bagnols-sur-Cèze and Pont-Saint-Esprit, Cèze is a total delight. This winding river in the north and an economic hub, Laudun. But the main feature here is of the Gard is a real open-air paradise, still far off the obviously wine, for this is the birthplace of the famous Côte beaten track. Green tourism is developing well there, du Rhône! Today, the valley produces AOC label wines: Côtes- with unusual accommodation ranging from yurts to du-Rhône, Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages and the Lirac and Tavel high-perched cabins and even naturist camping sites! crus. These evocative names have found a new dynamic in Whether you like relaxing on a beach by the river as the "Vignobles & Découvertes" label, enabling you to mix you peacefully contemplate nature, or trekking on foot, pleasure with pleasure between tours and tasting sessions. n mountain bike, horse or in a canoe, you are sure to find what you want. Lovers of architecture and history will also discover their promised land. With authentic vil- lages, chapels, castles and museums, there are endless places to explore. Some sites lying on the river bank, like Montclus and La-Roque-sur-Cèze, offer delightful beaches beneath shady trees. Here you can also find the "Venice of the Gard" – Goudargues, with canals running through the centre, where you can relax comfortably on a café terrace – together with the three only villages of the Gard listed among France's most beautiful: Aiguèze,

10 The Cévennes: a magnificent Protestant region

With their wild landscapes and animals (including vultures and wolves), golden- grey stone, Protestant culture and authentic gastronomy, the Cévennes have a mysterious, almost mystical charm.

AUSTERE, THE CÉVENNES? Definitely not. While this still largely wild landscape is one of the least inhabited in France and preserves the strong imprint of Protestantism, famous for its severity, it provi- des breath-taking views of landscapes while catering to the taste buds with a variety of good food. A mouth-watering programme for hikers of all kinds. The geographical term "Cévennes" originally designated the entire southern edge of the Massif Central. Today, within the strict meaning of the word, the "Cévennes territory" covers the area from the Mont Lozère massif in the north and the Mont Aigoual massif in the south-west. Straddling the Lozère and the Gard, this chain of low and medium mountains, mainly made up of schistose and granite massifs, is formed of numerous steep-sided valleys. One of its most remarkable features is Mont Aigoual (1 567 m), on the border of the two départements. In recognition of mankind's ancient work landscapes of heaths and faïsses (farming terraces) and on this outstanding landscape, the Causses and Cévennes drailles (transhumance tracks) created by farmers. region was listed as a World Heritage site in 2011, for the Created in 1970, the Cévennes National Park is now main- cultural landscape of Mediterranean agro-pastoralism. To land France's only permanently inhabited park, with over tame this hostile territory, people had to combat the severe 70,000 inhabitants spread over 152 communities. In 1985, it climate (including the famous "épisodes cévenols": intense was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, because of storms producing floods) and turn these steep mountains its ability to reconcile biodiversity, economic development into a viable farming area. This can now be seen in the and the preservation of the region's cultural values. From the establishment of Protestantism in the 16th century to the Cévennes resistance movement ("the Desert") in the time of the Camisards and then the industrial revolution, when silk production and coalmining developed, this haven has a unique place in France's history, its countryside and its religious, cultural and even literary landscape. Robert Louis Stevenson, the forerunner to modern tourism, crisscrossed the region on foot with a donkey during 1878, and wrote a remarkable story about it. Like him, we can admire the Corniche des Cévennes linking Saint-Jean-du- Gard to Florac, which provides magnificent views of the entire region, including Mont Bouquet, a huge headland, is very popular with hang-gliders, and another UNESCO heritage site: the Cirque de Navacelles, a broad 300-metre canyon carved out by the "Vis" river. And as you go along, you can enjoy the delights of figs, chestnuts, apples and the famous Pélardon cheese. The Cévennes are decidedly a goldmine… n

11 THE GARD historical sites

In the footsteps

l Timeless Nîmes...... 12 l The Pont du Gard: man and nature...... 14 of history… l Uzès through the ages...... 15 l Sommières, Aigues-Mortes, Beaucaire and Saint-Gilles...... 16 l The cultural imprint of religions...... 18 l Labelled villages...... 20 l Famous figures...... 21 l Silk: yesterday's industry...... 22 l … And today's industry: cosmetics...... 23

Timeless Nîmes Sun-drenched Nîmes has an extraordinary lifestyle. Its incredibly appealing variety can be enjoyed on foot, as you wander around paved streets, stopping off at the odd private mansion: a simple way of seeing the march of history.

NEMAUSUS, A ROMAN CITY the city in 1536. To recreate the splendours of Rome, the In Roman times, Nîmes was a major city and the headquar- city built an amphitheatre seating 24,000, a forum with a ters of the Narbonnese Gaul province. Nemausus was given temple, now known as the "Maison Carrée", an Augusteum the supreme privilege of minting its own money: coins that (imperial sanctuary) and a temple dedicated to water divi- have been found are struck on one side with the image of nities. Remarkable remnants of this magnificent period, Augustus and Agrippa, and on the other with a crocodile these monuments owe their exceptional condition to the chained to a palm tree: a reference to Octavius's victory fact that they have been in constant use right up to the over the fleet of Antony and Cleopatra. And this was how present day. In the Middle Ages, the dwindling population Nîmes won its arms, as decreed by François I when he visited took refuge in the amphitheatre, which became a town in

12 Exploring the Nîmes arena means seeing the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world.

The Carré d’Art, facing the Maison Carrée, was designed The Maison Carrée, by Sir Norman Foster. a Roman temple, was later used as a stable, a consular house and a in steel, glass and concrete, with five levels underground, municipal building. was designed by the British architect as a foil to the Maison Carrée. Its proportions echo those of the Roman temple, itself. In the 19th century, under the influence of Prosper and the space between the two buildings has been laid out as Mérimée, the 2,000 families still living there were moved a square, symbolically evoking the forum of ancient times. out, and the amphitheatre was restored and renovated. Jean Nouvel's Nemausus of 1987 is a futuristic complex (two Likewise with the Maison Carrée, which was in turn a imposing "liners" in aluminium, iron and glass) redefining consular house, a stable, an apartment and a church. After the precepts of social housing. It contains 114 apartments the French Revolution, it became the headquarters of the with considerably improved space, comfort and light. In 2008, first prefecture in the Gard, and then home to the region's this building received the "20th Century Heritage" label. The archives. Today it is an auditorium for screening the film Colosseum of Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, a complex Nemausus, la naissance de Nîmes. From the Celtic oppi- of offices, shops and apartments inspired by the Roman amphi- dum to Romanisation under the Empire, this film traces theatre, was built at the entrance to the city in 1991. Philippe the early days of Nîmes through the fortunes of a family Starck's 1987 Abribus (bus shelter), a street furniture unit in between 55 BC and 90 AD. dark marble, features the arms of Nîmes: the crocodile and the palm tree. The City Hall, Musée des Beaux-arts and covered NÎMES THE CONTEMPORARY… marketplace have been refurbished and modernised through All Nîmes' monuments combine urban landscaping with the subtle work of interior designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte. communal areas designed for shows, culture and discovery. The Costières stadium by Vittorio Gregotti and Marc Chausse In the 20th century, works by architects and international (1989) has a British design, where spectators are very close to visual artists have been integrated naturally, to great effect. the games area. Built to international standards and seating The "Carré d’Art" by Sir Norman Foster contains libraries, 20,000 (12,000 under cover), this houses subsidiary sports media library and a contemporary art museum. The building facilities in its four corner buildings. n

Nîmes: from Silk to Denim

th The textile industry brought Nîmes l In the 19 century, the focus moved Souleiado and Les Olivades) still produce wealth, development and fame from silk to shawls, made on the these brightly coloured textiles. th throughout Europe. Jacquard looms introduced by Turion, a l In the late 19 century, Nîmes th l In the 15 century, the worker from Nîmes. Printed calicos with serge, a speciality of the city from the Protestants, excluded from public paisley patterns, known "Indiennes de late Middle Ages, was exported to the life, sold silk fabric and stockings Nîmes", were inspired by fabric dealers' USA as wagon coverings before being which were soon exported to Europe travels in the East. And today, several used to make trousers. And thus was and Spanish-occupied South America. famous brands (including Cacharel, born the iconic Denim used in jeans…

13 THE GARD historical sites These great arches look down on twenty centuries of history.

The Pont du Gard: man and nature Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, the monument was awarded the "Grand Site de France" label in 2004, which was renewed in 2011. This label, which has only been awarded to 14 outstanding sites in France, acclaims a determination to combine environmental protection, local life and the opening of a historic moment to universal tourism.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S UNIQUE is the highest Roman aqueduct and best-preserved Roman STRUCTURES structure in the world. Everyone agrees that the Romans were geniuses when it came to construction. And this certainly proves it! In barely five THE GARRIGUE AS LANDSCAPE years, they built this part of the aqueduct, with three tiers Around it stretch some 165 hectares of protected garrigue. consisting of 6, 11 and 35 arches – and only one arch span- Mainly found on limestone plateaus, the garrigue (scru- ning the river! Another technical feat: the piers were equip- bland) is the result of man's excessive exploitation of big ped upstream with noses or spurs to stem the current when forest trees. Only plants resistant to the sun and animals – the river suddenly swelled with huge quantities of rainwater like the home oak, a tree typical of drylands – can survive (during heavy storms, for example), and downstream with a there. A journey through Mediterranean plant life entitled back starling to compensate for the scouring caused by eddies. "Mémoires de Garrigue", an open-air exhibition, introduces Used as an aqueduct for five centuries, the monument was you to the growing of vines, olives and cereals, the basic preserved thanks to its continuous use as a bridge to cross components of the Mediterranean diet, recognised as the the river. However, this weakened the pillars considerably, healthiest in the world. n and in the mid-18th century, the engineer Henri Pitot added a real bridge on the lower level of the aqueduct. This was when its name, the "Pont du Gard", took on its true meaning. The Romans created this architectural feat because of the huge A place of exchanges population growth during the first century AD. Needing The Pont du Gard site is a place for meetings 20,000 m³ of water every day to supply the Gallo-Roman and exchanges. A museum tells the story of city's public fountains, baths, gardens and wealthy private its epic history, a children's area highlights the houses, the Romans found the Eure, a river with a sufficient preservation of nature, there are facilities for rate of flow, lying at the foot of Uzès. They then built an holding conferences and temporary exhibitions, aqueduct containing 50 km of piping, which, following the and a programme of events is laid on to the natural relief of the landscape, required 17 structures to be delight of a broad audience. built, including one across the river Gardon. To date, this

14 The Fenestrelle Tower, a 42-metre Lombard- style bell tower, dominates Uzès.

Worth noting The château has been On market days, try owned by the same out numerous local family since 1572: the products in the shade Crussols of Uzès. of a centenarian plantain tree.

Uzès lifestyle is really pretty good! Good food and wine lovers will be bowled over by the wealth of products: truffles, oli- ves and olive oil, asparagus, Sernhac apricots, Remoulins through the ages cherries, PGI label red white and rosé wines – and that's not all! To end with, go and meet the orthodox sisters at the While Uzès was famous from Roman times Solan convent, who grow and transform fruits and grapes for its water, it truly established its pedigree into fruit jellies, jams…and organic wine! in the 11th century, and entered its most UZÈS IN FESTIVE MOOD glorious period in 1572, when it became the Uzès also features a range of events throughout the year, First Duchy of France. starting with "Le Mois de la Truffe" (truffle month) from mid-December to late January, with truffle markets, talks wander through Uzès starts with a thorough and visits to truffle fields. The year continues with the exploration of the cobbled streets containing Contemporary Dance Festival, the "Nuits Musicales d’Uzès" architectural marvels like the Cathedral of Saint- featuring Baroque music, and night-time guided tours to ATheodorit, with its outstanding organ – still in relive the troubled period of this city, with its touch of its original 18th century painted wooden case – and the Provence. Don't forget to explore behind the scenes at the Fenestrelle Tower, reminiscent of Pisa's Leaning Tower. Uzès Haras National Stud Farm, the Haribo Sweet Museum There are also splendid private mansions, the residences of set up in the former liquorice factories, and the family world the Baron de Castille, the Chambon de la Tour family and of the Pichon pottery factory. n the Maison d’Uzès. And of course, the city's epicentre, the Place aux Herbes with its beautiful arches and terraces. You can also visit the mediaeval garden, where no fewer than 400 medicinal, culinary and decorative plants are listed!

PROVENÇAL UZÈS You really should not miss the Uzès market! Held on the Place aux Herbes, its profusion of local products waft agreeably into your nostrils agreeably before tickling your The truffle is the taste buds… You can sip an aniseed-flavoured drink in the star in Uzès from shade of a centenarian plantain tree, while watching the mid-December colourful bustle of a Provencal market from afar. The Uzès to late January.

15 THE GARD historical sites

The church of Notre-Dame- des-Pommiers seen from the Château de Beaucaire.

Sommières was partly built on the bridge spanning the Vidourle. High mediaeval strongholds

Lovers of stones, rejoice! The villages BEAUCAIRE: A TRADING TOWN of the Gard bear witness to their Lying on the right bank of the Rhône opposite Tarascon, Beaucaire became famous in the Middle Ages for its annual grandeur. But they are far from being fair at the end of July, when fabrics, spices, Nîmes serge and museums: they are alive, and move… foodstuffs arrived by boat along the river. In its heyday, the fair was attended by up to a hundred thousand visitors! Today we still find the facades of elegant private mansions, SOMMIÈRES OF THE MIDDLE AGES the church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers, and… the Drac, It became famous under the Romans, but Sommières truly a dragon that haunts the Rhône and lords it proudly over the flowered in the Middle Ages. At that time, its position on central square! In the present day, the city perpetuates its a major communication road made it one of the main festivities in the second half of July, with typical Camargue fiefs of the Seigneur d'Anduze–Sauve, and later one of the traditions, arts and crafts fairs, night markets, and horse main royal strongholds of the Languedoc until the late parades. Beaucaire was also important during Roman 17th century – as witness its magnificent private mansions, times. The Mas des Tourelles, a genuine Gallo-Roman some of which have been refurbished as guesthouses. cellar, celebrates the Roman grape harvest in the second Lawrence Durrell* wrote: "I have to admit that I never weekend of September. The troglodytic 5th century Abbey seen anything quite as pretty as Sommières. " Another of Saint-Roman, set high on a hill, provides a 180° view over particularity are its "baumes": underground water wells the Rhône Valley. Freshwater lovers can hire a barge to sail from which water naturally rises through faults in the along the Canal du Rhône à Sète from the large marina, limestone plateau on which the city stands. Close to the which also berths private boats throughout the year. town, the Moulin de Villevieille, a mill lying in the village of the same name, one of the two farming cooperatives AIGUES-MORTES: A FINE SETTING of the Gard, produces olive oils whose quality has twice FOR HISTORY garnered the supreme recognition of being the "World's Since the dawn of time, allies and opponents in turn, the Best Olive Oil", with the Mario Solonas prize awarded by Rhône and the Mediterranean have shaped the landscape, professionals from all over the world. like the countryside around this beautiful mediaeval town mingling lagoons, marshes, channels, lakes, pinewoods and * A British author who lived here until his death in 1990, and wrote dunes. The first port of the Kingdom of France to open on about the town. the Mediterranean shore, planned by Louis IX and actually

16 Beneath the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, the water turns pink as the concentration of salt increases.

From Beaucaire, via the Canal du Rhône à Sète, you are The mediaeval Abbey of Saint-Gilles a few days' sailing from the was once a focal point for pilgrims; Mediterranean. today, it fascinates archaeologists.

built by his son, Philip III (the Bold), and his grandson pilgrimage. The arrival of pilgrims led to the development Philip the Fair, the city was protected by ramparts from the of a flourishing town, which became prosperous thanks to its early 14th century. The Constance Tower, the Chapels of position on one of the branches of the Rhône. It became a major the Penitents and the Romanesque church where Louis IX trading port, and was a point of departure by river and sea was blessed before setting off on the Crusades are definitely for the Holy Land. Today, Saint-Gilles is a stop-off point for worth a look! Every year around 25 August, the town stages pilgrims on Camino de Santiago from Arles. For this reason, the "Fête de la Saint-Louis": a historical reconstruction of the abbey's façade has been listed as part of UNESCO's World the King's departure for the Holy Land. The city owed its Heritage. The iconography of this Romanesque masterpiece wealth to salt, produced on the salt-yielding tables owned by is mainly devoted to Christ's Passion. An itinerary taking you private individuals until the 19th century. The first salt marsh on a tour of the historic city centre provides some appealing company was created in 1848, becoming the Compagnie and fascinating discoveries of the town's history. You can des Salins du Midi in 1868. It can still be visited today. The find a plan at the Tourist Office. n town has many magnificent monuments from its past in a well-preserved environment. For example, the path around the ramparts provides a marvellous view over the marshland Private arenas and salt marshes – unforgettable if you add a splendid sunset! Aigues-Mortes is the only town to FROM SAINT-GILLES possess an arena consisting of TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA 101 ringside boxes belonging to the town's families. These boxes form Lying between Camargue and Costières, Saint-Gilles owes a “plan” (otherwise known as “the its celebrity to the hermit Gilles (Giles in English), a Greek arena”), which during the village festival famous for his miracles. Legend has it that having taken an hosts traditional races and festivities arrow to save a doe during a royal hunt, Giles was given the featuring Camargue bulls. In 1993 Flavian valley by the king, much moved by his gesture. He then they were listed in the supplementary built an abbey for the hermit, who lived there until his death. inventory of France's Historic The saint's life was written down in the 11th century by the Monuments for their ethnological monks of the abbey, and a century later, the Book of Saint Giles' and cultural interest. Miracles became the starting point for an increasingly popular

17 LETHE GARD GARD lieux historical historiques sites

The magnificent intact frescoes of the collegiate church in Villeneuve lez Avignon.

The Chartreuse de Valbonne: a town in itself, with its glazed tile roof. The cultural of religions… While the Catholic religion endeavoured monastery was the richest in France, as witness the gold, to impose its supremacy in the region, marbles, sculptures and paintings embellishing its walls. It was a town within a town, with 24 fathers, 30 brothers raising numerous abbeys and Carthusian and an equal number of servants and workers. During the monasteries in the landscape – responses French Revolution it was sold by auction to Beaucaire. Since to the Papal City of Avignon– the Protestant the 1970s, the Carthusian monastery has hosted writing faith left a deep imprint. residences and theatrical creations through its "cultural centre for meetings and national centre for drama wri- ting", and laid on shows in partnership with the Avignon uring the 10th century, an abbey and the market Festival. Another place you should not miss is the Musée town of Saint-André were built around Mont Pierre-de-Luxembourg. Housed in a magnificent private Andaon. In 1292, Philip the Fair built a fortress mansion laid out during the 17th century in the former palace Dthere (the "Philippe le Bel" Tower) controlling of Cardinal Annibal de Ceccano, the museum contains access to the bridge at Avignon in order to monitor the a masterpiece by Enguerrand Quarton, The Coronation papal kingdom. In March 1293, he founded Villeneuve- of the Virgin (1453) and the celebrated Ivory Virgin (14th Saint-André, which became Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the century) and features an overview of painting from the "new town near Avignon" (lez in Provençal means "near"). 16th to the 18th centuries, with works by Simon de Châlons, During the period when the papacy was based in Avignon Nicolas Mignard, Philippe de Champaigne and Reynaud (1316-1378), the town became a holiday venue for popes, Levieux. And to end your visit, go and see Philip the Fair's cardinals and prelates, who built palaces (or "livrées"), Saint-André fort, with its château and fortified walls, built convents and churches there. In 1333, Cardinal Arnaud to establish royal power and prevent possible invasions, and de Via founded the collegiate church of Notre Dame: a the private garden of Saint-André overlooking the Rhône. typical example of southern French Gothic architecture, which contains numerous works of art, the tomb and THE STAMP OF RELIGION funeral recess of Cardinal de Via, and a copy of the cele- Not far from there, another Carthusian monastery, one brated Villeneuve Pietà, whose original, probably made for of France's most beautiful, is well worth a detour: the the church, is now in the Louvre in Paris. In 1356, Pope Chartreuse de Valbonne, lying in the heart of a 1500-hec- Innocent VI founded the Carthusian monastery of Val de tare forest. Founded in the 13th century on the site of a Bénédiction, one of the order's biggest monasteries, consis- former Benedictine monastery and rebuilt in the 17th and ting of a church, three cloisters with forty cells, gardens and 18th centuries by the Carthusians, it stands out for its glazed a chapel decorated with frescoes by the painter of the Papal tile roofs. As you wander around the convent church, the Palace, Matteo Giovannetti. By the mid-17th century, this chapel of relics, the small and large cloisters and a monk's

18 Worth noting Digital spaces now reconstruct the long-lost decoration of the church and invisible details of the frescoes. You can use a touch table to view the heritage and art archives of the area. An entertaining app, "The Secret Doors of the Charterhouse", is designed for children

and families.

The cloister of the collegiate church of Notre Dame in Villeneuve lez Avignon.

This ivory Madonna and Child, exhibited in the Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg, comes from the collegiate church of Villeneuve lez Avignon. The Protestant memory cell, you can imagine the lives of Carthusian monks and explore their silent world. The Carthusians left the monas- tery in 1901. It was bought at auction in 1926 by a priest, Philadelphe Delord, who founded the ASVMT (association for the treatment of tropical disease victims) in order to treat lepers. The ASVMT, a Protestant charity, still owns the monastery and an estate of 40 hectares. It now manages all the Chartreuse de Valbonne's activities: a hotel, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and cultural events, including concerts of classical and Baroque music. The Musée d’Art Sacré du Gard is a museum focusing on religion as a component of our culture. Lying in the histo- The Musée du Désert revives Huguenot history from the 11th to the 17th century rical centre of Pont-Saint-Esprit, it is housed in the Maison through 15 rooms and 4,000 objects, des Chevaliers, a mediaeval residence and former private emphasising the "desert" period mansion of the Piolenc family. They were a dynasty of wheat between the revocation of the Edict of th merchants who lived there from the early 12 until the late Nantes (1685) and the signing of the 18th century. This lavish residence, listed as a historic monu- Edict of Toleration (1787). Forbidden ment since 1992, still has its well-preserved royal court of freedom of religion, the Protestants justice of 1340 and two ceremonial rooms dating from 1450, of France (not only in the Cévennes, embellished with remarkable painted ceilings. Religious but also in Haut-Languedoc, Poitou, ethnography and fine art balance each other in a display Dauphiné, Vivarais and elsewhere) of public and private religious objects: liturgical vestments were forced to practise their faith far from the 15th to the 20th centuries, silverware and sacred from cities, hiding in the wilderness, utensils, religious painting of the 15th and 17th centuries, the forests, scrubland, caves and ravines. This "desert" period obviously had a pharmacy of the Saint-Esprit hospital, cribs, quilling work Biblical significance for them, echoing and 18th and 19th century ornamental figures. n the forty years spent by the Hebrews of the Exodus crossing the desert: a place of tribulation and despair, but also where the word of the Lord could be heard. This period in France's history particularly marked the Languedoc and In Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the Cévennes, where Protestantism was The Crowning of the Virgin by Enguerrand widely established at the beginning of th Quarton: a 15th century the 16 century. masterpiece.

19 THE GARD historical sites

A door in Barjac, an ochre-tinted village with a touch of Tuscany.

Lussan, a mediaeval circular village overlooking the foothills of the Cévennes.

Vézénobres has made dried figs its speciality. Characterful villages…

Three of the region's most popular tourist spots Gorge, containing evidence of man's very early presence have been designated "Villages de Caractère": in a remarkably well-preserved natural environment. And to end with, let's stop off at Vézénobres, a truly enchanting a label created to celebrate the diversity and village perched on a plateau, with endless staircases, vaulted beauty of little streets and squares. passages and squares dotted with cafes and little shops. Vézénobres owes its prosperity to its figs, dried naturally ool little cobbled streets and the pleasant murmur on racks set up in the houses, and to the Régordane Way, of village squares on a summer's evening reveal a trading and pilgrim road linking Le-Puy-en-Velay with another side of the Gard, in a multitude of villages Saint-Gilles. with decided characters! Perched on rocky pro- Cmontories, entrenched behind ramparts or with eyecatching A WEALTH OF HIDDEN TREASURES Renaissance façades, they follow the geographical relief of Another label has been awarded to four deserving vil- a region with a variety of landscapes. lages: that of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". These "most beautiful villages" are Aiguèze, La-Roque sur-Cèze, BARJAC, LUSSAN, VÉZÉNOBRES: Montclus and the latest, Lussan. All of them share the par- THREE "VILLAGES DE CARACTÈRE" ticularity of being circular villages. With cobbled streets, To preserve their beauty, the département label "Villages Romanesque churches and stone houses, these tourist de Caractère" has been awarded to three authentic and sites are also surrounded by magnificent Côtes du Rhône typical villages. Let's take a quick tour of Barjac. A jewel vineyards and fields of lavender stretching into the distance. of the Renaissance, this is a little corner of Tuscany at the But we are going to discover other marvels of the Gard… foot of the Cévennes, at the gateway to the Ardèche gorges. For instance, Goudargues: this is known as the Venice Although it possesses a château dating from the 13th century, of the Gard because of its spring, channelled into canals the village really flourished later on. From its little squares by the Benedictine monks. In Roquemaure, the village to its private mansions, it evokes a period where traders, travels back in time during the weekend before or after travellers and pilgrims crossed paths at popular fairs. This 14 February, to commemorate the arrival in 1868 of the is still the case at Easter and Assumption with the most bones of St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. It is said famous second-hand fair in the region. We then move on that his relics protect the Côtes du Rhône vineyard from to Lussan with its high castle overlooking the plain of Uzès the dreaded phylloxera. Laudun, famous for its Côte-du- and foothills of the Cévennes. In this circular village with Rhône-Villages, has one of the largest archaeological sites its mediaeval spirit, ramparts and parapet path, you can in the region. The Camp de César (Caesar's Camp) has admire a Romanesque chapel and the mills that made it remains from five periods of successive occupation from wealthy in the 19th century. Be sure to explore the Concluses the Iron Age to mediaeval times. n

20 3

4

1 2

Famous figures The Gard has moved and inspired many 5 illustrious people, whether they were born here, visited, or chose to live here.

6 1. Jean-Pierre Chabrol 2. Robert-Louis Stevenson 3. Marie Durand 4. Audrey et Alexandra Lamy 5. Alphonse Daudet 6. Bernadette Laffont 7. Louis-Eugène Perrier gave his name to the famous green bottle. 7

THIS WAS THEIR BIRTHPLACE! Louis-Eugène Perrier, a doctor, restored a famous Roman Alphonse Daudet, André Gide, André Chamson and spring which soon came to bear his name. This spring, of his daughter Frédérique Hébrard, Jean-Pierre Chabrol, course, is Perrier water, famous the world over thanks to an Bernadette Laffont, Alexandra and Audrey Lamy, Lionel English lord who began to sell it in the 19th century. Astier and his sons Alexandre and Simon all come from the Christian Montcouquiol, an ardent lover of the corrida, Gard. All these artists and entertainers, most of whom come followed in his brother’s footsteps and became Nimeño II. from the Cévennes, proclaim their love of the area in works Thanks to his brother’s guidance and support, Montcouquiol that often relate to the history of the land, like La Nuit des rose to fame with his distinctive grace and style, until one Camisards, Lionel Astier’s historical play written in March sad day when a terrible injury exiled him from his beloved 2008 and performed during July and August in the Cévennes. bullrings. Thus stripped of his mantle of light, he bowed out of the profession in 1991, but has remained in the hearts of THEY MADE THE GARD FAMOUS! the people of Nîmes as the greatest French bullfighter to date. In 1730, Marie Durand was imprisoned at the age of 15 in the Constance Tower in Aigues-Mortes, just for being THE GARD INSPIRED THEIR WORKS! a Protestant! After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes Jean Racine, Jean Carrière, Robert-Louis Stevenson and in 1685, Catholicism was the only authorised religion. Lawrence Durrell all wrote about the Gard. Paying tribute Refusing to renounce her faith, she was imprisoned for 38 with such works as Travels with a Donkey, or Lettres d’Uzès years. Historians believe she is the one to have written on (Letters from Uzès), where Racine writes ‘our nights are a stone the Occitan word "register", meaning "resist", as an more beautiful than your days’, many authors have vaunted encouragement to her companions in misfortune to rebel the splendour and charms of the area, and its natural and against religious intolerance. cultural heritage. n

21 THE GARD historical sites Silk: the region’s erstwhile industry

The silk industry marked the Gard’s history, as it occupied a large portion of the workforce from the 18th to the 19th century, before the development of the railway and coalmining.

A SILK INDUSTRY BOUND TO THE REGION’S HISTORY The first traces of silk farming in France appeared near Anduze during the 13th century. The silk industry had already begun to develop under Henry IV, but it was only after the harsh winter of 1709 that silk worm mulberries took over the terraced fields of the Cévennes, replacing the chestnut and olive trees that had been decimated by the freezing cold. Mulberry fields, magnaneries (silk farming sites) and spin- ning mills began to change the face of the land. Production in the largest spinning mills reached its peak in 1752. The region thus turned into the land of silk and became known A machine from Cervin, a company that continues as ‘l’arbre d’or’ (the golden tree). This was a time of prospe- to manufacture silk stockings in the Cévennes. rity and fame that rapidly spread beyond France's borders. Silk made the fortune of the Cévennes and spurred the deve- lopment of the region’s weaving and hosiery industries. In also discover what lies behind its production, connected as the 19th century, small-scale family businesses gave way to it was to nature and the emancipation of women: the main industrial production. Two-thirds of the active population workforce of an industry of such intricate craft. were then employed in making silk stockings. But this golden age was not to last. Pébrine (a silk worm disease), the opening THE ADVENT OF COALMINING of the Suez Canal, and the appearance of synthetic materials THROUGH THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY progressively wiped out all silk production until, in 1965, the Coal took over from silk during the second half of the last spinning mill closed in Saint-Jean-du-Gard. You can 19th century. The widespread use of steam engines in the take a road tour to learn about the inner workings of the silk mining, marine and railway industries led to the massive industry and how important it was the economy. You will use of coal to produce steam. In the Cévennes, the railway connecting the Grand’ Combe to the strategic waterway of the Rhône was inaugurated in 1840. Its 88 kilometres made it the longest in France at the time. The arrival of the railroad proved an economic boon for the Gard by allowing for massive commercial transport throughout the region, firstly of table wines, then of cattle and goods from other sectors like cooperage, tanning and shoe-making. Through other markets like gas lighting, metalwork and the chemical industry, coal production grew fiftyfold in the Cévennes The ‘encabanage’ set within half a century. This spawned metal works in Bessèges on silkworm rearing mountages allows and Alès. Towards the mid-1950s, new competitive energy them to make their sources began to emerge: oil, natural gas, and nuclear power. cocoons within a Little by little, coal production began to dwindle. The last network of dry twigs. coal site in the Cévennes closed in 1986. n

22 Le Petit Olivier, a distinguished organic cosmetics brand sold in hypermarkets, also operates its own mill.

Today’s industry: Provence plants are a positive goldmine for organic cosmetics producing essential oils.

In the last few years, various companies in managed olive grove are cold pressed right after picking. The the Gard have been inspired by the local oil, which is rich in oleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidant polyphenols, hydrates and nourishes the skin, protecting plants to make organic-certified cosmetics. the cells from damage caused by external stress.

LABORATOIRE GRAVIER: A PIONEER OF LABORATOIRE PROVENCE SANTÉ THE ORGANIC MARKET Laboratoire Provence Santé, based in Lussan, specia- Since 1975, Laboratoire Gravier, based near Uzès, has been lises in natural organic cosmetics and stands out for its making organic cosmetics, essential oils and organically ethical approach, high performance and the extraordi- grown plant-based cleaning products, most of them raised nary sensoriality of its body care products, produced in the Gard and even right by the factory. The group’s phi- using nature-friendly methods. Its face, body and bath losophy is that organic production represents an ethical creams and special men's products are sold in institutes approach in terms of society as a whole. Their new 3,700 where Provence Spa beauty products are used in cabin m² factory was built according to the latest eco-friendly treatments. n building and energy-saving standards. Its ultimate goal: a High Quality Environmental standard building with a positive energy balance. Eclaé; the latest arrival

ALTEARAH: COLOURFUL BENEFITS The Compagnie des For ten years, the cosmetic brand Altearah Bio, based Salins d’Aigues-Mortes in Bellegarde, has been offering a line of 100% organic diversified its business essential oil-based products for wellness professionals and by launching Eclaé, a individuals alike. Their six assorted products are based on line of skin and body an unusual concept combining colours with scents, for care products available in pharmacies and health and their virtues in aromatherapy, colour therapy (14 colours beauty stores. The star active ingredient is Dunaliella for 14 different essential oil combinations and 14 specific Salina, a type of micro-algae discovered in 1838 in the benefits), and scent therapy. Magic! Discover a fun and Aigues-Mortes salt marsh. Its virtue is to produce a colourful line of wellness products, on sale in the shop large quantity of carotenoids, which gives it its pink colour, in order to protect itself from intense UV light. area at the Bellegarde production site. The antioxidant power of these carotenoids is ten times greater than synthetic beta-carotene's. In addition, LE PETIT OLIVIER the Dunaliella Salina produces polyunsaturated fatty Since it was taken over by La Phocéenne de Cosmétique, acids and glycerol, which protect it from the osmotic the oil mill of Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, next to the Pont du pressure due to its hypersaline environment. It protects Gard, has been marketing body health and beauty products the skin, makes it radiant and helps to combat ageing – in hypermarkets under the brand name Le Petit Olivier. a veritable energy concentrate. The olives from the Domaine du Petit Olivier’s sustainably

23 THE GARD lifestyle

Traditions and terroirs l Craftsmanship: a historical legacy...... 24 l Celebrations all year round...... 26 l A wealth of tastes...... 27 l The Gard: an ideal place for œnotourism...... 30 l Enchanting gardens...... 32

Craftsmanship: a historical legacy

The artisans of the Gard perpetuate and practise various techniques like porcelain, raku firing, and preserve the popular rural traditions of glazed pottery. The "Anduze" vases made at the Les Enfants de Boisset workshop go back to the late 17th century, when a pottery, terracotta, woodwork, reed - and Cévennes potter named Boisset was entranced by a Medici wickerwork and textiles. vase at the Beaucaire Fair. Its seductive elegance inspired him to create his own model, imbued with a rigorous Cevennes spirit that gave it more rustic, thick-set look. He then embel- POTTERY WORKSHOPS OF ALL KINDS lished it with a garland and escutcheon, and thus was born Pottery workshops are still found in the Uzège, and particularly the Boisset vase. It served as a monumental container for the in Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, the epicentre of a region that has orange and lemon trees adorning the gardens of prominent always been dedicated to glassmaking and ceramics. Artists members of Louis XIV’s court. From one generation to the here continue to perform age-old craft gestures and open next, Les Enfants de Boisset continues to perpetuate the work their workshops to the public, where visitors can see them of its forerunners with considerable talent.

24 In Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, near Uzès, more than 30 workshops are open to visitors throughout the day.

The Boisset Vase, based on a Renaissance Medici vase.

The three-branched wooden pitchforks of Sauve are still produced as they were in the 11th century.

Since the 12th century, the inhabitants of Vallabrègues have made wickerwork their IN SAUVE, WOODEN PITCHFORKS speciality. ARE STILL MADE The wooden three-branched pitchfork cooperative of the Reed-growing in the medieval city of Sauve upholds an industry that is unique in Camargue is the expertise th of the ‘sagneurs’. Europe and has existed since 11 century. These implements made from hackberry wood used to supply the stables of the monarchy, then the Republic, and later the Empire. They were ‘SAGNE’ REEDS: FROM ‘SAGNEURS’ exported to the French colonies for agricultural labour. At (THATCHERS) TO WICKERWORK the Conservatoire de la Fourche (Pitchfork Conservatory), In the largest reed bed in Western Europe, the cultivation the pitchforks of Sauve are made using the same age-old of the Camargue reed – a vital habitat for wetland wild- method, and are still used in livestock farming and agricul- life – is the expertise of the ‘sagneurs’. Reeds are used for ture today. Being naturally antistatic, they are in fact perfect roofing houses, the production of mats and packaging, and for handling down, wool, hay and dried flowers.n for decorative or complex insulation purposes. The reed trade mainly focuses on exports to northern countries. The use and working of the reeds and osier harvested on Wickerwork in the spotlight the banks of the Rhône river have also generated another The Fête de la Vannerie (wickerwork festival) craft: basket-making. The inhabitants of Vallabrègues, an takes place during the second weekend of isolated village on the left bank of the Rhône, made it their August, when the village of Vallabrègues th speciality as early as the 12 century. A museum in the vil- hosts a big market and a traditional parade. lage centre, designed to perpetuate knowledge of the craft, More than 80 basket-makers and craftsmen houses over 1,000 pieces narrating its history. It illustrates from France and around Europe set up shop the artisan traditions of Vallabrègues and Provence with next to the museum, making it the largest tools and equipment used by the basket-weavers, ‘baïssiers’ gathering of its kind today. (reed gatherers), chair-makers, clog-makers, and farmers.

25 THE GARD lifestyle

The Transhumance festival, where you can see multi-coloured flocks climbing up to mountain pastures.

During the "Journée à l'ancienne" ("Traditions Day"), the villagers dress in period costumes. Celebrations

SETTING OFF FOR THE SUMMER all year round MOUNTAIN PASTURES... From the Camargue to the Cévennes, Every year, at the end of spring, when the water and grass begin to grow scarce in the garrigues and southern traditional celebrations inherited from Cevennes, the roads and paths are filled for several days centuries of tradition are being kept alive. with a multitude of sheep moving up towards the moun- They are lively and colourful occasions tains: the transhumance. Like a river of wool, the flocks for coming together and reliving the rites shuffle along the dusty cattle track to the jingling of their bells. From the smallest flock – sometimes barely a dozen and lifestyle of bygone times for a few days. – to the largest, made up of several thousand ewes, they are all dolled up in vivid-coloured wool. They climb up TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES the slopes of Mont Aigoual and the Lingas, the Causses The people of the Camargue gather every summer for or Mont Lorèze. The transhumance is a time of festivity the "fêtes votives" (traditional village festivities) to share for the shepherds as well as the inhabitants of the villages enjoyable moments around the region's bulls. During the they pass through. They celebrate the arrival of summer to "journée à l’ancienne" ("Traditions Day"), carriages, carts, the rhythm of folk dances and feasts of local products. n horses and bicycles emerge from the past and fill the vil- lages, while all motor vehicles are confined to the garage. At 9 in the morning, the "authentic convoy" of villagers in traditional dress leave for lunch in the fields. After a meal The Languedoc jousts of grilled sausages, they watch the bull-sorting, and in the From June to September, the Grau-du Roi late morning, they head back to the village with the abri- canal welcomes the nautical jousts, dating vado* leading the procession. Everyone follows behind on back to the Middle Ages. They symbolise a horseback, on foot, or on bicycles! Then, around noon, the ritual fight between married men and youg bulls triumphantly enter the arena, flanked by the herdsmen, men, where two boats sail towards each other. and the so-called "Course Camarguaise" (Camargue bull The jouster, carrying a lance with three metalic racing) begins. In these games between man and animal, hooks in one hand and a pavise - a wooden the bull is the star...The rest of the day unfolds in a similar shield – in the other, for his protection, stands atmosphere and in the evening, when the costumes are set on a “tintaine”, a platform on the stern of a aside, a whiff of nostalgia imbues the air... boat. The jousters all fight in single combats, * In the days of non-motorised carts, the herdsmen (i .e. horsemen), aiming their oponents' shield in ordre to push herded the animals from one field to another through the villages. This them off the platform and into the water. eventually became a popular spectacle.

26 Mouth-watering delights

With its varied landscapes and wealth of local specialities, from Camargue rice to Vézénobres dried figs, and of course the "fleur de sel de Camargue" (Camargue top quality unrefined salt), this diverse array of tasty local products creates a cuisine of mouth-watering subtlety.

THE GARD PROVENÇAL: SPOTLIGHT least two hours with a few Provencal herbs. To be served ON OLIVES AND TRUFFLES with...Camargue rice! Rice was grown here already under To get you started, let yourself be tempted by a tapenade! Francois I. Modern rice-growing began with the dyking This Provence speciality is made of black or green olives, of the Camargue region in 1864. A whole varietal research crushed in a mortar with anchovy fillets for black tapenade, and cultivation improvement programme now makes for or capers for green tapenade. To make a good tapenade, you high quality production with a PGI label. need top-quality olives: AOP labelled since 2006, Picholine á www.rizdecamargue.com, olives are typical of the Gard. This long variety with a fine á www.aoptaureaudecamargue.com stone and firm flesh is harvested when green in September "Fleur de sel de Camargue": A historical region for salt for table olives, and when black in November to make production, the Camargue enjoys a highly favourable cli- Nîmes AOP Picholine olive oil. Its fruity taste and beau- mate that accelerates the evaporation of sea water: there is tiful green colour are very popular with good food lovers. almost constant sunshine, and the mistral and tramontana á www.aoc-olive-nimes.fr winds help the sun fulfil its task. The salt is extracted from The Uzège area is one of the meccas of black truffle pro- sea water, producing the Camargue's famous best-quality duction in France. This specialist market is reserved for unrefined salt. Always collected by hand, this salt has a dealers, but you will find some producers on Saturday fine, crunchy texture and irregular crystals. at the Uzès market in Place aux Herbes. The good sea- á Les Salins d’Aigues-Mortes, son lasts from December until March. Uzès devotes the www.visitesalinsdecamargue.com month of January– more specifically, the third week-end The PGI "Fraise de Nîmes",gariguette and ciroflette varie- – to celebrating this delicious fungus. They even organise ties: The "Fraise de Nîme" (Nîmes strawberry) of the gari- an imaginative festival that really tickles the taste buds. guette variety (easily recognised by its elongated shape), or ciroflette variety (smooth and round), make their appearance THE CAMARGUE: LAND OF A THOUSAND on the stalls as early as 21 March, the first day of spring. It FLAVOURS is the first soil-grown strawberry to be cultivated in France, On the coastline of the Camargue, you can try the small and it thrives on the sun-kissed plateaus of the Corsières, triangular shellfish known as tellines. Once the sand is whose rocky soils from the ancient Rhône terraces allow the removed, they are cooked in a pan until they open and fruit to mature faster, giving it that idiosyncratic balance are then eaten in salads with a garlic and parsley-flavoured of sugar and acidity, and remarkable flavour... sauce. For the main dish, how about a good gardianne! Be careful not to say "made of bull meat" - it would be a tau- THE CÉVENNES OF GOOD FOOD tology! This typical dish of the Camargue is made from The "Oignon Doux des Cévennes": For the past two cen- bull meat (AOC labelled since 1996), macerated in one turies, the cultivation of this sweet onion has been closely of the regions’ good red wines and left to simmer for at linked to the region’s history, the terraced landscapes, the

Discover our press kit on the Terroir. PRESS CONTACT: Carole BEDOU - 04 66 36 96 43 - [email protected] lll

27 LETHE GARD GARD art lifestyle de vivre Low in calories and rich Fresh, dried, made in vitamin C, the "Oignon into jam, vinegar Doux des Cévennes" or baked in cakes, figs has a distinct satin-like are the hallmark appearance. of the Cévennes.

hot, dry summers, and the abundant water irrigating each plot. Farmers have now created a cooperative. The "Oignon Doux des Cévennes" was labelled AOC in 2003. You will The chestnut, fruit of the "breadfruit tree": Its many varieties, recognise by its pearly, satin-like appearance, luscious quality wood and richly flavoured fruit all make the chest- texture, and delicate taste, all making it a "high-end pro- nut-tree one of Autumn’s real treasures. It has left its mark duct" just as delicious raw as cooked. It is harvested at the on the history of the Cévennes, shaping the valley scenery, beginning of August, and you can find it in markets right feeding many generations and moulding the relief of the through to March thanks to the preservation system in landscape into terraces and drainage systems. It became well-ventilated storehouses. known as the "breadfruit tree" in the 16th century, providing á Coopérative de l’oignon doux des Cévennes, wood for both building and fires, and food for animals and www.oignon-doux-des-cevennes.fr humans alike. Wild or cultivated, the Cévennes chestnut is All cheese lovers should try a good pélardon, an AOP-labelled eaten in soups or grilled over a wood fire in pans with holes. goat’s cheese. It is made from unpasteurised goat’s milk; rennet They can also be dried, boiled, puréed, made into jam, ground is added after milking, followed by whey from the day before, into flour or baked in bread. and then the mixture is moulded with a ladle into strainers. The "Pomme Reinette du Vigan": A late variety cultivated The cheese is then turned over, salted, removed from the since the dawn of time, this rustic apple finds the ideal mould by hand, placed on racks and put into cellars to ripen. sunshine and soil to flourish on the mountain slopes of After maturing for a good 11 days, it becomes eligible for the the Cévennes. Its dense, pale yellow flesh is delicate and AOP label. It owes its subtle hazelnut flavour to the diet of tender, with a fine balance of acidity and sugar. Its succu- the goats, which graze the heaths and undergrowth beneath lence can be enjoyed raw as well as cooked, and it yields chestnut trees. Fresh, creamy or hard, this cheese is a delicacy a particularly tasty juice. When gathered as early as late you can relish from February to November. August, the apples must be left to rest a few weeks before á www.pelardon-aop.fr you eat them. You can thus find this truly emblematic fruit of the Cévennes in markets in winter and spring. The fig: For several centuries, the inhabitants of Vézénobres dried the figs harvested in September on racks that they

The Camargue region produces the equivalent of one- third of France’s rice consumption.

A real gardianne is cooked with AOP- labelled bull meat.

28 WORTH KNOWING The chestnut All of 4 labels for the Gard! is part of the Four areas labelled "Sites Remarquables du Goût " Cévennes’ history. ("Outstanding Sites for Food") have been recognised, Add "Fleur de Sel de Camargue" thus highlighting four of the region’s iconic products: the at the end of cooking to bring "AOP Taureau de Camargue", the "AOP Olive de Nîmes", out the flavour. the "AOP Oignon Doux des Cévennes" and the Tuber melanosporum black truffle.This last product comes into the spotlight in the Uzès region from mid-December to mid-March, with a special event during the truffle placed under the covered terraces of houses to protect the week-end (third week-end of January) that really draws fruit from the wind and the first autumnal fogs. Several the crowds: a gourmet dinner prepared by star chefs thousand kg of dried figs were then usually sold on 28 of the Gard region, a controlled market on Sunday, and November at the "Foire de la Saint-André" (St Andrew's a truffle-based meal in most of the town's restaurants Fair). The fruit was packed into hessian bags and the layers from Friday to Sunday night. of figs were separated by bay leaves. Vézénobres still cele- And for an all-inclusive week-end, brates the fig in July and August to this day. visit: www.tourismegard.com The almond is a Mediterranean fruit, and the tree needs plenty of light and sunshine. Three French varieties are found in orchards: the ferragnès, the ferrastar and the ferraduel. When grown in clay-limestone soils, the Gard The different labels almond is collected in the autumn, before the heavy rains Easily found in markets, sold directly by the interrupt harvesting. producers themselves in farm shops and Nothing better than a green or blue Perrier to quench served in all good restaurants of the Gard, your thirst! Near Vergèze, the source of this sparkling the following products are regionally and water, you will discover every facet of its beneficial nationally recognised by different labels: powers. As for specialities, try the Nîmes Brandade: salt The "Label Militant du Goût", (for cod, beaten together with milk and oil. You can also try "Militant Taste"): a label that the Aigues-Mortes Fougasse, a sweet version flavoured guarantees the origin, quality with orange blossom. You can also enjoy the figatine, and respect for seasons with an Uzès novelty that blends a brioche-like dough with traditional products of the olive oil and pieces of fig. And try the caladon – a dry Gard, to ensure that "flavour biscuit that represents "calades": stones used to construct and authenticity” make for the the walls and paths of the garrigue. n best possible taste. www.militantdugout.gard.fr

"Sites Remarquables du Goût" : This label acclaims products highly typical of a region, with a fine reputation, long history, an exceptional cultural and natural heritage and public appeal. It has rewarded "Taureau de Camargue” bull meat, the "Oignon Doux des Cévennes”, the "Olives de Nîmes" olive oil, and the The Picholine olive black truffle. gives its oil a hint of bitterness and www.tourismegard.com a pungent tinge.

29 THE GARD lifestyle If you follow the vineyards of the Rhône Valley, you will eventually reach the Camargue. Consume in moderation. Consume in moderation.

The Gard, an ideal place for œnotourism Between the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc region, the Gard boasts a rich diversity of terroirs ideal for vine-growing. Hence its desire to invest in an offensive wine development strategy.

rom the vineyards in the Rhône Valley encroa- the Roman city as autumn veers to winter, numerous ching into the Camargue and its wild landscapes, events mark the changing seasons. During these festive to the Sommière plains and through to the foo- events, friendliness, fun and the delights of good food Fthills of the Cévennes, the variety of landscapes and wine bring people together. and cultural treasures echo the many labels of the Gard region: sixteen protected appellation d'origine contrôlée DID YOU KNOW? (AOP/AOC) and three protected geographical indication The wines of the Gard have enjoyed recognition and a fine (PGI) labels, providing an endless, subtle range of tastes. reputation since the Middle Ages, and were served at the The Gard was acclaimed in 2014, and two of its areas were tables of many a powerful figure. The popes of Avignon, even awarded the "Vignobles & Découvertes" ("Vineyards John XXII and Urban V for example, appreciated the and Discovery") label. Almost 300 partners are involved wines of Nîmes, Saint-Gilles and la Costière. Urban V in successful wine-tasting stays. Steeped in the worlds even had a cargo of Nîmes and Beaune wines delivered of wine-growing and tourism, the professionals of the to him before he left Avignon for Rome. The remarkable Gard are eager to share their passion for these regions vine that made wines of this terroir so successful in the with their guests. Their top-quality hospitality and keen Middle-Ages, like those of Beaune, was the mourvèdre, involvement are the spearhead of this dynamic. Cellar also called "St Gilles's plant". The wine known as "vin des visits and guided tastings help you to get to know the Sables" was also very successful. It first appears in the different characters of the Gard wines. records under Charles VI and Charles VII, dated 1406 and 1431 respectively, providing the earliest evidence THE GARD CELEBRATES WINE of regulations for selling "vin des Sables" in the Aigues- From spring until autumn, the Gard celebrates its wine- Mortes area. During his stay in Uzès, where he was sent makers and delicious nectars! With good food and gas- to study theology and where he wrote his famous letter to tronomic walks among the vines in springtime, aperitif La Fontaine, Racine himself said of the wine produced in evenings at the height of summer and strolls through the Duchy that it was the best in the kingdom. n

Discover our press kit on œnotourism. PRESS CONTACT : Valérie CROUINEAU - 06 19 45 31 16 - [email protected]

30 Consume in moderation. Consume in moderation.

In November: "Nîmes Toquée" is a gourmet stroll through the heart of the city.

The winemakers of the Gard – between AOC AND PGI LABELS tradition and modernity.

OF THE GARD - AOC Clairette-de-Bellegarde - AOC Costières-de-Nîmes - AOC Coteaux-du-Languedoc Costières de Nîmes - AOC Côtes-du-Rhône - AOC Côtes-du-Vivarais and Côtes du Rhône - AOC Duché-d’Uzès wines of the Gard - AOC Pic-Saint-Loup labelled "Vignobles - PGI Cévennes - PGI Coteaux Pont-du-Gard & Découvertes" - PGI Vins-des-Sables In May and October - PGI Gard 2014, respectively, This list is non-exhaustive the Côtes du Rhône of the Gard and the Costières de Nîmes received this token Here, lavender and of national recognition for vines grow together networking and developing a in harmony. multiple, complementary tourist product offer (accommodation, restaurants, cellar visits, wine tastings, museums, events, and Unbeatable visits so forth). Discover the vineyards of the Duchy Launched in 2009 by Atout of Uzès in a horse-drawn cart! France, the Vignobles & Découvertes label is awarded To the clip-clop of the horses driven by Emmanuel, for a period of 3 years on the a passionate expert with a diploma, the trip takes recommendation of the Higher you to the heart of the vineyards and typical Council of Oenotourism. Its landscapes of the Duchy of Uzès. Prepared by one aim is to develop the creation of the Duchy’s well-known chefs, the picnic takes of a network, and foster the place in the garrigue near the "capitelles": dry-stone emergence and promotion of huts, whose history you learn about. To the delight qualified products, catering to of connoisseurs and wine-lovers alike, winemaker the new habits and expectations Rémy Curtil conducts the tasting session of the of customers interested in Duchy’s wines with enthusiasm oenotourism. and passion for what he does. Cost: €65/person

31 THE GARD lifestyle The Mazet Gardens: discover the virtues of aromatic medicinal plants.

In the Abbey of Saint-André at Villeneuve- lez-Avignon, extraordinary and contrasting gardens follow on from each other.

Enchanting gardens

The Gard has a multitude of widely varying landscapes, mirrored in magnificent parks and gardens that are full of fascinating treasures, and also blend naturally into their settings.

DISCOVER THE SECRETS ABBEY AND GARDEN OF SAINT-ANDRÉ OF MEDICINAL PLANTS The latest "Jardin Remarquable" of the Gard, lying on The Mazet Garden in the Cévennes is labelled a "Jardin the hill of Mont Andaon, the garden of the Saint-André Remarquable" ("Outstanding Garden"). Here you will find Abbey at Villeneuve-les-Avignon juts out like a balcony, medicinal plants, either dried or in the form of delicious providing a stunning view of Avignon. drinks. Medicinal plants are grown, picked, dried, packaged Listed as a Historical Monument, it has several areas with and transformed by a farming business directed by Marie different atmospheres, including a 17th century Tuscan d’Hennezel. style flower-bed, a French style grove and Mediterranean A waymarked walk will take you through woods, blossoming rock gardens, harmoniously combining the art of the terraces, age-old cedars and chestnut trees, and is divided garden with a mosaic of religious elements the oldest into a four-part itinerary: Saint-Georges, the "Chapelle des dating back to the 6th century AD. Today, the garden Plantes" (Botanic Chapel), La Châtaigneraie, and Saint-Uriel. also welcomes music making, singing and ceramics. Throughout the walk, explanatory panels will make you more Various concerts and exhibitions are held regularly familiar with medicinal plants and their properties. Guided within these fortified walls. tours are also available by appointment, and experienced á Calendar and information at www.abbayesaintandre.fr guides will fill you in on the history and descriptions of the various plants. Finally, various activities are proposed over THE BAMBOUSERAIE DE PRAFANCE the course of the season (talks, herb- and fruit-picking days, (THE PRAFANCE BAMBOO GARDEN) plays, concerts, etc.) so that you can assimilate and appreciate This superb exotic garden, created in Généragues over the glories of nature. 150 years ago by Eugène Mawel, is unique in Europe. The á New! The fruit-juice tisane "TIS’UP". many varieties of bamboo, as well as the huge variety of www.mariedemazet.com exotic plants and remarkable trees make this a highly

32 In the imposing Bamboo park, indigenous vegetation and exotic plants grow side by side. The PlantMaze, Dragon’s Glen, bonsai trees, giant magnolias and carnations are a delight to children and adults alike.

Jardin des Oules

Lying in the heart of the little village of Saint-Victor des Oules, perched on a steep hillside overlooking the Duchy of Uzès, the garden at the bottom of the castle built in the late 19th century by Léonce Pascal seemed to be in a deep slumber. Then, three years ago, a Parisian family in love with the region decided to buy the property, restore it, and bring it back to life. The adventure began by clearing and cutting back the overgrown vegetation. With his love of refurbishing forgotten places and his knowledge of botany, landscape artist Emmanuel de Sauveboeuf was able to uncover the original outline and original place. The majestic bamboo walk at the entrance consolidate it using new plantations with different of the park sets the tone for the visit...The European themes, making the garden constantly interesting Conservatory of Specialised Collections (for bamboos), throughout the year. Horticultural engineer the Arboretum and the landscaped areas, such as the François Michaud, who works at the Jardin des Plant Maze and the aquatic garden, transport visitors to Plantes (Botanic Garden) of Montpellier, did faraway lands. The Dragon’s Glen even gives it a touch research on the park, trying to remain as true of Zen. A reconstructed Laotian village lends the place a as possible to the original spirit of the place. further touch of exoticism and pastures new. n Emmanuel de Sauveboeuf designed the park’s á www.bambouseraie.fr botanical architecture, drew up the plans, and created a maze of pyramid-shaped olive trees. Landscape architect Frédéric Sichet created the leafy theatre, and Fabrice Blanc designed the Jardin des Oules lighting. After two years' intensive work, the features are finally open to the public, including in the park and the maze of pyramid-shaped olive trees, where the monumental sculptures of Pablo Castillo, Les Eissautier, Jean Fontaine, Guy Honoré, Frédéric Jeanmin, Charlotte Poulsen and Michel Wohlfahrt are on permanent display. The collection now comprises 12 sculptures. A piece by the great Portuguese sculptor Bela Visa will be installed in 2017.

33 THE GARD nature Spectacular landscapes that make you yearn for adventure

l The Gard – a hiking paradise...... 34 l Watersports in the Gard...... 36 l The benefits of water...... 37

The Gard – a hiking paradise The diverse geography of the Gard provides an incomparable hiking network: over 9,000 km of trails, all waymarked and maintained in good walking condition.

MAJOR TRAILS THE FIRA: A HIKING AT A GLANCE AND CONTRASTING FESTIVAL IN THE TAKE OFF FROM LANDSCAPES CÉVENNES MONT BOUQUET If you are looking for long, back- For over twenty years, the people of From here, you can drink in the packing hikes lasting several days, you the Cévennes have been introducing Mediterranean, Mont Ventoux, can either follow the ancestral pilgrim visitors to unusual explorations of Mont Aigoual and the foothills of routes or quite literally "walk in the their valleys. Passionate volunteers the Cévennes with an incredible sense footsteps" of a famous writer! These who love their region invite you to of freedom. long trails pass through several dépar- share a bonding human experience On this vast headland towering tements, and offer superbly contras- with them by taking you to a wide 631 m above sea-level, you can try out ting landscapes: the Stevenson Trail range of out-of-the-way places. hang-gliding – unless, of course, you GR70, the Trail of Saint-Guilhem-le- are already experienced and would Désert, the Régordane Trail GR700, rather just take a course to perfect the Camino de Santiago (Arles your skills. Route) GR653, the "Grande Traversée Mont Bouquet is an ideal site for du Gard" GR6 and the brand new long-distance flights towards the "Urbain V" trail. plains: the record is close to 137 km!

34 NEW! The GR 42, from the Pilat to the Mediterranean The GR 42 is 452 km long and stretches from the Pilat regional nature park in the Auvergne to the Grand Site de France of the Gard Camargue. In the Gard, it passes through the hills and vineyards of the Côte du Rhône into the landscapes of the Camargue. The last stop on this itinerary, Le Grau du Roi-Port Camargue, opens onto the Mediterranean. This trail offers an incredible patchwork of landscapes. A topographical guide

will be published in autumn 2017. www.ffrandonnee.fr

THE GARD ON HORSEBACK The plethora of waymarked trails includes many horse tracks for riders. They take you through a wealth of contrasting and attractive landscapes, like the Rhône, the Pont du Gard, the Duchy of Uzès, the Gardon Gorge, the Cévennes and Mont Aigoual. For independent riders, the trail maps of the "Espaces" collection suggest a network of trekking trails accessible on foot, by bicycle, and on horseback. For the less informed, and those who prefer to have a guide, the département's equestrian tourism centres also offer half- day, full-day or multiple-day outings. AT A GLANCE VIARHÔNA: FROM LAKE FAVOURITES GENEVA TO THE THE NATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN BY ENDURANCE RUNNING BICYCLE FINALS AT THE NATIONAL You can cover part of this vast 700 km HARAS D'UZÈS itinerary by following the Canal Every October, the National Haras du Rhône à Sète, from Gallician to d'Uzès (stud farm) hosts the Young Aigues-Mortes, in the heart of the Gard Horses’ National Endurance Finals. Camargue: a "Grand Site de France" THE GARD BY BICYCLE Every year, this world-famous event ("Outstanding Site of France"). Families can enjoy over 40 km of attracts over 650 horses and 200 com- green trails, while those who prefer petitors, bringing together the most more energetic outings can explore promising young horses in the disci- The essentials the existing cycling discovery cir- pline, with 4-, 5- and 6-year-old horses The topographical guide Le Gard cuits, and later on, those being running 40, 60, 90 and 100 km-long à pied ("The Gard on Foot") and planned. For those who just want to circuits. A wonderful opportunity to the collection of guide maps on bike around, there is the Via Rhôna. discover the stud farm, its mission to hikes and open-air activities in The Gard: an up-and-coming cycling preserve horse breeds, and the discipline the natural area of the Gard. département. that makes it famous: team driving. Comprising over 20 guide maps, this collection has simplified FAVOURITES maps showing 100 to 300 km A FOUR-SEASON PROTECTED NATURAL AREA trail networks suitable for the three major hiking disciplines: Located in a protected area in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, Mont on foot, by mountain bike and on Aigoual (the highest point in the Gard) is an ideal place for lovers of nature horseback. and spectacular scenery. In addition to the Prat-Peyrot ski station, you will also find a playground designed for families, athletes and anyone who likes open air activities, available in all seasons. To be enjoyed without modera- tion: several hundred kilometres of multi-activity hiking trails, nature trails for studying the Aigoual forest and its wildlife, an observatory to watch the bighorn sheep of the Aigoual, a snow-shoe circuit, mountain bike trails, testing cycling circuits, an orienteering area and geocaching/treasure hunts.

Discover our press kit on open air activities. PRESS CONTACT: Valérie CROUINEAU - 06 19 45 31 16 - [email protected] More info on: http://www.tourismegard.com/accueil/bouger/randonnees/-a-pied

35 THE GARD nature

Canoeing/kayaking A cruise on the Canal du Rhône à Sète: an Port Camargue at Le Grau-du-Roi – along the Gardon extraordinary experience. a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Travel down the Gardon in a few swift paddle strokes towards the Pont du Gard, and marvel at these monumental Roman remains, and Watersports in the Gard listen to the crickets singing in the summer heat to the laughter of With traditional or trendy watersports, relaxation children, surprised by the on the canals and sporting activities along the Gardon, coldness of the water... a myriad aquatic pleasures await you here.

PORT CAMARGUE 400 additional mooring rings will AT LE GRAU-DU-ROI, be installed. Since the project also EUROPE’S LEADING aims to protect and promote natural MARINA areas and heritage sites, all this will With its 5,000 mooring rings, Le Grau be carried out with utmost respect du Roi-Port Camargue – Europe's lea- for the environment. ding marina – is a choice destination for watersports holidays. From the FAVOURITES fine sand beaches of this beach resort CRUISE IN THE to the large wild spaces protected by CAMARGUE FROM THE ECO-PADDLER AREA the dunes of L'Espiguette, a range AIGUES-MORTES Unique in the south of France, this of water activities including sailing, Several packages (week-end, short- canoe/kayak and stand-up paddle windsurfing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, stay and full-week) are offered for circuit combines an exploration of kite surfing, stand-up paddling and this getaway that reveals many facets nature, basic orienteering and spor- diving provide for all levels. Lovers of of the Camargue. From the height ting activities. the open sea can take off in sailboats of Aigues-Mortes' battlements, you Armed with a guidebook, you set off and catamarans for sporting adven- can admire the white stretches of in search of markers scattered along tures on the salty waves. the salt marshes. One of the stopo- the banks. Some of them give you a vers on the Camino de Santiago, small challenge in canoe-control. A NETWORK OF MODEL the Abbey of Saint-Gilles, takes the Others ask you a question on the MARINAS breath away with its magnificent wildlife and plants of the aquatic The eight marinas of the Canal du monumental portal and incredible environment – a simple one for child- Rhône à Sète, winners of the "Ports crypt. Nature lovers will be awed by ren, and a more complicated one for de plaisance exemplaires" ("Model the natural reserves and the carriage parents. Both fun and educational, Marinas") national call for projects, ride through bull herds. And let’s not this activity is ideal to share with have begun a process to improve their forget the wine tasting! families and friends! quality of life and optimise navigatio- nal capacity. In response to increasing Découvrez notre dossier de presse dédié aux activités de pleine nature. demand from sailing enthusiasts, 1, CONTACT PRESSE : Valérie CROUINEAU - 06 19 45 31 16 - [email protected]

36 The benefits of water Rejuvenate body and mind by immersing yourself in sea or fresh water and letting it wash away the stress. By the sea or in the countryside, nature in the Gard is teeming with therapeutic waters.

THALASSOTHERAPY IN THE CAMARGUE You find all the treasures of the sea at Port Camargue. Opening onto the marina with the beach as a backdrop, Thalazur Thelassotherapy & Spa specialises in health and fitness through marine products. Hydromassage baths, seaweed wraps, underwater showers and pressotherapy are there to invigorate you, along with slimming, anti-age and beauty programmes. All treatments are adapted to the biological rhythm of the body as it changes with the seasons.And Port Camargue is ideally located to bolster these health treatments with all kinds of sporting activities. Sea-loving spa customers can try out numerous watersports: sailboat outings, fishing, kite surfing or an introduction to stand-up paddling...And you need only venture a few kilometres inland to find yourself surrounded by all the marvels the Camargue has to offer: for example, you can take a 4x4 safari into the wild to discover the Camargue's flora and fauna, or spend a day with a herd of bulls to learn about traditional bull breeding. Another original outing is a mini-cruise on the canal linking the Rhône to Sète, when you can idly take in the landscapes of the Camargue as you gently drift along the water...

Thalazur, Les Bains de Camargue – thalassotherapy on the seafront. THERAPEUTIC WATERS IN THE CÉVENNES Between the Cévennes and the garrigue, the spa waters of Allègre-les-Fumades have been famous since Roman times! Today we know that their rich sulphuric hydrogen, magnesium and calcium content strengthens the body’s immune system and improves breathing and the entire respiratory system. The Fumades les Bains spa has been welcoming people to take the waters for over a century in a beautiful environment. It offers a range of thematic wellness and introductory courses. But you can just as easily go out into the protected landscapes of the Cévennes by yourself, take a deep breath of fresh air and admire the impressive narrow gorges of the Concluses from Lussan, stroll through the villages of the Cèze Valley, or wander along the scented paths of the garrigue... n

37 THE GARD diary

TERROIR AND TRADITIONS á The Apple and Onion á Le mois de la Truffe Fair, LE VIGAN (Month of the Truffle), – October UZÈS – January Large market with local A month devoted to the produce (70 producers), black diamond of cuisine. Pommes Reinette du Vigan are sold here, á Abrivado des plages, along with Onion Doux (Abrivado on the Beach) des Cévennes, and LE GRAU DU ROI / PORT- various activities and CAMARGUE events are laid on. – 1st Saturday of March Join the gathering of á Le Taureau dans tous around forty bulls on ses états (All about a vast sandy beach, as Bulls…), VIDOURLE / flanked by herdsmen CAMARGUE on horseback, the herd – late October charges through the Fun, educational, food- crowd, narrowly missing related activities to the most intrepid! explore the Camargue, its secrets and its á Garrigue en fête gastronomy. (Garrigue Celebrates), PONT DU GARD – April á Nîmes Toquée A huge market with (Nîmes Goes Wild), growers and their NÎMES – Novembre á Foire de la Brocante, á Nuits musicales d’Uzès produce, where you can Enjoy a week-end of (Flea Market) BARJAC – (Musical Nights of Uzès) discover local flavours and wine, culture and food in Easter and Assumption – July improvise a country picnic. iconic sites in the heart Antiques and a flea Highly popular with of Nîmes. market in a friendly music lovers, "Les Nuits á Les Vignes Toquées atmosphere. Musicales d’Uzès" (Crazy Vines), NÎMES á La Fête de l’Huile de welcome leading – May l’Avent (The Advent Oil á Les Grands Jeux performers of Baroque A gourmet walk through Celebration), NÎMES Romains (The Great and classical music the vineyards: an AREA – December Roman Games), NÎMES every year. opportunity to taste Visit to mills, the making – 29/30/ May 1st the best cuvées from and tasting of olive oil, Thrill-seeking Antiquity á Jazz à Junas over thirty labelled experimental harvests, lovers gather in the – July winemakers. cookery lessons, and more. Arena of Nîmes for a Big open air concerts: historical reconstruction. French artists and á Balade des jaugeurs FESTIVALS, musicians from all over de LIRAC, (Walk with the CELEBRATIONS á Fête de la Saint Pierre, Europe and the US. Gaugers of Lirac) – May MUSIC AND CULTURE (St Peter's Festival) Or how to combine good á Festival de la Biographie LE GRAU DU ROI – June á Festival de Nîmes food and explore Côtes (Biography Festival), A traditional fishermen's – July du Rhône wines of the NÎMES – Late January festival where the boats The Nîmes Arena turns right bank. For three days, are blessed, a mass into a pop/rock stage biography authors meet celebrating St Peter to host international á Journées their readers at the and a procession are artists. méditerranéennes de la Carré d’Art. held, and the boats Figue (Mediterranean set out to sea. á Festival Couleurs Days of the Fig), á Festival Flamenco, guitare (Guitar VÉZÉNOBRES NÎMES – January/ á Les Féeries du Pont Festival), MÉJANNES – September February du Gard (Wonders of – September Large-scale, festive This festival welcomes the Pont du Gard) – June A week-end at gastronomic event various great Spanish A show full of magic and Méjannes le Clap for celebrating this artists and reveals the poetry, mixing sound, light all kinds of guitarists, iconic fruit of the talents of singers, dancers and fireworks: perfect for with competitions, Mediterranean Region. and guitar players. families and friends. concerts and more.

38 Hiking in the Cévennes), á Challenge gardois FIRA , CÉVENNES – de VTT dans le Gard Assumption /All Saints (Mountain Bike Around 40 hikes in Challenge in the Gard) – hidden areas of the year-round programme Cévennes are on offer. 9 dates, 9 races, 9 sites! They promote sharing, This challenge is open to bonding and human all adepts of the sport, interaction, exploring and takes place in a local gastronomy along friendly atmosphere of the way, particularly at nature discovery and lunchtime! healthy competition.

SPORTING EVENTS á Challenge gardois á "Etoile de Bessèges des Trails (Trail dans le Gard": Cycling Challenge of the Gard) – – February year-round programme A large-scale bike race 8 dates, 22 races. that takes place around Activities for everyone. Bessèges in the Gard. á Challenge gardois des á Femina Va’a Cup, Duo nocturnes (Duo LE GRAU–DU–ROI – June Night Challenge of the Girls, sport, sea and a Gard) – year-round good helping of craziness. programme Unique in France! á Féria de Nîmes and their sheep to the á "Critérium des 6 challenges carried out – Pentecost and the 3rd summer pastures; a Cévennes", CÉVENNES, with the same team- week-end of September two-day programme to Automobile – October mate...at night! Twice a year, at discover the traditions This car rally, part Pentecost and during the linked with the of the France Rally * Non-exhaustive list; grape harvest, the city transhumance. Championship, takes place more information at celebrates the bull with in the low Cévennes, and www.tourismegard.com music, dance and wine. á Festival Randonnée en mainly in the département Cévennes (Festival of of the Gard. á Fête d’Aigues-Mortes (Festival of Aigues- Mortes) – October Have a whale of a time at Aigues-Mortes! Enjoy a festival full of concerts, plays, exhibitions, and activities based on the Camargue and various themes.

NATURE AND HIKING á Nature trips – All year round Thematic excursions to learn all about the wildlife and plants of the Gard.

á Fête de la Transhumance, (Transhumance Festival) ESPÉROU AIGOUAL – June A festival that celebrates the journey of shepherds

39 GARD TOURISM

3 rue Cité Foulc BP 122 30010 Nîmes cedex 4

Press contacts:

Carole Bedou [email protected] 04 66 36 96 43 Valérie Crouineau [email protected] 06 19 45 31 16

Oenotourism press kit, terroir press kit and APN press kit available on request

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