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The Gard department France
The capital of the Gard department is the city of Nimes, which was an important Roman settlement built by soldiers under the Emperor Augustus. In the centre of Nimes, you can still see remnants of the Roman times, including the Maison Carree (one of the best-preserved roman temples outside of Italy) and Les Arenes roman amphitheatre. But perhaps the most important Roman artifact, is the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct, that brought water from Uzes to Nimes.
Gard department, France
The Gard department (department number 30), was formed after the French Revolution and was named after the River Gardon. The Gard department borders both Provence and the Camargue and it shares the same laid back feel and old natural heritage of both these areas. The Gard area was settled by the Romans and the Via Domitia, the old Roman road from Rome to modern day Barcelona, was constructed in 118 BC.
The Gard has always been an important textile centre (the cloth for Denim jeans came from Nimes - de Nimes became Denim) and during the 19th Century it also became an important railway junction.
Tourist attractions Gard, France
On the coastline of the Gard department, on the Golfe de Lion, lies the ancient fishing port of Aigues Mortes. Well I say it is on the coastline, it is now actually 5kms inland, due to the river channel silting up. Aigues-Mortes was built in the 13th Century by Louis IX as a new port for France, but after the silt clogged up the access to the sea, a lot of the maritime traffic was transferred to nearby Marseille. Today however, it remains a well-preserved medieval town. Nearby to Aigues-Mortes, there is a fantastic beach called Espiguette, located near the resort town of Le Grau de Roi.
The Gard department contains many vineyards, but the landscape becomes more rocky and mountainous as you move inland. The villages tend to have a more Provençal flavour to them, with many of the old village houses using cut limestone, instead of the rough stone work of houses in the rest of the Languedoc. The Gard towns of Uzes and Sommieres are perhaps the most beautiful in Languedoc Roussillon.
Nimes: the old Roman town of Nimes, is the capital of the Gard department. With its old historical centre and remarkable Roman remains, including the Amphitheatre and the Maison Carrée, Nimes is a great place to spend a day in.
Uzes: the beautiful town of Uzes, situated in the Gard department is a delightful town to spend time in. The old Mansions that are dotted about the town, are witness to Uzes former wealth.
Sommeries: this picturesque town located in between Montpellier and Nimes, has a wide river running through it and a fantastic Saturday market that takes over the town (see Sommieres tourist information for more details)
Accommodation Gard, France
Go Languedoc has some excellent holiday rental properties to rent in the Gard department. Here is a selection of our more popular holiday rentals in Gard, France.
Mas Coton - Farmhouse in Provence for holiday rental with pool (sleeps 12)
Mas Coton is a renovated farmhouse in the Provence region of France. This large villa rentals property in Provence, France, features 6 bedrooms comfortably sleeping 12, a private pool and a fantastic outside space for those warm summer evening enjoying a glass of wine. Situated on the edge of Provence, Mas Coton is in a great location for exploring the Avignon, Uzes, Orange and Gard region of the South of France.
The holiday home is located in the charming village of Cavillargues, which has a local bar, a shop, a boulangerie, a butchers’ shop, post office, 2 hairdressers and a beauty salon (all within walking distance of the house). If you are looking for a Provence holiday rentals property with private pool which can accommodate 2-3 families or a group of friends, then this large farmhouse is the perfect place.
More information on Mas Coton - Farmhouse in Provence for holiday rental
Maison de Maitresse holiday home Uzes France with Pool
Maison de Maitress is a true gem. This beautiful South France holiday home is nestled in the centre of the beautiful village of St Maximin, just a few minutes from the historical town of Uzes, France. This large holiday home is covered in vines and comes with a wonderful walled garden, a shared swimming pool and a large terrace.
This charming holiday home on the edge of Provence, can sleep up to 9 people comfortably and is a wonderful place to have a large family holiday. The terrace is very large and is perfect for those al-fresco meals whilst soaking in that Summer sun!
More information on the Maison de Maitresse large South France holiday homes rental
Apartment Fleur South France holiday rental with pool
Apartment Fleur is located in the village of Canaules-et-Argentieres, close to both Nimes and Montpellier airports. This 2 bed holiday rental apartment in South France is located within a renovated 19th century stone house and comes with its own private terrace overlooking the large swimming pool and the Cevennes hills beyond.
There is a large shared pool (12m x 6m), a pool house with summer kitchen and barbecue, Jacuzzi, private parking and children’s play area. The apartment can comfortably accommodate 6 people.
More information on Apartment Fleur holiday renting in South France
