📍
France
CÈZE VALLEY: ANCIENT GORGES AND PERCHED MEDIEVAL VILLAGES
Limestone gorges plunging toward the river, medieval villages defying gravity, Roman ruins and prehistoric caves. The Cèze Valley, history distilled.
≈ 14
Days
244
Km
14
Stops
Explore Cèze Valley and its limestone terrain. Cross Montclus perched above the river, observe Vallon-Pont-d'Arc's natural arch, then anchor the journey at Uzès and Nîmes where Roman heritage structures the landscape.
- Montclus: clifftop medieval perch
- Vallon-Pont-d'Arc: prehistoric natural arch
- Uzès: roman Renaissance grace town
- Nîmes: amphitheater ancient splendor
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Perched village dominated by castle ruins; narrow white stone streets clustered around the central square.
2
Bridge over the Cèze and shaded banks with ancient fords, offering viewpoints on the meander.
3
Belvedere above the vineyards to read the landscape of terraces and riparian forest.
Activities
→
Walking loop along the Cèze (3–5 km) to observe mills, fords and riverside fauna.
→
Landscape sketching workshop on the belvedere (light equipment).
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
12min
2
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Renaissance town around the Château square; private mansions and vaulted passages.
2
Renaissance tower and remaining ramparts offering views of the lower Cévennes.
3
Capucins Chapel and Vergeyrars porch, witnesses to local religious heritage.
Activities
→
Architectural stroll in the old center with photo survey of sculpted details.
→
Countryside walk around the plateau (4–6 km) between low walls and terraced crops.
Next stop
Distance:
18 km
Travel time:
22min
3
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Pont d'Arc, monumental natural arch at the entrance to the Ardèche gorges.
2
Interpretation space of the decorated cave (Chauvet 2) and alluvial landscapes of the Ardèche.
3
Old center of Vallon with traces of former merchant activity.
Activities
→
Approach walk to the Pont d'Arc viewpoints and observation of limestone strata.
→
Short riverside loop (3–4 km) on marked trail, outside sensitive areas.
Next stop
Distance:
29 km
Travel time:
35min
4
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Restored and illuminated church in the evening; facades on the ledge overlooking the Ardèche.
2
Walkway passing under the private Saracen tower and keep.
3
Viewpoint over the gorge exit with silhouettes of Ventoux on clear days.
Activities
→
Viewpoint loop along the cliff (2–4 km), geomorphological reading.
→
Stroll through cobbled streets to the old oil mill.
Next stop
Distance:
22 km
Travel time:
27min
5
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Perched village with panorama over the Cèze valley; preserved medieval layout.
2
Church backed against the ancient ramparts, choir originating from the castle chapel.
3
Western belvedere overlooking vineyards, olive groves and riverside woods.
Activities
→
Ramparts pathway and viewpoints (2–3 km).
→
Landscape observation of agricultural terraces and guided landscape reading.
Next stop
Distance:
6 km
Travel time:
7min
6
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Central canal bordered by plane trees giving it the nickname "little Gard Venice".
2
Abbey church and hydraulic remains linked to local springs.
3
Craftsmen's workshops and village streets, punctuated by small bridges over the canal.
Activities
→
Walking route along the canal and washhouses, with structured photo points.
→
Gentle bike loop towards wine-growing hamlets (10–15 km).
Next stop
Distance:
3 km
Travel time:
3min
7
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Medieval village on rocky outcrop; cobbled streets and rampart remains.
2
Classified Charles-Martel bridge, crossing the Cèze at the foot of the village.
3
Sautadet waterfalls downstream, landscape of potholes and limestone slabs.
Activities
→
Secure pedestrian route to the waterfall viewpoints (respect prohibited areas).
→
Heritage trail through the upper village and the Romanesque chapel.
Next stop
Distance:
16 km
Travel time:
20min
8
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Carthusian monastic complex founded in the 13th century, large and small cloisters.
2
Conventual church topped with glazed tiles and aligned chapels.
3
Valbonne state forest, Mediterranean relic with varied tree species.
Activities
→
Heritage trail within the walls (self-guided visit map).
→
Peripheral forest trail (4–6 km) for edges, low walls and capitelles.
Next stop
Distance:
13 km
Travel time:
16min
9
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Place Mallet, medieval layout and arcades around the merchant heart.
2
Town hall and classical facades of old streets.
3
Local museography (exteriors) and historical plaques route.
Activities
→
Urban circuit "old center" connecting squares and alleyways.
→
Walk on the banks of the Cèze downstream for views of the Rhône relief.
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
8min
10
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Oppidum of Camp de César (Laudun plateau) with walls and circular towers.
2
Remains of roads, ancient habitats and places of worship (oratory and chapel).
3
Panorama over the Rhône corridor, the Cèze and the Tave.
Activities
→
Archaeological loop on the plateau (3–5 km) with interpretation of defensive features.
→
Simple orientation workshop on map and identification of former access points.
Next stop
Distance:
29 km
Travel time:
35min
11
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Duchy and protected sector around the place aux Herbes.
2
Source of Eure, origin of the Roman aqueduct to Nemausus.
3
Route of private mansions and medieval towers.
Activities
→
Urban heritage itinerary connecting the place aux Herbes, the Duchy and the belvederes.
→
Walk to the source of Eure and reading of the aqueduct departure (gentle round trip).
Next stop
Distance:
13 km
Travel time:
16min
12
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Pont du Gard, monumental section of the Nîmes aqueduct above the Gardon.
2
Aqueduct museum (exteriors and site interpretation trail).
3
Right bank and left bank belvederes, views of the three levels of arches.
Activities
→
Pedestrian loop of the banks and old maintenance paths (4–6 km).
→
Observation of Roman techniques: opus quadratum and slope management.
Next stop
Distance:
29 km
Travel time:
35min
13
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Palace of the Popes and episcopal complex at the heart of the ramparts.
2
Pont Saint-Bénézet and banks of the Rhône facing Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
3
Place de l'Horloge and medieval layout of the old center.
Activities
→
Intra-muros route along the ramparts and major squares.
→
Urban reading of Gothic and classical facades around the palace.
Next stop
Distance:
49 km
Travel time:
59min
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Arènes de Nîmes and ancient layout of the Roman city.
2
Maison Carrée and ancient forum reinterpreted by modern squares.
3
Tour Magne and jardins de la Fontaine at the foot of the sacred spring.
Activities
→
Ancient route linking Arènes, Maison Carrée and Jardins (2–3 km).
→
Ascent to Tour Magne for panorama over the Nîmes plain.
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - France
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in France?
Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.