About 50 minutes away by car, Orange is more of a one-trick pony than Arles or Nimes, having as its main attraction its famous amphitheatre… but what a trick! It is well worth a visit and needs a whole afternoon … Read More
Nearby – Coming Soon
Places to Visit Nearby

Canal du Midi
We occasionally get asked about the Canal du Midi which is to the West of us. People often make an entire holiday out of cruising the canal but there are various points where you can take boat for a couple … Read More

Arles
One of our favourite towns. Again, Roman ruins abound – but, unlike in Nîmes, they have been absorbed into the fabric of the town. For us the most impressive are the foundations of the main market square (the Cryptoporticus), place … Read More

Sommières
Sommières is a beautiful market town with a bustling market on Saturday mornings. Its Roman bridge is still in use today. It is a good place to eat (plenty of restaurants), shop or just relax with an ice cream in … Read More

Carrières de Junas
Originally mined by Romans, this nearby quarry was used until this century with stone extracted still using their methods. Now it hosts an annual jazz festival and when it is not being used is a great place to picnic. There … Read More

Ambrussum
Go through Villetelle as though you are heading to Lunel and you will see signs to Ambrussum, where there are extensive Roman remains of a town and a sort of service station on the main road from Rome to Barcelona. … Read More

Montpellier
Consistently voted by French people as the city they would most like to live in, it is vibrant, cosmopolitan, young (big student population) with a huge boulevard at the centre where people congregate for coffee and are entertained by buskers. … Read More

Aigues-Mortes
A beautiful walled medieval town (13th century) with upmarket shops within the walls, which it is possible to walk around. It has a lively square at its centre which is a good place to eat out at night. There is … Read More

Pont du Gard
Roman aqueduct that used to supply water to Nimes. Fantastically well-preserved and an incredible feat of engineering. You can pay to go on a tour inside the water channel at the top of the aqueduct (well worth it – but … Read More

Nîmes
The Roman amphitheatre is a must – still used to this day for concerts etc. After that head to the Place de la Maison Carrée where there is a perfectly preserved 1st century BC Roman Temple opposite a Norman Foster … Read More
Activities

e-bike tours
Boisseron (10 minutes by car) Head out on a ruggedised e-scooter on tracks around Boisseron. All sorts of options are available from quick tours to longer ones, including tasting tours of local vineyards and foods. English and Spanish spoken (as … Read More

Cliff Jumping and Climbing
Vidourle River (5 minutes by bike) Head towards Villetelle and you will find Aubais Plage, a river beach popular with locals set beside a medieval water mill. Above the weir, the water is calm and curiously warm in the summer … Read More

Hot Air Ballooning
What a treat! You can either take off near the Pont du Gard or from Uzes (the source of the water for the aqueduct). If it’s Uzes, you will see the Roman town planning as you gently ascend. It’s an … Read More

Tree Tops
Climbing in the trees seems particular popular in France (think of Go Ape if you are English) and there are loads of courses. There is a good one nearby on the road to Sommières – but be warned, it can … Read More

Wine
Everywhere you go, there are vineyards you can visit and degustations you can do. More or less on the doorstep, on the way to Sommières, is the Domaine de Massereau which is family run and which offers tours and tastings … Read More

Windsurfing, Standup Paddle etc.
There are loads of places to do this, kitesurfing too… But our favourite is the salt water lake near La Grande Motte with windsurfers and paddle boards for hire. Instruction available too, with English spoken if required. There are often … Read More

Beaches
La Grande Motte (30 minutes away) is well-developed and a favourite of Parisiens. Busy but huge beaches so plenty of room and plenty of activities including tubing and windsurfing with showers on beach. You’d be advised to book activities in … Read More

Bulls
Each town has its own fête votive and each celebrates it with bulls. The fêtes seem to be coordinated such that there is one somewhere nearby each week during the summer. There is running with the bulls in the street, … Read More

Canoeing
A fun day out – but book in advance. The run out from Collias [windy roads to get there: 50 mins by car] brings you under the Pont du Gard (see post under Places to Visit), or a bit further … Read More
Restaurants

Aigo Boulido
Located in the village’s former wine cooperative, Aubaï Mema, overlooked by the château. Aubaï Mema still produces wines and is also the venue for tango dancing: eat whilst watching the world dance and drink wines made on the premises. Open … Read More

Le Bistro de Caro
Don’t be put off by the street that this oasis is accessed from… it’s well worth a visit. Different menu every day for weekday lunch (try their pork); tasting menu in the evening and at the weekends. Heavy emphasis on … Read More

Le Petit Jardin
One of our favourites in Montpellier, and a favourite amongst locals. Eat outside in the garden at the rear, which you’d never have guessed existed, having entered the restaurant from a narrow street. Near the Jardin des Plantes. Traditional with … Read More

Florès
In the heart of the village and a relatively new venture, opening its doors in June 2022. Open for lunch and evening meals every day apart from Thursday. Wines, tapas, salads and deserts on a shaded terrace. We ate here … Read More

Pizzeria La Squadra
Next door to the post office on Rue du Marquis: very good home made take out pizzas and burgers. Perfect if you want to stay in and can’t be bothered to cook / BBQ! Telephone in advance – they take … Read More

La Villa Vicha
On the outskirts of the village at 810 Chemin de Cardione, a reasonably upmarket restaurant in a lovely setting. Well worth a try. Usually possible to get a table. Tél. 04 66 80 24 24 to reserve. https://www.villavicha.com/fr/restaurant-aubais-gard