Spring has arrived! The temperatures are mild again and the days are getting longer. Are you dreaming again of getting away from it all, of staying in the sun for Ascension or Whitsun? See the rest of this article for some travel inspiration for spring!
Dive into the history of the Gard
From the Mediterranean Sea to the wild Camargue, via the Unesco listed Cévennes, the Gard is an authentic department of southern France.
Aigues-Mortes
Located in the Camargue region of Gard, the town of Aigues-Mortes is well worth a visit, especially during the spring season. A visit to Aigues-Mortes is a must during a stay in the Camargue.
Ramparts and towers of Aigues-Mortes
- The ramparts and towers of Aigues-Mortes
When you go to Aigues-Mortes, you go for the cultural wealth. The ramparts offer a superb panorama of the roofs of the surrounding towns and you will also have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the walled city. The route is almost 2 kilometres long and starts at the Constance Tower. This is the most impressive tower!
- Visit the salt pans. Still on the list of must-sees, head for the salt pans, located south of the walled city. It is possible to visit the salt pans in different ways: on foot, by bike, in a 4×4 or by small train with a guide if necessary. From summer onwards, it is possible to visit the Fleur de Sel harvesting sites with a guide, to observe the work of the salt workers, who take care of preserving this nature in its natural state.
Nîmes
The arena is a must-see in Nîmes! During this visit, we recommend that you opt for an audio guide, to better understand the history of the place and allow you to imagine the scenes told.
The arenas of Nîmes are quite impressive by their size (133m long and 101m wide). During the 1st century, the arena hosted wild animal hunts and gladiatorial fights. Today, this place is used for concerts, bullfights or congresses etc.
The Musée de la Romanité is also worth a visit! It exhibits more than 5000 pieces and 25 centuries of history in order to tell the story of Nîmes.
In the sun, towards the Var
The Var is a department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur region, with a surface area of more than 6,000km2.
The Verdon gorges
Ideal in spring, to avoid the July-August crowds which are saturated during this period, the lake of Castillon, emerald blue and surrounded by mountains is splendid. It is possible to drive around the lake and swim on the beaches. There are also some more intimate beaches, which you can find by driving along the road. At the lake of Castillon, it is also possible to do several water activities such as paddle or canoeing.
Fréjus
Situated in the heart of Provence, between the calanques and the beaches, Fréjus was the first military port in the Roman Mediterranean. There are many things to see, museums, artists’ studios, aqueducts, arenas, chapels…
Apart from the beaches and the harbour, the cathedral of Sainte Léonce is a must-see. Listed as a historical monument since 1862, its white stone architecture is particularly pretty! The interior is also very authentic, with its furniture dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
For nature lovers, the Aréca park is a pretty green area in the city centre. It is located in an ideal setting, by the sea, and it is covered with numerous hundred-year-old trees and a small stream. It’s not a very big place, but it offers a nice walk to relax and enjoy the sea air!