Alès and surroundings

Capital of the Cévennes, this town is perfectly positioned between the Cévennes and the Mediterranean Sea.

In the centre of Alès, a few historical monuments are worth a visit; the 12th century Saint Jean Baptiste Cathedral built on a mixture of Roman, neo-classical and Gothic styles. Classified as a historical monument, the Fort Vauban dating from the 17th century, or rather the citadel of Alès was built on the Roque with its charming garden of the Bosquet, deserves to be visited at least once for its rich history.

You will be able to gain height by walking up the hill of the Hermitage which is also classified as a historical monument. This place shelters all the vestiges of a Gallo-Roman oppidum. After a 2-hour walk, you will reach the highest point, the Belvedere of the Chapel of Notre Dame des Mines. A breathtaking panoramic view of the Cévennes awaits you there.

A cultural moment will be reserved for you to understand the history of Alès and its surroundings with the Colombier museum and its magnificent French garden. This museum of fine arts and archaeology abounds with beautiful treasures such as pieces, paintings and sculptures dating from prehistory to the 20th century. This superb museum was a former 18th century mansion in the city centre.

Iron and coal, two key materials that have marked the history of this city. La Grand'Combe, 15 min from Alès is the mining basin of the Cévennes; it houses the miner's house. It is a museum that is really worth a visit to better understand the life of the miners, their tools and their daily life.

During your visit in the heart of this town, take the opportunity to refresh yourself in the floral park "Les Camelias de la Prairie". This charming garden is home to more than 300 varieties of camellias. It's an ideal place for a walk or a picnic with friends or family.

Superb houses close to the centre of Alès, some modern and others renovated to the taste of the day will charm you. Pretty grounds with or without swimming pool reserve beautiful floral essences. Some apartments in the town centre have kept their old charm.

Soon in the summer, the capital of the Cévennes is located about 1 hour from the sea; the town of Alès has developed the banks of the Gardon with white sand so that the people of Ales as well as the holidaymakers can enjoy the sun as they do by the sea. Several facilities have been put in place, such as water or sports activities (canoeing, jet-skiing, pedal boats, yoga and a volleyball court) or evening entertainment with a DJ such as shows, concerts and parties. For the greatest joy of your children or grandchildren, the Urban Parc, this huge park of nearly 1000 m² combining board sports, street art and accrobranche will make you spend crazy days in the heart of downtown Alès.

Shopping malls (Les Allemandes and Porte Sud) are accessible at the corners of the town to improve your daily life. A train station and a bus network has also been set up to allow the city to be better served.

Various roads allow you to reach the big cities such as Avignon, Nîmes, Uzès, Montpellier, Sommières or Bagnols sur Cèze.

South west of Alès, you will go to meet Anduze, this small authentic village at the gates of the Cevennes.

South of Alès, Vézénobres is a small village famous for its production of dried figs.

To the west of Alès, go for a visit of Saint-Jean-du Gard, this charming little Cévennes village. Get some height by going to observe the Mont Aigoual in Valleraugue.

Further east, you will certainly be charmed by Uzès, "City of Art and History", with its impressive architecture and historical monuments. You will surely fall in love with the Mont Bouquet offering a superb view of the garrigue. When you arrive in this magnificent region, you have surely heard about the Cirque de Navacelles which abounds in an exceptional nature.

North of Alès, you will know all the mining history when you arrive at La Grand'Combe. Just above, Génolhac at the foot of Mont Lozère is a superb medieval village dotted with 15th century granite houses.

You will have the opportunity to visit all these villages with fascinating stories as soon as you arrive in the heart of this beautiful region.

A young and dynamic town, several festivities are organised throughout the year to celebrate festive days or to bring this wonderful town to life.

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