Exploring Sommieres, Uzès and the Foothills of the Cevennes from one of our Languedoc or Provence Holiday Villa Rentals.

Click on a picture to enlarge, then use the left/right arrow keys to browse
Scroll down to read more about Provence

Regional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the CevennesRegional Picture - Gard and the Foothills of the Cevennes

Exploring Sommieres, Uzès and the Foothills of the Cevennes from one of our Languedoc or Provence Holiday Villa Rentals.

If you happen to rent one of our villas in the Languedoc or Provence you will be seduced by the Provençal countryside surrounding the towns of Sommières, Uzes and Alès.  Situated amongst vineyards and olive groves and bordered to the north by the Cévennes National Park, and by the Camargue National Park to the South, this region has so much to offer for a fantastic and memorable holiday. The quintessentially French villages are dotted around with their colourful markets and relaxed cafés, numerous wine estates offer tours and tastings, many activities are possible in the wild garrigue, from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing, canoeing and horse riding. The beaches are not far away and the cosmopolitan cities of Montpellier and Nîmes are within an hour’s drive.

All our holiday villas in Provence

All our holiday villas in Languedoc Roussillon

All our holiday villas in the Cote d'Azur

Getting There

And now it’s so easy to get to your Languedoc or Provence Holiday Villa! Due to the popularity of the region, particularly amongst the British, Eurostar have decided to extend the direct 6 hour summer service from Ashford to Avignon by two weeks (28 June -13 September),  a permanent service will start from 2015. This regio  becoming more and more accessible for the holiday makers renting self-catering properties in the Languedoc or Provence with flights available to Nimes, Avignon, Marseille, Beziers and Montpellier.

Rent a self-catering Holiday Villa near  Sommières to discover this medieval jewel of a town

If you are renting one of our holiday properties in Sommières it is the ideal place to start exploring the Gard region. Located halfway between Nîmes and Montpellier, you will see the landscape is mostly laid to grapevine. And so it should be of no surprise that œnotourisme – (Wine Tourism) is one of the most popular activities in the area.

While staying in either one of our rental villas in Sommières you will learn that it is known as a medieval city with ‘medieval entertainment’ being held regularly in the courtyard of the historic château.  The bridge over the Vidourle river was constructed in the 1st century to link Nîmes and Toulouse.  It was originally made up of 20 arches and was more than 200 metres long.  After the Pont du Gard, this is one of the most important roman bridges in the Gard region, in Provence. The length of the bridge allowed the two banks of the river to link, despite the numerous floods that have occurred over the years.  In the 10th century houses were built on the bridge and people lived there, just like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

Our Holiday Villas in and near Sommieres, the Gard are;

Bastide Langlade ref GR011A (sleeps 12) – Provencal Villa Rental in the Gard

In the South of France, near Sommières a charming 18th Century Provencal style vineyard farmhouse, renovated in an eclectic style, heated swimming pool, on the edge of a pretty village with views to open countryside

Le Vieux Moulin ref GR012A (sleeps 27) – Provencal Holiday Accommodation for large groups

Villa Gallargues ref GR017A (sleeps up to 11) - South of France villa, near to Nimes and Montpellier. Large private pool, 6 bedrooms, Master Suite with air-conditioning. Walking distance to village with restaurants and shops. The beaches at Grand-Motte just 25km away.


For more information about Sommières:
Sommières Tourist Office
5, Quai Frederic Gaussorgues,
30250 SOMMIERES
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 80 99 30
Email: ot.sommieres@wanadoo.fr
Website: www.ot-sommieres.fr
Opening Hours:
October to May:
Monday to Friday 09.30-12.30 and 14.00-17.30. Saturday 09.30-12.30
June to September:
Monday to Saturday 09.30-12.30 and 14.00-18.00 (open until 19.00 from 12th July until 14th August)

Discovering the magic of Uzès from one of our Holiday Villas in Provence

West of Avignon, and only 13 kilometres from the UNESCO Certified Pont du Gard while renting one of our cottages in Provence you can discover  the magic of Uzès.  Uzès is famed as a centre for artistic inspiration and it boasts many art galleries and museums.
Plant lovers will be thrilled to fall upon the many “secret gardens” hidden around the city. The “Duche” is the chateau located in the centre and it has been inhabited by the Cressol family and the Dukes of Uzès for 1000 years!
The Wednesday and Saturday markets on Place aux Herbes will thrill your senses with colour, and perfume. Why not relax at one of the many cafés, glass of local rosé in hand and enjoy the unmistakable French experience. 

The chateau is open for visitors on Saturdays; Entrance €10
Place du Duché
30700 Uzès
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 22 18 96
Website: www.uzes.com

La Musée d’Uzès
Fine art, archaeological and pre-historic artefacts.
Website: http://uzesmusee.blogspot.fr/p/museum-in-english.html

Holiday Accommodation near Usez, Provence:

Domaine Fontaine du Mas ref GR010A  Holiday Accommodation for Large Groups in Provence.

Markets

Sommières – Saturday morning. Also, the Marché sur l’Artisanat en Nocturne – with creations by local artists – Every Wednesday evening in July and August from 18.00-23.00.
Calvisson – Sunday morning.
Quissac – Wednesday morning
Sauve – Saturday morning
Corconne – Sunday morning
Uzès – Wednesday and Saturday
Vergez – Thursday
Nimes – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

All the Activities to do while renting one of our Holiday Rentals in Provence

If you have rented a holiday property in Provence DO NOT MISS! The incredible Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The entry price includes the Museum, “Memoires de Garrigue”, Exhibition, Cinema and Resource Centre. If you are there in mid-June the amazing Light and Sound show; “Les Fééries Du Pont” is an incredible experience : http://www.pontdugard.fr/en/agenda
La Bégude,
400 Route du Pont du Gard,
30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Telephone : 00 33 (0)4 66 37 50 99
Website : www.pontdugard.fr

Le Pic Saint Loup. For the outdoorsy holiday types there are many outdoor activities to enjoy around Pic Saint Loup, such as climbing, hiking, mountain biking and paragliding among many others. Of course there are also the local wines to explore, which are known to be among the best in the Languedoc – Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint Loup.
Website: www.tourisme-picsaintloup.fr

The Cevennes Steam Train – Depart from Anduze or Saint-Jean-du-Gard.  For a relaxing journey across the Cevennes.
Website: www.trainavapeur.com

La Bambouseraie – if you have had enough of sitting by the pool in one of our private villas in Provence and the kids are getting restless La Bambouseraie is highly recommended as a place to visit.  A bamboo forest, unique in Europe, created in 1856. The park has been cared for by the same family for the past 100 years. You will find more than 150 varieties of bamboo, as well as gardens with exotic trees and plants. Open from 1st March to 15th November, 7 days per week.
Domaine de Prafrance,
30140, Générargues Anduze
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 61 70 47

Horses and Bulls of the Camargue: From the town of Villevieille you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride and discover the local vineyards, garrigues, and the wild Camargue bulls and horses.

Cycling

For keen cyclists who are renting one of our Provencal Holiday Gites , there are over 200km of cross-country cycling routes. 5 of which have just been opened by the FFC ( Fédération Française de Cyclisme). For more information: www.ffc.fr  It is also possible to start a challenging 40km circuit from Sommières or one of four shorter, circuits ranging from easy to difficult which begin at nearby Calvisson.

Canoeing
If you happen to be a keen water sports lover and enjoy activity holidays, Provence has plenty of rivers and lakes to explore if you are renting a Family Villa in Provence from us.  Canoes and kayaks can be hired on the Vidourle River at Sommières. There are routes from 6kms to 26 kms. The canoes can be hired for half a day - €15 or a whole day - €20. Children under 12 are half price.
Telephone: 00 33 (0)6 28 35 05 75
Website: www.kayak-tribu.com

Climbing
A guided climb on ropes crossing the Vidourle River. Including a 40m zip-line and a monkey rope bridge (20m high).
Telephone: 00 33 (0)6 29 77 25 15
Website: www.bureaudesmoniteurs.fr

Fishing
A fishing pass can be bought from the local Tourist Office. Numerous species of fish can be found in the river Vidourle. Jacques Chazal is the local Fishing Guide/Instructor.
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 77 40 13

Beaches

There is nothing like lying on the beach for a holiday relax!  Plenty of beaches to choose from if you are staying in one of our luxury retreats in Provence.  The nearest beaches in the region are:
La Grande Motte – 7kms of sandy beaches with lifeguard surveillance during summer. Private beaches available such as La Plage des Bikinis - Many shop and restaurants nearby.
Le Grau du Roi – This is a fishing village with beaches on either side; Plage de Rive Droit and Plage de Rive Gauche.

Wine Tasting and Tours
For our clients whose pleasure it is to go and wine-taste in Provence there is nothing easier than booking a wine-tour while staying in a luxury villa in Provence, where some concierge services may be available, and booking a few days going round the local wine Domaines would be the thing to do.

Mas Montel,  Mas Granier
Open Monday to Saturday and by appointment on Sundays and Fête Days.
Chemin Mas Montel
30250 Aspères
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 80 01 21
Website: https://www.masgranier.fr/

Mas des Cabres
Caveau open from April to September: Monday to Saturday 11.00 to 13.00 and 17.00 to 20.00, and from October to March: Monday to Saturday from 17.00 to 20.00. Or by appointment.
Nathalie and Florent Boutin,
Le Plan – Cidex 1160,
30250 Aspères
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 80 05 60
Website: www.masdescabres.com

Winerest
For wine and gastronomic tours around Uzès.
Website:  www.winerist.com

For Kids

If you are looking for kids’ entertainment while renting a Provencal holiday Gite here are some great ideas for kid’s outings in Provence:

Green Park / La Ferme Enchantée – A fantastic day out for the kids, Green Park has many farm animals including ponies to ride. Also, a large recreation area including climbing frames, trampolines, bouncy castle, go-karts, a cycle track and an aquatic play area with water jets and water slide.
Green Park / La Ferme Enchantée is in Sainte-Chaptes (30190)
Telephone: 00 33 (0)6 28 32 72 47
Website: www.ferme-enchantee.fr

Donkey Rides – A fun walk through the countryside on a donkey. Open all year, 7 days a week, on reservation. From €15.
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 01 24 43
Mobile: 00 33 (0)6 14 86 09 70

The Haribo Museum –Find out how the world-famous confectionary is made, and how they were made 100 years ago. With fun activities for the kids.
Website: www.haribo.com

Where to Eat

One cannot holiday in Provence and not be seduced by its gastronomic flavours. So we have put together a little guide which should help you find good family restaurants when you rent a private villa in Provence from our company; whether a wow-factor designer villa with an infinity pool, or a stone built Provencal mas with a heated pool this should prove useful to find your way round a few of the local eateries in the Gard.

Sommières and the Surrounding Area -
Le Château de Salinelles
A warm, rustic interior and a traditional gourmet menu. With a large terrace and an open fire in the winter.  Set menus from €25 to €48 and “à la carte”. Reservation is recommended.
Route de Sommières,
30250 Salinelles
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 51 07 14
Website: http://www.ochateausalinelles.com/

Chez Lili
A Caribbean speciality restaurant. Open from April until September.
Rue du Fournil,
30250 Salinelles
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 80 95 82

La Guinguette
Situated right on the river, with beautiful countryside views.
Lecques
GPS: +43° 50’ 10.50” x +4° 3’ 53.35”
Telephone: 00 33 (0)6 87 96 31 56

Le Nulle Part Ailleurs
A Mediterranean restaurant, very tastefully decorated, with a very friendly staff and excellent food. Price from €15 to €30.
11, Rue Paulin Capmal,
30250 Sommières
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 80 00 34

La Table du Quai

Traditional cuisine with a seasonal menu. Open Monday to Saturday.
Quai Cléon Griolet,
30250 Sommières
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 88 62 38

Around Uzès -
L’Artemise
A beautiful stone mas with a rustic terrace overlooking the garden. This restaurant is recommended in the 2014 Michelin Guide. From €35 to €70.
Chemin de la Fontaine aux Bœufs,
30700 Uzès
Telephone : 00 33 (0)4 66 63 94 14
Website: www.lartemise.com

Au Petit Jardin
A restaurant, wine bar and jazz café. From €11. Closed on Sundays.
66 Boulevard Gambetta,
30700 Uzès
Telephone: 00 33 (0)4 66 81 56 88
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aupetitjardinuzes/info

Holiday Properties to Rent in Uzès, Sommières and the Cevennes

If this guide has whetted your appetite for a holiday in the South of France, take a look at some of the properties we have on offer in the region around Sommières, Uzès and the foothills of the Cevennes. Whether it’s a Modern Villa with a Private Pool, an ancient Water Mill with capacity for 27 People or a Stone Built Bastide in a small Village, we certainly have a wide range of accommodation to choose from in the Languedoc, Cevennes and Provence. Villas in the Gard Department of France