The Gard and the Water
Do you like water? Then the Gard will know how to satisfy you.
Apart from the swimming pool from Le Mas des Sages, where it is nice to relax, to splash around, swim or play, there also is... the Gardon of course. The Gardon has its source in the Cévennes, and flows into the Rhône near the city of Beaucaire. The river passes under the Pont du Gard, to the joy of kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts, including swimmers. Its banks and gorges offer many possibilities for hikes and walks .
Closer to the Mas des Sages, you can a spot to fish for trout. A pretty little lake awaits fishermen in Aigaliers, next to the aquatic park La Bouscarasse, in a friendly and good-natured atmosphere. A small tavern ("guinguette") offers refreshments and small meals.
A superb pond is located in La Capelle-et-Masmolène, a few kilometers from Saint-Quentin-la -Poterie, a pure delight for the ornithologists among you. This pond is an impluvium, that is to say a rainwater reservoir, a rare body of water in the usual scrubland of the Gard. Its area is 42 ha and the biodiversity is remarkable.
Scuba diving enthusiasts will be happy in Le Grau du Roi . The sea is beautiful there, and in particular the Espiguette beach of Espiguette is worth the detour. Try to go there early in the morning or at the end of the day, or even better off season, to fully enjoy this unspoiled and wild environment. Take the opportunity to visit the Camargue and its typical fauna: Camargue horses, bulls, pink flamingos. Change of scenery guaranteed.
If you prefer to go boating elsewhere than on the sea, do not miss the river port of Aramon or that of Vallabrègues, located on the Rhône. It is a little bit further away from Aubussargues, but once there, you will be very close to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon where you can visit the Chartreuse Notre Dame du Val de Bénédiction, the Philippe Lebel tower and the Saint André fort. Or cross the Rhône and discover the Palais des Papes in Avignon.
This is only a small selection, but you understand it: between rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, and of course the sea, the Gard offers many water points for all kinds of activities and outings, and in all seasons .
Photo credit: Emmanuel Patoux