Presentation of destination Provence Occitane

    Provence Occitane is a land of sunshine where large unspoiled natural spaces rub shoulders with urban areas rich in history.  Its inhabitants, who reveal their inherited Provençal and Occitan cultures, have maintained their ancestral love of the land, the work of its fruits as well as the sense of tradition, family and festivity.
    Provence Occitane is located in the Gard department in the historical region of Occitania.  It borders the Vaucluse and Ardèche departments and the mountainous Cévennes area.  It is an extensive territory, bordered by the Rhône and the Ardèche rivers and crossed by the Cèze, the Tave and other smaller tributaries.
    Its landscapes are rich!  Forest, garrigue, orchards, vineyards, lavender fields and forty-four small towns and villages.
    The main population centre and central axis of the territory is Bagnols-sur-Cèze, a town of art and culture located downstream in the Cèze valley just before the river joins the Rhône.  The town hosts many events throughout the year.
    Provence Occitane is proud to count among its many delightful villages three that have been elected "Most Beautiful Village of France": Aiguèze, La-Roque-sur-Cèze and Montclus.
    Provence Occitane is a land of sunshine where large unspoiled natural spaces rub shoulders with urban areas rich in history.  Its inhabitants, who reveal their inherited Provençal and Occitan cultures, have maintained their ancestral love of the land, the work of its fruits as well as the sense of tradition, family and festivity.
    Provence Occitane is located in the Gard department in the historical region of Occitania.  It borders the Vaucluse and Ardèche departments and the mountainous Cévennes area.  It is an extensive territory, bordered by the Rhône and the Ardèche rivers and crossed by the Cèze, the Tave and other smaller tributaries.
    Its landscapes are rich!  Forest, garrigue, orchards, vineyards, lavender fields and forty-four small towns and villages.
    The main population centre and central axis of the territory is Bagnols-sur-Cèze, a town of art and culture located downstream in the Cèze valley just before the river joins the Rhône.  The town hosts many events throughout the year.
    Provence Occitane is proud to count among its many delightful villages three that have been elected "Most Beautiful Village of France": Aiguèze, La-Roque-sur-Cèze and Montclus.
    This is a region of France treated well by history! The first traces of human life date back to prehistoric times, but it is mainly Roman and Medieval vestiges that are still visible today.  They are open to the public and can be visited all year round.
    During your stay in the area you will have easy access to many outdoor sports:  walking, canoeing, road cycling, mountain biking, speleology, horse riding, and more.  Whether you are a beginner or an expert, all these activities are available to you to help you discover the beauty of the most secret landscapes.
    Many festivities bring together citizens and tourists throughout the year:  bread festival, pumpkin festival, pomegranate festival,...  Every village has its own tradition and its own way of gathering to celebrate! The Provençal bullfighting tradition genuinely bloodless, is also rooted in the habits and customs of certain villages.  Without forgetting the "votive" festivals of religious origin which today have become festive moments attracting young and old around fairground attractions.
    Last but not least, the produce of local soils is an integral part of the everyday life in Provence Occitane.  Farmers and producers will be pleased to talk to you about them.  People here eat and drink heartily and well!  Honey, fruits, truffles, tapenade, saucisson, goat cheese, all accompanied by good bread and subtle Côtes du Rhône Gardoises wine (consumed in moderation, of course!).
     
    Welcome to Provence Occitane, a land that delights the eyes, the heart and the taste buds!