Vallon-Pont-d’Arc

The Gorges de l'Ardèche stretch for approximately 30 kilometers between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche, cutting through a limestone plateau in the south of the Ardèche. At the entrance stands the Pont d'Arc, a natural rock arch over the river. By canoe, you see the steep limestone cliffs up close; from the panoramic road D290, you look down into the gorge from above. Nearby lies the Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche, a replica of the Chauvet Cave with its Ice Age paintings. In spring and autumn, it's significantly less busy than in summer.

The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. The approximately 49-meter-high bridge spans the Gardon and was part of a roughly 50-kilometer-long aqueduct system that brought spring water from Uzès to Nîmes in the 1st century AD. You can admire the three superimposed rows of arches up close and cross the river via the lower level. A museum and visitor center explain its construction and history. In the late afternoon, the light is warm and the crowds are smaller. In summer, you can swim in the Gardon below the bridge; a walk along the banks offers additional perspectives.

Historical Avignon in Provence is inextricably linked to its time as a papal seat in the 14th century. Its imposing city walls enclose an Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be particularly impressed by the Palais des Papes, Europe's largest Gothic palace, and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge, known as the Pont d'Avignon. Stroll through the narrow streets and bustling squares to experience the city's authentic flair. From the Rocher des Doms rock, you can also enjoy a wide view over the city and the Rhône. For a more relaxed experience, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the summer heat and peak tourist crowds.

The Provence in southeastern France stretches from the Rhône Valley into the Pre-Alps and to the coast near Marseille. Here you'll find Roman structures, medieval hilltop villages, lavender fields on the plateaus, the Verdon Gorges, and lively cities like Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. Additionally, there are markets, wine, and a cuisine rich in vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.

Saint-Gilles is a small town on the edge of the Petite Camargue in the Gard département, about 20 kilometres south of Nîmes. It is known for its abbey church, whose Romanesque west facade from the 12th century counts among the most important sculptural works of Romanesque art in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. There are also a small old town, a harbour on the Canal du Rhône à Sète and the bull and rice culture of the Camargue.