At the gates of history: from the Mediterranean to the Camargue
At the edge of Languedoc and Provence, the Gard and its surroundings form a unique crossroads where ancient heritage, Southern traditions and the gentle art of living come together. Between the Cévennes, fragrant garrigue and vineyard plains, this area offers travellers a mosaic of emblematic cities, each with a strong identity and a way of life all its own. Nîmes, Montpellier, Arles, Avignon… evocative names that invite you on a journey through heritage, culture and gastronomy.
For those staying at villa Aux Cyprès du Sud, the choice is wide: in less than an hour by car, you can discover these must-see cities, each revealing a different facet of the South. Far from being simple tourist stops, they can be explored as full experiences in themselves: wandering through historic streets, tasting local flavours at markets, enjoying vibrant festivals or strolling past listed monuments. This guide offers an immersion into the region’s four flagship cities, true cultural and artistic landmarks, to enrich your holidays and give your stay an unforgettable depth.
Nîmes, the French Rome in the heart of the Gard
It is hard to talk about the Gard without mentioning its historic capital: Nîmes, often nicknamed “the French Rome”. Here, time seems to have left some of its most spectacular traces. Ancient monuments appear unexpectedly alongside modern boulevards, giving the city an incomparable charm.
The must-see sites of ancient heritage
- The Arena of Nîmes: remarkably well preserved, it still hosts concerts, shows and the famous férias.
- The Maison Carrée: a Roman temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, and an exceptional example of ancient architecture.
- The Tour Magne and the Jardins de la Fontaine: a green haven in the heart of the city, where history and leisurely walks meet.
A lively and festive city
Nîmes is not only about ancient stone. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with popular events. Music festivals, exhibitions and a rich cultural calendar give these historic places a constantly renewed energy.
If you visit Nîmes in early June, do not miss the famous Pentecost Feria, one of the major events in the South of France. Every year, more than a million visitors come to enjoy five days of celebration, as bullfighting traditions, corridas, abrivados, flamenco music and street entertainment transform the city into a true open-air theatre. The Arena and the historic centre become the beating heart of the event, creating a unique atmosphere where heritage, culture and Mediterranean conviviality come together.
Taste the Nîmes art of living
You cannot leave Nîmes without sampling its gastronomy: brandade de morue, Pélardon cheese from the Cévennes or wines from the Costières de Nîmes appellation. Les Halles market, lively and colourful, is a true invitation to culinary discovery. The shaded terraces of the Écusson, the historic centre, complete this immersion into the Mediterranean art of living.
Nîmes, an ideal starting point
For guests staying at Aux Cyprès du Sud, Nîmes is around 40 minutes away by car. It is the perfect excursion for combining cultural visits, city walks and gourmet breaks, before returning to the calm and comfort of the villa.
Montpellier, a vibrant and creative Mediterranean city
Between the sea and the hinterland, Montpellier charms visitors with its energy and unique blend of tradition and modernity. Wandering through the Écusson, the historic centre with its winding medieval streets, you will discover charming little squares, elegant townhouses and the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral, with its impressive fortified porch. The Place de la Comédie, the beating heart of the city, brings together lively terraces and elegant façades around the Opera House.
But Montpellier does not live only through its past: it has also become a modern cultural capital. MO.CO. (Montpellier Contemporain) attracts art lovers with bold exhibitions, while other museums and galleries celebrate contemporary creation in all its forms.
Families are not forgotten either: the Lunaret Zoo, a vast free natural park, is home to giraffes, lions and many other species in a green setting. Nearby, the Mare Nostrum Aquarium offers a fascinating dive into the marine world, ideal for children and adults alike.
As evening falls, Montpellier reveals another side of itself: night markets, street concerts, a lively student atmosphere… the Mediterranean spirit is everywhere.
Located just 50 minutes by car from villa Aux Cyprès du Sud, Montpellier is an ideal getaway for combining urban discovery, heritage and family or group leisure.
Arles, city of art and gateway to the Camargue
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arles is a city where history can be felt at every step. Its Roman amphitheatre, still used for shows and events, recalls the ancient grandeur of the city. The Roman theatre, cryptoporticus and Baths of Constantine complete this exceptional heritage, making Arles a true open-air museum.
But Arles is not only about its past. The city is also a major centre for creation and living art. It was here that Vincent van Gogh found much of his inspiration, painting more than 300 works during his stay. Today, the Fondation Vincent van Gogh and the Rencontres de la Photographie, an internationally renowned festival, continue this artistic legacy and attract visitors from around the world.
Arles is also deeply rooted in Camargue culture. Férias, corridas, Camargue races and bull-related festivities mark the seasons, blending popular traditions with Mediterranean conviviality. Strolling through its narrow streets lined with houses with colourful shutters, sitting out on a terrace or wandering along the banks of the Rhône completes this charming experience.
From villa Aux Cyprès du Sud, allow around 1 hour by car to reach Arles and enjoy a day rich in discoveries, between ancient heritage, contemporary art and Southern atmosphere.
Avignon, City of the Popes and capital of theatre
It is impossible to mention the emblematic cities of the South without including Avignon, whose name resonates far beyond France. Known as the City of the Popes, it owes its fame to the Palais des Papes, an imposing Gothic fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Equally famous, the Pont d’Avignon, or Pont Saint-Bénézet, attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to relive the legend of this unfinished bridge. Strolling along the still-intact medieval ramparts feels like stepping back in time.
Avignon is not only about monumental heritage: the city is also a major centre of living culture. Every summer, the Festival d’Avignon transforms the city into a vast open-air theatre stage. Between prestigious performances and daring new creations, the event draws art lovers and curious visitors alike, in an atmosphere that is both electric and convivial.
For families, Avignon also offers original and playful experiences: a horse-drawn carriage ride to discover the city differently, or a cruise on the Rhône offering beautiful views of the Palais des Papes and the old town.
In terms of lifestyle, Avignon also charms visitors with its Provençal markets full of colour and flavour, as well as its lively terraces, perfect for enjoying a coffee or a glass of local wine in the setting sun.
From villa Aux Cyprès du Sud, it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car to reach Avignon and step into an experience where history, culture and the gentle art of living blend harmoniously.
Bonus: other getaways within easy reach
Uzès, secret capital of the truffle and medieval gem
Although Uzès is well known, it is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. Yet this elegant small town is well worth a detour. A prestigious duchy, cobbled streets lined with Renaissance houses, shaded squares brought to life by cafés… its charm is immediate. Its Saturday morning market is considered one of the most beautiful in Provence and Languedoc, a true explosion of colours and scents.
Between mid-December and late March, Uzès also becomes the capital of the black truffle: a unique opportunity to watch truffle-hunting demonstrations with trained dogs, or to taste this “black diamond” during dedicated events.
Just one hour by car from villa Aux Cyprès du Sud, Uzès embodies the perfect balance between heritage, gastronomy and the gentle art of living. A stop that wonderfully complements a stay shaped by cultural discoveries and authentic pleasures.
Aigues-Mortes: a medieval city between salt and sea
Less than an hour by car from the villa, Aigues-Mortes feels like a timeless interlude. Behind its majestic ramparts, remarkably well preserved, lies a town that was, in the Middle Ages, a strategic port open to the Mediterranean. Today, the fortified city attracts visitors as much for its medieval charm as for its unique setting, at the heart of salt marshes with striking pink hues.
Walking along the ramparts offers a breathtaking view of the wild Camargue, where pink flamingos and white horses create a living picture. In the narrow streets, the terraces and artisan shops remind visitors that this destination is also a gateway to Camargue culture, shaped by traditions, gastronomy and wide-open spaces.
An iconic place, yet one that still keeps a sense of secrecy for those who know how to leave the busiest routes behind and venture into the smaller streets or around the salt pans at sunset.
Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: a secret for those in the know
Facing flamboyant Avignon, on the other side of the Rhône, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon cultivates a far more confidential atmosphere. This former stronghold, often left out of classic itineraries, nevertheless holds heritage treasures of rare intensity.
The Fort Saint-André, perched on its hill, overlooks the Rhône Valley and offers one of the finest panoramas over Avignon and the Palais des Papes. Nearby, the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, a vast monastic complex founded in the 14th century, is a haven of silence and beauty, listed as a Historic Monument.
What makes Villeneuve so appealing is its peaceful rhythm: cobbled streets, shaded little squares, quiet cafés and local markets compose a discreet art of living, far from the bustle of the neighbouring large cities. It is the kind of discovery shared in a low voice, like a secret jealously guarded by those in the know, a gem that makes you want to extend your stay and explore the region differently.
Staying with family at villa Aux Cyprès du Sud: peaceful, yet close to everything
Choosing villa Aux Cyprès du Sud means enjoying a location that combines two rare advantages: the serenity of the countryside and immediate proximity to the most emblematic sites in the Gard and its surroundings. Nestled in the heart of the Piémont Cévenol, it makes it easy to explore Nîmes, Montpellier, Avignon or Arles, while offering the pleasure of returning each evening to peace and quiet, far from the noise of the city.
Designed to welcome families, the house offers generous spaces: several comfortable bedrooms, a convivial living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The outdoor areas are just as appealing: secure private swimming pool, large enclosed garden where children can play freely, shaded terraces for summer meals. Four bicycles are even available free of charge, perfect for exploring the surrounding villages at the gentle pace of small country roads.
What makes a stay at Aux Cyprès du Sud so special is precisely this combination: the soothing calm of a villa surrounded by nature and quick access to exceptional heritage, from colourful markets to UNESCO-listed monuments.
And booking could not be easier: by going directly through the official website, you benefit from the best guaranteed rate, with no platform fees or hidden commissions. It is an approach that encourages direct contact with your hosts and ensures a tailor-made welcome from the moment you arrive.
A journey into the heart of the South, between cities and countryside
Choosing the Gard as a destination means having the privilege of exploring cities steeped in history and culture: the Arena of Nîmes, the medieval streets of Montpellier, the ancient treasures of Arles and the theatrical energy of Avignon. Each one reveals a different facet of the South, between heritage, art of living and contemporary energy.
Alongside these must-see places, there are more confidential stops such as Aigues-Mortes and its salt marshes, or Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the discreet neighbour of the City of the Popes, which appeals to travellers seeking authenticity and calm.
To fully enjoy these discoveries, it is essential to have a place to stay that combines tranquillity and accessibility. Villa Aux Cyprès du Sud meets that need: a family home with a private swimming pool, Mediterranean garden and all the comfort you need to recharge after your city getaways.
By booking directly through the official website, you benefit from the best guaranteed rate and a personalised welcome, far from impersonal platforms.
All that remains is to prepare your itinerary, between culture, relaxation and the art of living… and set down your bags in an ideal cocoon, in the heart of the South.
