Looking to spend your next holiday in the great outdoors, between crystal-clear rivers, rugged landscapes and Mediterranean warmth? This region is a land of contrasts, ideal for lovers of nature and adventure. From the Piémont Cévenol to the edge of the garrigue, varied scenery invites a wide range of outdoor activities: canoeing, paragliding, hiking, cycling or donkey rides…
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or looking for family-friendly fun, here every trail, every river and every summit become a promise of escape.
Set in the heart of this unspoilt environment, the holiday villa Aux Cyprès du Sud is the perfect base for exploring the region’s natural wonders – before returning in the evening to the comfort of a warm, welcoming home, complete with a private pool and a large tree-filled garden.
Why choose the Gard for your outdoor activities?
Between the Cévennes and the Mediterranean, this region offers an exceptional natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its diversity of landscapes – deep gorges, clear rivers, fragrant garrigue, mountain ridgelines – means you can enjoy a wide range of activities suited to all kinds of travellers.
A few good reasons to choose this destination:
- Plenty of sunshine: more than 300 days of sun a year – ideal for enjoying outdoor activities from spring to autumn.
- Unspoilt nature: the Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers spectacular scenery made for getting away from it all.
- Activities for everyone: whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a family looking for easy-going outings, the Gard offers tailor-made experiences.
- Authenticity: here, mass tourism gives way to respectful travel, built on encounters, heritage and genuine local character.
Staying in the Piémont Cévenol means choosing an active immersion in the heart of a region where nature sets the pace of your days.
The best outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay
Whether you’re into sporty adventures or gentle family escapes, the Gard offers plenty of outdoor activities to discover throughout your stay.
Canoeing on the Gardon
Gliding over the clear waters of the Gardon is one of the best ways to discover southern landscapes. Several routes are available, including the famous paddle beneath the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between swimming breaks, passing under ancient arches and picnicking on the banks, canoeing is a fun, refreshing experience – ideal even for families with young children.
Family-friendly hikes
The Piémont Cévenol is full of gentle, shaded trails – perfect for easy walks through forests, garrigue and along streams. Some paths follow small waterways; others climb gradually to natural viewpoints. Far from the crowds, these strolls are a chance to spot local wildlife, breathe in the scent of wild thyme, and savour the silence.
Cycling rides for all levels
Whether you choose a family ride on greenways or more challenging loops, there are plenty of options around Quissac, Sauve and Anduze. Waymarked routes weave through valleys and plateaus, offering superb views of Cévennes ridgelines, vineyards and olive groves.
Good news: to make your outings easier, we provide four excellent bicycles, free to use during your stay. A great way to set off on an adventure as a couple, with family or friends – without having to bring your own gear.
Horseback, pony or donkey rides along iconic paths
Exploring the Gard on horseback or by pony is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in its authentic landscapes. Many riding centres offer guided outings suited to beginners and experienced riders alike. Routes cross fragrant garrigue, holm-oak forests and shaded streams, with short loops for families and longer rides for those who crave freedom.
For an even more distinctive experience, why not follow a stretch of the famous Stevenson Trail? Inspired by the journey of the Scottish writer – through, among other places, the Cévennes – this legendary path can be walked on foot or, in the traditional way, accompanied by a donkey. Walking at the animal’s gentle pace, with it as your travel companion on age-old tracks, offers a unique immersion in wild nature. All practical information is available on the website chemin-stevenson.org.
For thrill seekers
Looking to add a real shot of adrenaline to your holiday in the Gard? With its rugged terrain and lively rivers, the region is an outstanding playground for anyone who loves pushing their limits… safely.
Paragliding in the Cévennes
Gain altitude and fly over the Cévennes landscapes for a truly unique experience: from the air, valleys, forests and villages unfold like a living postcard. Several nearby flight schools offer tandem paragliding discovery flights, a gentle introduction to the thrill of height, carried by the southern winds.
Via ferrata and climbing
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground – more or less – via ferrata routes in the Gard combine airy hiking with playful sections secured by cables and ladders. Sites such as Collias or Anduze offer routes for all levels, with suspension bridges, zip lines and breathtaking views.
Canyoning in the Cévennes gorges
With jumps, natural slides, abseils and passages through clear water, canyoning is a complete, refreshing activity. Guided by a certified instructor, you’ll explore the Gard’s hidden canyons, such as the Tapoul or Soucy gorges, in a fun yet sporty atmosphere.
Downhill mountain biking and technical routes
If you love two-wheeled thrills, you’ll also find plenty to enjoy on the Cévennes downhill MTB routes. From technical descents through the garrigue to smoother trails for getting started, everyone can find a circuit suited to their level and experience the rush in the heart of unspoilt nature.
Our tips for making the most of your outdoor activities
To fully enjoy your open-air adventures in the Gard, here are a few precautions and tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right season: spring and early autumn are perfect for avoiding extreme heat and enjoying vibrant landscapes. In summer, opt for water-based activities or head out early in the morning.
- Book ahead: for guided activities such as canoeing, paragliding or via ferrata, it’s best to plan in advance – especially in peak season.
- Pack the right gear: comfortable hiking shoes, swimwear, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) and plenty of water are essential for comfort and safety.
- Respect nature: stay on marked trails, take your rubbish with you, and be mindful of local wildlife and flora – rich and sometimes fragile.
Don’t hesitate to ask Catherine, who will welcome you on arrival at Aux Cyprès du Sud. She can point you towards the best local providers and the activities best suited to your interests.
Villa Aux Cyprès du Sud: your ideal base for outdoor adventures
After a day of sporty expeditions or gentle countryside strolls, coming back to a peaceful place is essential. Aux Cyprès du Sud, everything is designed so your stay combines energy and the good life.
Just a few minutes from the main activity spots, the villa has a strategic location: here, there’s no need for long drives to reach rivers, trails, cliffs or the lively villages of the Piémont Cévenol.
On site, everything invites you to relax: the secure private pool, the large tree-filled garden for lingering over summer evenings, shaded areas to rest in the shelter of the cypresses after a hike or a canoe trip. To keep your adventure spirit going, bicycles are available free of charge, so you can explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Finally, the personalised welcome from a local person – available and attentive from the start to the end of your stay – is a real asset: her advice on local activities, suggestions for less crowded routes and favourite addresses add a precious human touch to the experience.
By booking your stay directly via our official website, you benefit from our best prices, with no extra fees linked to intermediary platforms.
Nature, freedom, emotions… within easy reach
The Gard is an adventure land to be lived fully, under open skies. Here, every day can be different: paddling along a river, cycling through vineyards, taking off from a summit – or simply walking at a donkey’s pace along an age-old trail.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or with friends, outdoor activities are an invitation to experience your holiday differently, closer to nature… without ever giving up comfort.
The villa Aux Cyprès du Sud awaits you like a cosy haven between two adventures. Book direct now via our official website, and enjoy our best-price guarantee with no hidden fees. The best experiences often begin with a single step… Why not here?
