Make a holiday home or cottage in Gard your home away from home

Gard, France

Gard is a department in southern France, in the unspoilt rural region of Languedoc. Gard, France is a beautiful department, with stunning Mediterranean beaches, dramatic gorges running through the hills, and small stone villages basking in the summer sun. Gard is also steeped in tradition having been a Roman stronghold, and the local art, music and delicacies all have very distinct local flavours. Taking a holiday home in Gard gives you the freedom, space and privacy to relax and explore this wonderful area at your own pace.

Things to do in Gard, France

The Mediterranean beaches at the southern tip of Gard are very popular. A Gard cottage rental or a Gard rental villa in the medieval walled town of Aiges-Mortes will let you enjoy not only the history of this part of Gard, but also the sweeping beaches and modern resorts of Le Grau du Roi, Port Camargue and La Grande Motte.

Being a rural department, there is some fantastic walking and hiking to be enjoyed, with forested hills and dramatic gorges. There are some famous walks available from a cottage in Gard, arriving at the Pont du Gard in Nimes, and details of these can be found in tourist offices all around the department. Gard also offers exhilarating climbing in the Cevennes Mountains as well as mountain biking, horse riding in oak forests and canoeing in the Gorges du Gardon.

Cultural events, especially revolving around the music of Gard, are often held in Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, and at these festivals, those in self-catering holiday villas in Gard can stock up on local delicacies and wine.

Places to holiday in Gard, France

The city of Nimes is world famous for the Roman architecture. Most famous is the Pont du Gard, a 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct. It was the biggest bridge ever built by the Romans, and to get a real sense of the size of it, why not try swimming underneath! There is also the best of the 70 remaining amphitheatres and a Roman temple in Nimes, which are well worth investigating. The controversial modern art museum of Carre d'Art is a must see for any lover of contemporary art.

The Cevennes National Park area is in the Mountains of Cevennes. The park is a wonderful area to relax and slow down whilst on holiday in Gard. The Aven Armand Cave is in the park, and bulls and flamingos can be seen grazing the delta of the Rhone.

Weather in Gard, France

Summers in Gard are long and warm. Temperatures are above 20°C from early spring until mid autumn, which means that walking or fishing holidays can be taken from a Gard holiday rental or villa long after the main tourist crowds have left the area.

Travel to Gard, France

Nimes Airport (FNI) is the main airport in Gard. British Airways and Ryanair often provide good deals, with cheap flights to Gard leaving from Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), Liverpool (LPL) and Gatwick (LGW) daily.