Holiday rentals Gard

Three iconic sites to discover in the Gard

The Gard is home to three major landmarks of Mediterranean history, ranging from Roman engineering to medieval architecture. These sites embody very different periods and ambitions, but all are well worth a visit to gain an understanding of the region and its landscapes. You can explore them by setting out from your accommodation on days dedicated to discovery.

1. Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard aqueduct spans the Gardon valley spectacularly across three tiers of arches. Built in the first century to supply Nîmes with water from the springs of Uzès, it remains one of the masterpieces of Roman engineering. Its 49-metre height is just as impressive when viewed from a distance as it is up close. The structure fascinates with its architectural precision: each stone fits together without mortar, using a technique that was once forgotten but has since been rediscovered. In 1985, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site, a recognition fully justified by its remarkable state of preservation.

2. Nîmes Amphitheatre

The Nîmes Amphitheatre rivals the Colosseum in terms of preservation. Built around 70 AD, it could accommodate 24,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial games and hunts. Today, the amphitheatre is still very much alive: bullfights, concerts and theatrical performances regularly bring its stands to life. Its elliptical architecture stands majestically in the centre of Nîmes. As you walk through the underground galleries, you can see how the Roman engineering system organised the flow of crowds. The walls of pale travertine tell the story of two millennia of history without a single wrinkle.

3. The medieval town of Aigues-Mortes

Aigues-Mortes rises from the Rhône delta like a fortress of pale stone. Louis IX, who dreamt of a royal port facing the Mediterranean, ordered its construction in the thirteenth century. The fortified town is laid out around rectangular ramparts flanked by massive towers, a rare example in France of intact medieval urban architecture. As you stroll along the ramparts, you look down over the pink rooftops and take in the surrounding salt marshes. The timeless atmosphere of Aigues-Mortes contrasts delightfully with the previous sites, transporting you instantly back to the Middle Ages.

These three monuments shed light on two thousand years of history and ambition. A holiday in a holiday rental in the Gard is naturally enriched by these unmissable stops, where history and landscape intertwine.

The ideal season to book a holiday let in the Gard

Each season transforms the Gard and offers a different reason to stay there for a holiday. The department reveals itself in contrasting guises: ochre-coloured garrigue in summer, misty limestone plateaus in autumn, and golden vineyards in spring. Renting a holiday home allows you to tailor your stay to your own pace.

Spring arrives gently. Temperatures rise gradually, the almond trees blossom in the valleys, and the rain becomes less frequent. It’s the ideal time to explore the medieval villages perched on the hills, go hiking in the gorges without worrying about excessive heat, or stroll through the bustling Provençal markets. Holiday rentals welcome visitors seeking fresh air and landscapes in full bloom.

Summer arrives in full force. The sun reigns supreme, the days grow longer, and rivers such as the Ardèche offer a welcome cool respite. The villages come alive with a bustling tourist atmosphere. The nights remain warm, ideal for sitting on terraces. A holiday rental with a swimming pool or access to water becomes a major asset for making the most of this bountiful season.

Autumn paints the Gard in warm hues. The grapes are ripening, the grape harvest brings the cellars to life, and the weather softens noticeably. The crowds thin out and the atmosphere becomes more peaceful. It’s the perfect time to savour the local cuisine, visit the châteaux without the hustle and bustle, or take a stroll through the oak forests. Holiday rentals retain all their charm whilst offering renewed comfort.

Winter envelops the department in a special tranquillity. Temperatures remain mild, rarely freezing. Rain becomes more frequent, the garrigue turns green, and the villages empty of their summer crowds. It’s the perfect time to discover an authentic region, pop into local restaurants without a booking, or simply relax by the fireside.

There’s no bad time of year to stay in the Gard. A holiday rental suits every schedule: winter visitors seeking the mild southern climate, summer holidaymakers drawn by the hustle and bustle, or travellers in the shoulder seasons looking for balance and authenticity.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Gard

The Gard offers outdoor experiences that are as varied as they are spectacular. With its mountains, rivers and wetlands, every day of your stay can turn into an adventure. Here are three unmissable activities that embody the region’s natural riches.

1. Hiking in the Cévennes

The Cévennes are an unrivalled playground for walkers. Chestnut forests, deep gorges and panoramic views that open up at every pass: the region offers routes to suit all levels. Hikes range from easy half-day walks to more challenging full-day treks. The rugged terrain and ever-changing landscapes make every step an adventure.

Address: Cévennes National Park, 48400 Florac-Trois-Rivières.

2. Swimming and kayaking in the Gardon Gorges

The Gardon Gorges epitomise raw beauty and aquatic adventure. Spectacular limestone cliffs frame a river of clear water where swimming and kayaking go hand in hand. In summer, the cool water offers a welcome break. The geological spectacle and the sensation of floating between sculpted cliffs leave a lasting impression. It’s a must-see for anyone wishing to combine sport and scenery.

Address: Gardon Gorges, 30210 Collias.

3. Tour of the salt marshes and flamingo spotting in the Gard Camargue

The Gard region’s Camargue reveals a world of its own: one of wetlands and wildlife. The Salins du Midi salt marshes offer an insight into this fragile and fascinating ecosystem. The flamingos, emblems of the Camargue landscape, can be observed at close quarters during walks. The ochre hues of the salt pans, the vast sky and the rich aquatic life create an atmosphere of travelling to the ends of the earth.

Address: Salins du Midi, 30220 Aigues-Mortes.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in the Gard

When choosing a holiday rental, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its location. In the Gard, where summers can be intense and nights pleasant, travellers pay particular attention to the facilities that will allow them to make the most of their stay. A well-equipped kitchen, a shaded terrace, effective air conditioning: these are all details that transform an ordinary holiday into a truly relaxing experience.

• Air conditioning: essential in the Gard during the summer, it guarantees optimal rest even on the hottest days.
• Fitted kitchen: families appreciate being able to prepare their own meals and tailor menus to everyone’s preferences.
• Terrace or balcony: an outdoor space to enjoy breakfast whilst taking in the view, dine al fresco or simply relax.
• Private swimming pool or access to a communal pool: particularly sought after by families with children, allowing them to cool off without leaving the accommodation.
• Washing machine: appreciated during longer stays or family holidays, it offers independence and convenience.
• Wi-Fi: even on holiday, staying connected provides peace of mind and allows you to plan visits or keep in touch.
• Parking or vehicle access: important in tourist areas where space is limited and you’re on the move frequently.
• Heating: a welcome feature during autumn or winter getaways to enjoy the charm of picturesque villages.
• Barbecue or outdoor dining area: festive and convivial, it encourages you to extend your evenings with family or friends.

When choosing a holiday rental in the Gard, you should take your requirements into account: the number of guests, the length of your stay, the season you’re visiting and your budget. Well-designed accommodation, with facilities tailored to your needs, makes all the difference to a relaxing holiday.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in the Gard?

Holiday let prices in the Gard vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small property or a studio flat, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros a week in the off-season, and between 600 and 1,000 euros in the high season. Family homes and flats, accommodating four to six people, tend to cost between 700 and 1,400 euros a week in the low season, with rates rising to between 1,200 and 2,000 euros in summer or during school holidays. Larger properties or luxury accommodation often exceed 2,000 euros per week.

These price ranges depend heavily on location: a rental in the city centre or near major tourist attractions such as Avignon or the Gorges du Gardon commands higher prices than a country house in a rural area. The length of stay also affects rates. Many owners offer discounts for weekly or fortnightly stays, making a longer stay more economical than a series of short breaks. These sliding-scale rates reward loyalty and forward planning.

Seasonality plays a key role: in summer, during school holidays and at festive times, prices rise significantly. Autumn and spring generally offer better value for money. To fine-tune your budget, compare listings in detail, read reviews from previous guests and book well in advance to secure the best rates.