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Understand

The Département du Gard includes three main natural regions: the coastal plain and swamps of the lower Rhône, to the South; the "garrigues" (mediterranean shrubland, here used as a geographic name) in the center; the Cévennes mountains to the North.

The plains and the Lower Rhône area are rich in historical towns and sites, including lots of Roman remains (such as the Pont du Gard aqueduct, or the amphitheater in Nîmes). The Cévennes are medium altitude mountains (1565 m at Mont Aigoual), but offer sensational landscapes as their southern slopes is actually quite steep. The garrigues, in the middle, are limestone plateaux with caves and gorges, some wineyards and many small villages with white houses and shady, winding streets.

The Gard forms the Eastern portion of the Languedoc (the historical province rather than the administrative unit), and despite proximity and similarities does not belong to Provence (located on the Eastern side of the Rhône). The locals will appreciate it if you do not add to the confusion.

Since the 16th Century, the Eastern Languedoc (present day Gard and Eastern half of Hérault) has been a Potestant stronghold, and was greatly affected by wars of religion in the 16th to early 18th century. Interested visitors can discover this history in the Musée du Désert in Mialet, near Anduze.

Climate is generally pleasant, with hot and dry summers, mild winters, warm springs and autumn. The weather is dry and sunny most of the time -- with 3/4 of the rainfa…

Get around

Unfortunately, like most of France outside of the main city, it is difficult to go everywhere without a car.

See

Nîmes is famous for the Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples outside of Italy. The Pont du Gard, an impressive triple-decker Roman aqueduct bridge which you can walk across, is within the city limits of Remoulins.

Eat

French food with a Mediterranean twist.

You want to try olives and products made of olive (tapenade); in fact it would be a rare meal in Southern France that does not include olives in some form.The local cultivar is the picholine (green), originally from here; you will commonly find tanche (black), often sold as "olive de Nyons". Olive stalls on the market will typically carry an amazing range, easily 10 or 20 different kinds...