The riches of our heritage are worth the detour! The Pont du Gard is the most emblematic monument of the Destination Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard…. A true gem of the Romanity ! Near this monument, there are many picturesque villages that are worth a look. Enjoy a visit to Pont du Gard to discover these charming villages which are steeped in history. We therefore present to you, 7 beautiful villages to visit near the Roman aqueduct.
Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan, beautiful village facing the Pont du Gard
Start your journey from the 7 charming villages to visit around the Pont du Gard by stopping at Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan. This village is located less than 10 minutes by car from the Pont du Gard.
Dominated by the ruins of the medieval castellas, the village dates from a 1816th century ordinance which authorized its inhabitants to reuse materials from the castellas to build the plain castle on the current location. A little further away, the very beautiful Saint-Etienne de la Clastre chapel stands proudly facing the Pont du Gard. The wash house dating from XNUMX is made up of a fountain in the shape of a mausoleum which houses the catchment and offers a small haven of peace.
Estézargues, a village with a double wine appellation
Then join the village of Estézargues.
The inhabitants, suffering greatly from the Wars of Religion, began to cultivate vines and olive trees. This explains the strong impact of viticulture in this village today. This benefits from a double appellation: AOP Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues and AOP Huile d’Olive de Nîmes.
Estézargues is a perched village, also dominated by its fortress-looking church. The fountain-washhouse is the central point of the village due to its position and its architecture. Its small peculiarity is that it is raised above street level, which is not common.
Domazan, village with remarkable heritage
Third stage of this tour of the charming villages near the Pont du Gard, the discovery of the village of Domazan.
Domazan has an old center with a remarkable built heritage. It is home to numerous narrow streets characterized by a dense and quality medieval core. Domazan developed around the castle, the church and its squares. As you walk through the streets, look up so you don't miss anything.
Beyond its heritage, the town is characterized by strong agricultural activity. Several cellars are located in the center. Viticulture is today the main activity of the village. High quality wines are produced there, with the ''Côtes du Rhône'' Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.
Théziers, between Rhône and Gardon
For the rest of the journey, head towards the village of Théziers.
Village perched between the Rhône valley and the course of the Gardon, Théziers is dominated by the robust silhouette of its church. A little off-center, the Saint-Armand chapel is the ideal place for a shaded break. From its well fed by a so-called ''miraculous'' spring, you benefit from a very beautiful view of the village. A lovely 5km walk takes you to the Castellas mountain where you can see the ruins of an old castle.
Montfrin, village marked by the influence of the Templars
New village to discover on your route, that of Montfrin.
Montfrin is marked by the influence of the Templars. The Notre-Dame-de-Malpas church, the bell tower and the Commanderie Saint-Jean bear witness to this. The major element of the old town remains its castle, classified as a Historic Monument, which was built in several stages. For an exceptional view of the castle, go to the Montfrin orientation table.
Meynes, village between tradition and modernity
The visit continues with the discovery of the village of Meynes.
This medieval village dominates the Gardon valley and combines a rich historical past and modernism respectful of traditions. As you wander the streets of Meynes, you will have the opportunity to discover one of the oldest Christian monuments in the region. The parish church of Meynes, decorated with very beautiful paintings, houses an altar which dates from the 5th or 6th century.
Also, with a strong pottery tradition, this village immerses you in the crafts of yesteryear since there were, in Meynes, up to 13 pottery and tile kilns.
Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, Roman village
You finish your journey of the 7 charming villages to visit around the Pont du Gard with a stop at Saint Bonnet du Gard, located 5 minutes by car from the bridge.
The village of Saint-Bonnet is located on the old salt road. Come and admire its Romanesque-style church built in the 9th century then fortified in the 14th century by the monks of Psalmodie, salt producers in Aigues-Mortes. Its construction used numerous debris from the essential Roman aqueduct.
The fountain in the center of the village was built under Napoleon 1er to replace a capitelle in which the inhabitants came to draw water. It is made up of four basins, one of which is covered and serves as a wash house.
