After a disturbed night we didn’t feel up to a strenuous walk in the hills, and so embarked on what turned out to be a strenuous drive instead as Day 21 of Travel in France.
We took the main road to Anduze, and then followed the Gardon to Alès where we turned off. The Pont des Camisards over the Galeizon River was old and the river down below was pretty, with lots of pools where children and adults were enjoying themselves. The Galeizon Valley is a ‘Biosphere Reserve‘ and under careful management and control.
Up to the Col des Vents with views over the hills and valleys below.
The road to the Col de Baraque is very narrow with a steep valley on one side.
These hills and valleys in the Cevennes can really only be explored on foot, and I need to return. However, paths are steep and you need to be reasonably fit and secure on your feet!
Back down to the Galeizon Valley and then over the neighbouring hills to St Jean du Gard. The views of hidden valleys, with rambling stone mas, were wonderful, but the driver was really too nervous to stop because of the sheer sides on a narrow road and so there are no photographs! The best I can offer are these sights, while sitting in a square with an orangina (!).
You may be interested in
The Galeizon Valley and Biosphere Reserves
The Galeizon Valley EcoMuseum
The restoration of old practices
The community of Cendras and a short history of the area
St Jean du Gard
Walking in France – an heroic undertaking in this area!
I would love to hear from you!