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Gard is one of southern France’s richest departments. Between Roman ruins, Mediterranean beaches, and preserved nature, it meets all discovery desires. You’re wondering what to do in Gard for your next vacation? From Pont du Gard to Espiguette beaches, passing through Gardon Gorges, the possibilities are vast. With a camping resort with water park as your base, you combine relaxation with cultural outings.
Here’s our selection of the 8 must-sees!
Pont du Gard is probably the first answer to “what to do in Gard.” This 1st century Roman aqueduct impresses with its size: 3 levels of arches, 275 m long, and 49 m high. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the site also features an interactive museum, children’s areas, and a natural bathing spot in the Gardon River. According to Gard Tourism, it ranks among the most-visited monuments in the Occitanie region. Allow half a day to enjoy the site in its entirety.
Nîmes, the Gard prefecture, concentrates exceptional Roman heritage. The arenas, built in the 1st century, hold 24,000 seats spread over 34 rows of bleachers around a 70 m by 38 m arena. Beyond the amphitheater, the Maison Carrée and Fountain Gardens complete the visit. Downtown also overflows with shaded terraces and restaurants serving traditional Gard cuisine. It’s a cultural outing in Gard that appeals to both history enthusiasts and families seeking discovery!
Claire’s advice: begin your Nîmes visit early morning at the arenas to avoid crowds, then descend to the Fountain Gardens for a cool break in the plane tree shade.
Aigues-Mortes is the gateway to the Gard Camargue. This fortified medieval town stands out for its completely preserved ramparts, which offer a 360-degree panorama over marshes and salt ponds. Below, Aigues-Mortes salt ponds reveal pink lagoons where pink flamingos live freely. Guided visits by small train or on foot help you understand salt extraction. Beyond the ramparts, Petite Camargue lends itself to horseback rides, boat trips, and cycling on the 32 km green route connecting La Grande-Motte to Aigues-Mortes.
Gardon Gorges rank among the most-appreciated nature activities in Gard. Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, they host over 1,700 animal and plant species between limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrubland. Kayaking remains the best way to discover them. Several family-friendly courses depart from Collias and run the Gardon to Pont du Gard. Water is clear and currents moderate in summer season. On-site rental shops provide equipment and safety guidance.
« For a first family descent, I recommend the Collias-Pont du Gard course: allow about 2 hours of paddling, with possible swimming breaks on small pebble beaches. » – Claire
Uzès charms with its Provençal character and preserved architectural heritage. Labeled a Town of Art and History, it reveals cobbled streets, Renaissance mansions, and the famous Herb Square bordered by arcades. The Saturday morning market attracts local product lovers: olive oil, truffles, Cévennes honey, and goat cheese. Fenestrelle Tower, France’s unique round Romanesque tower, overlooks the old town. Uzès sits 25 km from Pont du Gard, allowing you to combine both visits the same day!
Anduze’s Bambouseraie is a unique botanical garden in Europe. It assembles over 1,000 bamboo varieties, trees, and remarkable plants in a lush setting. The visit takes about 2 hours and suits all ages. Minutes away, the Cévennes steam train connects Anduze to Saint-Jean-du-Gard over 13 km of track. The trip takes 40 minutes and crosses Cévenol valleys. These two activities in Gard complement each other perfectly for a family day combining nature and discovery.
The Gard coast stretches around Grau-du-Roi and La Grande-Motte. Espiguette Beach, listed Natura 2000, is the sector’s jewel. It spans over 10 km of fine sand bordered by white dunes, in an almost desert-like setting. Its gentle slope and clear waters make it suitable for families. Gard beaches centered in Grau-du-Roi downtown are supervised in season and near all shops. For a livelier atmosphere, La Grande-Motte features equipped beaches with restaurants and water activities.
The Seaquarium welcomes over 300,000 visitors per season across 2,400 m² of exhibition space. It houses over 200 marine species: sharks, seals, sea lions, rays, and jellyfish. A dedicated shark area lets you observe them in an immersive tunnel. The Marine Institute, integrated into the Seaquarium, participates in ocean protection conservation and awareness programs. It’s an ideal family outing in Gard, especially on bad weather days! The Seaquarium sits at Grau-du-Roi’s entrance, near the Camargue harbor.
You now know what to do in Gard for vacations combining heritage, nature, and coast. Want to extend each day with a poolside relaxation moment? Book your stay at a camping resort with water park in Occitanie and fully enjoy southern France!
To discover the Gard's main activities, allow at least 5 to 7 days. This gives you time to visit the Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Aigues-Mortes, the Cévennes and the coast without rushing. A 10-day stay lets you add kayak trips and beach days.
Absolutely. The Gard offers plenty of family activities: swimming in the Gardon river, lifeguarded beaches at Le Grau-du-Roi, the Seaquarium, a steam train, and the Bambouseraie. Campsites with a water park round out the offering, keeping children entertained between two cultural or nature outings.
Yes, swimming in the Gardon gorges is possible freely in certain spots, particularly around Collias. The water there is clear and the temperature pleasant in summer. Do stay alert to the current, though, and follow the guidance posted on site.
The best time to visit the Gard runs from May to October. Spring offers mild temperatures, ideal for hiking and cultural visits. Summer lets you enjoy the coast and the Gardon river. Autumn charms with its colours in the Cévennes and smaller crowds.
If it rains in the Gard, several activities remain accessible. The Seaquarium at Le Grau-du-Roi, Nîmes's arena, and the Pont du Gard museum can be visited in any weather. A campsite with an indoor pool also lets you keep up water activities all season long.
