What to do in the Gard: our top 8

Published on 10/09/2021 - updated: 13 April 2026 - 6 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

Key takeaways:

The Pont du Gard, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year.
The Arena of Nîmes is among the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
The Camargue Gardoise can be discovered around Aigues-Mortes, its ramparts and its salt marshes home to pink flamingos.
The Gardon gorges shelter a nature reserve with more than 1,700 animal and plant species.
The Gard offers more than 9,000 km of marked trails, from the Cévennes to the Mediterranean coast.

Gard is one of the departments richest in southern France. Between Roman ruins, Mediterranean beaches and preserved nature, it meets all desires for discovery. Are you wondering what to do in Gard for your next vacation? From the Pont du Gard to the Espiguette beaches, passing through the Gorges du Gardon, the possibilities are vast. With a campground with water park as a base, you combine relaxation and cultural outings.

Here is our selection of 8 must-sees!

The Pont du Gard, a Roman marvel listed as UNESCO World Heritage

The Pont du Gard is undoubtedly the first answer to the question what to do in Gard. This 1st century Roman aqueduct impresses with its dimensions: 3 levels of arches, 275 m long and 49 m high. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the site also features an interactive museum, spaces for children and a natural swimming area in the Gardon. According to Gard Tourism, it is among the most visited monuments in the Occitania region. Plan for half a day to enjoy the site in its entirety.

Nîmes and its arenas, a dive into antiquity

Nîmes, the prefecture of Gard, features exceptional Roman heritage. The arenas, built in the 1st century, have 24,000 seats spread over 34 rows of bleachers around an arena of 70 m by 38 m. Beyond the amphitheater, the Maison Carrée and the Fountain Gardens complete the visit. The city center is also full of shaded terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy local Gard cuisine. It is a cultural outing in Gard that appeals to history enthusiasts as much as to families looking for discovery!

Claire’s advice: Start your visit to Nîmes early in the morning with the arenas to avoid crowds, then head to the Fountain Gardens for a cool break in the shade of the plane trees.

Discovering Aigues-Mortes and the Camargue of Gard

Aigues-Mortes is the gateway to the Camargue of Gard. This fortified medieval town stands out for its perfectly preserved ramparts, which offer a 360-degree panorama over the marshes and salt pans. Below, the Aigues-Mortes salt pans reveal pink lagoons where wild flamingos live. Guided tours by small train or on foot allow you to understand salt extraction. Beyond the ramparts, the Little Camargue is suitable for horseback riding, boat trips and cycling on the 32 km greenway connecting La Grande-Motte to Aigues-Mortes.

The Gorges du Gardon by kayak

The Gorges du Gardon are among the most appreciated nature activities in Gard. Classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, they are home to more than 1,700 animal and plant species between limestone cliffs and Mediterranean scrubland. Kayaking down is the best way to discover them. Several family-friendly routes start from Collias and follow the Gardon to the Pont du Gard. The water is clear and the current moderate in summer. Rental companies on site provide equipment and safety instructions.

« For a first descent with family, I recommend the Collias-Pont du Gard route: count on about 2 hours of paddling, with possible swimming breaks on small pebble beaches. » – Claire

Uzès, a town of art and history

Uzès charms with its Provençal charm and preserved architectural heritage. Labeled Town of art and history, it reveals paved streets, Renaissance private mansions and the famous Place aux Herbes lined with arcades. The Saturday morning market attracts lovers of local products: olive oil, truffles, honey from the Cévennes and goat cheese. The Fenestrelle Tower, a unique round Roman-style tower in France, dominates the old town. Uzès is located 25 km from the Pont du Gard, which allows you to combine the two visits on the same day!

The Bambouseraie and the Cévennes steam train

The Bambouseraie of Anduze is a unique botanical garden in Europe. It brings together more than 1,000 varieties of bamboo, trees and remarkable plants in a lush setting. The visit takes about 2 hours and suits all ages. A few minutes away, the Cévennes steam train connects Anduze to Saint-Jean-du-Gard over 13 km of track. The journey takes 40 minutes and crosses Cévennes valley landscapes. These two activities in Gard complement each other perfectly for a family day out between nature and discovery.

Discovering the beaches in Gard

The Gard coastline extends around Grau-du-Roi and La Grande-Motte. Espiguette beach, classified Natura 2000, is the jewel of the area. It stretches for over 10 km of fine sand bordered by white dunes, in an almost desert-like setting. Its gentle slope and clear waters make it a family-friendly place. The beaches of Gard located in the town center of Grau-du-Roi are guarded in season and close to all shops. For a more lively atmosphere, La Grande-Motte offers equipped beaches with restaurants and water activities.

The Seaquarium of Grau-du-Roi

The Seaquarium welcomes more than 300,000 visitors per season over 2,400 m² of exhibition space. It houses more than 200 marine species: sharks, seals, sea lions, rays and jellyfish. A dedicated shark space allows you to observe them in an immersive tunnel. The Marine Institute, integrated into the Seaquarium, participates in conservation and ocean protection awareness programs. This is a family outing in Gard ideal, particularly on rainy days! The Seaquarium is located at the entrance to Grau-du-Roi, near the Camargue port.

You now know what to do in Gard for vacations between heritage, nature and coast. Want to extend each day with a moment of relaxation by the pool? Book your stay in a campground with water park in Occitania and enjoy southern France to the fullest!

FAQ – What to Do in the Gard?

Frequently asked questions

How many days should you plan to visit the Gard?

To discover the main activities in the Gard, plan for at least 5 to 7 days. This gives you enough time to visit the Pont du Gard, Nîmes, Aigues-Mortes, the Cévennes, and the coast without rushing. A 10-day stay lets you add kayaking trips and beach days.

Is the Gard suitable for a family vacation?

Absolutely. The Gard offers plenty of family activities: swimming in the Gardon river, lifeguard-patrolled beaches at Le Grau-du-Roi, the Seaquarium, a steam train, and the Bambouseraie. Campsites with water parks round out the offering, keeping kids entertained between cultural and nature outings.

Can you swim in the Gorges du Gardon?

Yes, swimming in the Gorges du Gardon is possible free of charge in certain spots, particularly around Collias. The water is clear and pleasantly warm in summer. That said, stay alert to the current and follow the safety instructions posted on site.

When is the best time to visit the Gard?

The best time to visit the Gard runs from May to October. Spring brings mild temperatures that are ideal for hiking and cultural visits. Summer is perfect for enjoying the coast and the Gardon river. Autumn charms visitors with the colors of the Cévennes and smaller crowds.

What can you do in the Gard when it rains?

If it rains in the Gard, several activities remain available. The Seaquarium in Le Grau-du-Roi, the Arènes de Nîmes, and the Pont du Gard museum can all be visited whatever the weather. A campsite with an indoor pool also lets you keep enjoying water activities year-round.