Discover Saint-Jean-Du-Gard through a range of interests: historic buildings, the history of silk processing, signposted hiking trails and markets. There is also a ride on a historic steam train. These different highlights can help you decide what you want your trip to focus on.
Bridges, church history and silk culture
The Vieux Pont was built in 1733 to replace a ford across the Gardon that had been fitted with planks. Faithfully rebuilt, it forms the summer promenade known as the “tour des ponts.” The bridge thus links the specific history of crossing the river with a name used today for a summer stroll.
Another glimpse into the history of local architecture can be found at the Tour de l’Horloge. It is the surviving bell tower of a Romanesque church built in the 12th century by the Benedictines of Saint-Gilles. The Protestant temple on Place Carnot was listed in its entirety as a historic monument by decree on August 8, 2019.
Maison Rouge adds the silk industry to these historical themes. The spinning mill was the last silk-spinning mill still operating in France and closed in 1965. Its permanent exhibition comprises almost 10,000 objects covering defining themes in CĂ©vennes culture and society. These include landscape management, agriculture, religion, silkworm farming, housing and the chestnut. The bridge, religious architectural history and industrial history thus offer different ways to explore the history of the town and the CĂ©vennes.
Hiking trails and journeys through the CĂ©vennes
Saint-Jean-Du-Gard is the starting point for more than 150 kilometres of signposted hiking trails of varying difficulty. The route to Pic d’Arbousse offers views of the town and the Cévennes. On the Les Escorces route, the trail crosses abandoned terraces that were once planted with olive trees and grapevines. Dry-stone walls shape this landscape, and the views extend as far as Mont Aigoual.
Les Escorces can be reached by public transport via the “SAINT-JEAN-DU-GARD - La Poste” stop. Check the current timetables before planning your journey.
The Chemin de Stevenson was marked as GR® 70 in 1993 between Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille and Saint-Jean-Du-Gard. Another way to discover the Cévennes is on the Train touristique des Cévennes: the historic steam train travels 13 kilometres between Anduze and Saint-Jean-Du-Gard, offering a way to explore the Parc national des Cévennes. Hiking and rail travel are clearly different ways to get around; each of the routes mentioned remains a separate option.
Market days and a puzzle trail for children
The traditional Tuesday morning market takes place in the town centre throughout the year. The food section is in the covered market halls and the surrounding area. On Saturday mornings, from Easter to All Saints’ Day, the producers’ market is also held on Place de Marché. It offers seasonal produce such as goat’s cheese and chestnut honey. As market dates and exact arrangements may change, it is worth checking the latest information before visiting.
Rando Land is an approximately one-hour walking tour of the town for children aged 4 to 12. Puzzles help them discover the heritage of Saint-Jean-Du-Gard. Details of this family activity may change, so check them again when planning your visit.
Information in different formats
The Saint-Jean-Du-Gard tourist information office also offers practical guidance: visitors can get large-print documents, a Braille booklet about the town’s heritage and a booklet in Easy Read. These materials provide different ways to access information about the town, its heritage and a possible stay.
When choosing your trip, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: historic buildings and silk history, hiking, market days or a ride on the historic train. Seasonal and access information varies by activity—for example, for the seasonal producers’ market and for travelling to Les Escorces. Discover more destinations: Colognac, Saint-Gervais, Orthoux-Sérignac-Quilhan, Brouzet-Lès-Alès, Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon, Saint-Geniès-De-Comolas, Pont-Saint-Esprit, Quissac.
For the overview of the wider region: Gard.
