In Sainte-Anastasie, a four-hour circular hike, views of the gorges and distinctive cultural themes each offer a different focus. The Les Gorges du Gardon trail starts and ends in Russan; a museum, prehistoric images and historic buildings provide further points of interest. This lets you decide whether to devote most of your time to the hike or focus more on the landscape and history.
Hiking and getting there
The Les Gorges du Gardon circular hike is 12.52 kilometres long, involves 340 metres of elevation gain and takes four hours. It starts and ends in Russan and offers views of the gorges. Its duration is an important factor in planning your day; the distance and elevation gain give you a further sense of its scope. If you want to explore cultural themes, plan them as a separate part of your stay and decide based on the time available.
To drive to the hike, take the N 106 and D 418; the village square is the recommended parking area. As access conditions may change seasonally, check them before setting out on the hike.
Gorge scenery and cultural heritage
At the entrance to the gorges, the Maison des gorges du Gardon is located in the hamlet of Russan, in the municipality of Sainte-Anastasie. It has a museum area dedicated to the Grand Site des gorges du Gardon. The landscape of garrigue, river, rocks and caves is explored there. Unlike the hike, which offers views of the gorges, the museum area focuses on these landscape features.
The Baume-Latrone cave in Sainte-Anastasie features prehistoric images, drawn in clay or engraved in limestone. The cave has been classified as a historic monument since 1940. The prehistoric site is closed to the public, so do not plan a visit as if it were open to visitors.
In the hamlet of Russan, the church has been listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments since 2005. The Prieuré Saint-Nicolas-de-Campagnac is another historic landmark: the complex dates from the 12th century and formerly served as a royal customs post. Its former function tells a different part of its history from the date of the building.
The priory overlooks the Pont Saint-Nicolas and the Gardon and is open to the public. Check visitor information before travelling. This makes the access arrangements clear for planning: Baume-Latrone is closed, while visitor information for the priory should be checked in advance.
The cliffs of Sainte-Anastasie also have numerous climbing routes. Le Castellas is a viewpoint over the Gorges du Gardon in the municipality of Sainte-Anastasie. To take in the landscape, you can choose between the views along the four-hour loop and the viewpoint at Le Castellas: the loop combines gorge views with a set distance and duration, while Le Castellas is a viewpoint in its own right. You can weigh up whether a multi-hour hike or a viewpoint should be the focus of your plans.
Discover more destinations: Sauveterre, Castelnau-Valence, Gagnieres, Navacelles, Aujac, Vauvert, Le Cailar, Verfeuil.
For the broader travel overview: Gard.
