Château de Montcaud Escapades: Hidden Treasures of the Gard
Nestled in the heart of the hamlet of Combes in Sabran, Château de Montcaud enjoys a privileged position for exploring the wonders of the Gard and Rhodanian Provence. Between character villages, UNESCO sites and preserved landscapes, this region abounds with authentic treasures waiting to be discovered. Set forth to conquer these beautiful escapes that create the incomparable charm of Southern France.
Sabran and its various hamlets: authentic heritage
The hilltop village of Sabran
Your exploration naturally begins with Sabran, the commune hosting Château de Montcaud. Perched on a rocky promontory, this picturesque village dominates the Cèze valley and offers exceptional panoramas. On clear days, the view extends across several departments, bearing witness to the strategic position of this site inhabited since the Middle Ages.
The ruins of the feudal castle, cradle of the prestigious family of Sabran barons, still crown the village. A monumental statue of the Virgin, erected in 1860, stands majestically upon the remains of the ancient medieval tower. The Church of Sainte-Agathe, beautifully restored, completes this remarkable heritage ensemble.
Character Hamlets
Sabran comprises eight authentic hamlets, each having preserved its own identity. Among these hamlets, Carmes offers the charm of Languedoc villages with its picturesque lanes and restored washhouse. Donnat enchants with its tranquillity and marked trails leading to surrounding woods. Colombier has preserved its historic heart around its 12th-century Romanesque church, while Combe spreads peacefully amidst the vines.
Each hamlet tells part of the local story, between chapels, washhouses and ancient dwellings that bear witness to the Provençal art of living of yesteryear.
Uzès, First Duchy of France
A unique medieval city
Just 25 kilometres from Château de Montcaud, Uzès amply deserves its reputation as an architectural jewel. This first duchy of France, classified as a City of Art and History, reveals perfectly preserved millenary heritage.
The Duchy of Uzès, historic residence of the ducal family, imposes its majestic silhouette at the heart of the city. The Cathedral of Saint-Théodorit and its Fenestrelle tower, unique in France and strangely reminiscent of the Tower of Pisa, constitute unmissable architectural marvels. The Town Hall, with its interior courtyard that hosts concerts and cultural events, adds to the city's heritage wealth.
The Art of Uzès Living
The Uzès market, ranked the 4th most beautiful market in France, has animated the Place aux Herbes since the Middle Ages. Every Wednesday and Saturday, local producers, artisans and merchants create a unique atmosphere where Provençal colours, flavours and scents mingle.
The shaded lanes and small flowered squares invite leisurely strolling, revealing at every turn Renaissance façades, private mansions and art craftsmen boutiques. This preserved authenticity makes Uzès an essential stop on your Gard escapades.
Pont du Gard: Wonder of the Ancient World
Masterpiece of Roman Engineering
Thirty kilometres from the château, the Pont du Gard raises its monumental silhouette above the Gardon River. This masterpiece of Roman architecture, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, fascinates with its exceptional dimensions: 275 metres long and nearly 50 metres high.
Built 2,000 years ago, this aqueduct carried water from the springs of Uzès to Nîmes, bearing witness to the technical genius of Roman engineers. The precision of its construction, without mortar, and its resistance to time make it one of the world's best-preserved ancient monuments.
Unforgettable Experiences at Pont du Gard
The site offers multiple ways to discover this stone giant. Hiking trails allow approach to the monument from different angles, revealing its majesty in a setting of preserved nature. The descent of the Gardon by canoe from Collias offers a unique perspective, passing literally beneath the millennial arches.
The Gardon Gorges, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, complement this experience with their wild landscapes and emerald waters conducive to swimming and water activities.
Character Villages and Natural Sites
La Roque-sur-Cèze, Pearl of the Valley
Just 5 kilometres from Château de Montcaud, La Roque-sur-Cèze features among France's most beautiful villages. This medieval village, clinging to the hillside, overlooks the Sautadet waterfalls, a unique geological phenomenon created by the erosion of the Cèze through limestone.
The sloping lanes, stone houses and valley panoramas make it a jewel of authenticity. The Sautadet waterfall site offers a striking natural spectacle with its giant's cauldrons sculpted in rock by millennia of erosion.
Hidden Regional Treasures
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres with its medieval ramparts, Cornillon perched on its rocky spur, or Goudargues, nicknamed the "Gard Venice" for its shaded canals, constitute as many authentic escapades to discover during your stay.
Côtes du Rhône route and wine terroir
In the heart of prestigious vineyards
Château de Montcaud sits at the heart of the Côtes du Rhône route, offering the opportunity to discover exceptional wine estates. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 20 kilometres away, remains the region's most prestigious appellation with its famous rolled pebbles and exceptional vintages.
The surrounding vineyards produce AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages wines that benefit from an exceptional terroir between the Rhône and Cévennes. Numerous estates open their doors for tastings and guided visits, revealing the secrets of this millennial viticulture.
Agricultural and gastronomic heritage
The region also perpetuates its agricultural traditions with Périgord black truffles, cultivated in local oak groves, and Nîmes AOP olive oil produced in centennial olive groves. These exceptional products feature on local restaurant tables and enliven producers' markets.
Outdoor activities and preserved nature
Hiking and cycle tourism
The privileged geographical position of Château de Montcaud makes it an ideal starting point for numerous outdoor activities. GR long-distance trails and mountain bike circuits crisscross garrigue, vineyards and wooded hills, offering varied panoramas over the Rhône valley and Cévennes.
The ViaRhôna, a European cycle route following the Rhône, passes nearby and allows easy bicycle access to the region's major sites.
Natural riches
The Ardèche gorges, 45 minutes away, complement the natural offering with their spectacular landscapes and water activities. Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence visible from Sabran on clear days, attracts cyclists from around the world to its mythical slopes.
Cultural heritage and festivities
Festivals and traditions
The region vibrates to the rhythm of numerous cultural events. Summer festivals enliven villages and cities: the Uzès Festival, the prestigious Nîmes Festival with its international artist concerts in the arenas all summer long, or the traditional ferias that perpetuate the Midi's taurine spirit.
The medieval festival of Sabran, organised by the "Muses et hommes" association, brings the village's history back to life and attracts several thousand visitors each year. The region also offers numerous other traditional taurine events, true expressions of Gard cultural identity.
Unmissable events
Markets and antique fairs: the Uzès market, renowned for its Provençal authenticity, takes place on Saturday mornings in one of France's most beautiful villages. The Barjac antiques and second-hand fair offers two annual appointments: at Easter and on 15th August, attracting bargain hunters and antique lovers.
Heritage shows: at Pont du Gard, the sound and light show illuminates this Roman masterpiece during summer evenings, offering a unique immersive experience at the heart of ancient history.
Art crafts and expertise
Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie perpetuates the ceramic tradition with its renowned artisan potter workshops. Potter markets and temporary exhibitions reveal the contemporary creativity of this ancestral art.
Local craftsmanship also extends to leatherwork, basketry and textile trades, bearing witness to expertise preserved and transmitted from generation to generation.
Practical advice for your escapades
Organising your outings from the Château
Château de Montcaud constitutes the ideal starting point to explore the region. Its central position allows easy access to major sites: Uzès (24 km), Pont du Gard (30 km), Avignon (36 km), Orange (36 km) and Nîmes (36 km).
Our concierge team is at your disposal to organise your excursions, book your guided visits and advise you according to your interests. Personalised itineraries can be established to optimise your discoveries.
Best visiting periods
The region's Mediterranean climate allows pleasant escapades year-round. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures and exceptional light. Summer reveals the animation of festivals and markets, while winter allows discovery of a more intimate and authentic Provence.
Experience authentic Gard provence
The hidden treasures of the region around Château de Montcaud reveal an authentic Provence, far from beaten tourist tracks. Between millennial heritage and preserved nature, living traditions and exceptional gastronomy, each escapade unveils a facet of this land of history and character.
Whether you are passionate about art and history, a nature lover or an epicurean seeking gustatory discoveries, this region's richness will fulfil all your expectations. Château de Montcaud opens the doors to these Gard marvels, for stays where each day brings its share of discoveries and wonder.
Prepare your escapades with our team during your stay by contacting us at: +33 4 66 33 20 15 or by email at info@chateaudemontcaud.com
The treasures of the Gard await you. Château de Montcaud is your gateway to Provençal authenticity.