Lovely Lussan in Gard, southern France, is officially one of the prettiest villages in France (‘Plus Beaux Villages’). This pastoral region in the heart of Occitanie has everything an ardent Francophile could desire – picturesque villages, castles, gardens, vineyards, rich in culture and history, and great gastronomy.
What to see and do in Lussan in Gard
The medieval village of Lussan is perched on a hill, surrounded by rocky aromatic scrubland peppered with rosemary, lavender, thyme, sage and juniper. It’s a car-free village so leave the wheels in the car park below the village and enjoy the sites in peace.
Explore the narrow, cobbled streets lined with boutiques, artists workshops, and potteries – and don’t miss a visit to Les Ceramiques de Lussan who create the famous hand-painted guinea fowl of Lussan, just three minutes by car from the town.
Visit 14th century Saint Peter’s Church, and discover the town hall of Lussan in a 15th century castle where you can visit the stateroom which has a beautiful 17th century painted ceiling. A stroll along the recently restored ramparts is a must. From here, you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views over the Cévennes region, the Ardèche mountains and Mont Ventoux – the mountain is known locally as the ‘giant of Provence.’
Enjoy a break in the shade of the chestnut trees in the central Place des Marronniers where there is a good café-auberge (Maison Gramme) and a pétanque pitch, or the gastronomic Bistrot de Lussan, and nearby La Table d’Azor is charming.
Local walking and trails
There are several signposted walks and trails in or close to Lussan, which range from 6km to 15km, including Les Concluses which takes you along a spectacular natural gorge lined with rocky corridors hewn by time and water into strange shapes which give it an otherworldly feel. There are two options for walking the Concluses trails – the easy route takes around 45 minutes over a 2.2km distance; the longer route, 11.3km and around 3h20m, is more difficult (moderate) but worth it for the stunning views.
The locals also recommend a walk that reveals the Menhir of the ‘Pierre Plantée’ – a mysterious megalith in the middle of an oak forest. The tall stone block is thought to have been erected more than 2000 years ago. Its purpose is unknown, place of worship, funeral marker or astronomical landmark maybe? Whatever its origins, it’s a fascinating monument in magnificent countryside.
Places to visit near Lussan
Tempting as it is to stay in Lussan, there’s heaps to see in the area which has an excellent road network.
Uzès
Uzès is about 19km south of Lussan and is utterly enchanting. The town dates back to Roman times and the medieval streets of the old town spiral around a still lived in medieval castle known as the Duchy. The Place aux Herbes with terrace cafés and arcades dating to the middle ages, hosts a fabulous weekly market. The ornate Fenestrelle Tower is part of Saint Théodorit Cathedral built from 1090 on the site of a Roman temple (but rebuilt since). The town also has a Medieval garden, where you can climb the King’s tower for panoramic views of the town and beyond.
Pont du Gard
A short distance southwest of Uzès the Pont du Gard is a must see. This Roman aqueduct was built in the first century AD to carry water from a spring in Uzès over 50km to Nemausus (now Nîmes). It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on three levels, it reaches 49m above the rocky riverbed and is a whopping 274m long.
Collias
Located in the heart of the Gardon Gorges, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, Collias is secret place that’s brimming with a rich natural, architectural, and historical heritage. As you stroll through the narrow streets, the past comes to life as you ogle the beautifully restored historic houses and relax in shaded hidden squares
A river flows through this charming little village and you can swim here and relax on the pebble beach (it’s the locals’ favourite for a refreshing dip. You can also hire a canoe here and paddle your way to the Pont du Gard 8km from Collias. Collias is a central point for superb walking circuits, and groups can also book an organised hikes including access to a paleolithic cave, and an overnight stay.
The friendly tourist office can organise stays in Lussan and around, guided tours for groups, organised hikes and more: uzes-pontdugard.com/en/groupe
