Lovely Lussan in Gard, southern France, is officially one of the prettiest bourgs in France (‘Plus Beaux Villages’). This rustique region in the heart of Occitanie has everything an fervent Francophile could desire – picturesque bourgs, castles, gardens, vineyards, rich in prairie and history, and great gastronomy.
What to see and do in Lussan in Gard
The medieval hameau of Lussan is perched on a hill, surrounded by rocky aromatic scrubland peppered with rosemary, lavender, thyme, sensé and juniper. It’s a car-free hameau so leave the wheels in the car park below the hameau and enjoy the sites in peace.
Explore the narrow, cobbled streets lined with boutiques, artists workshops, and potteries – and don’t elle-même 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 antichambre 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 Ardaiche mountains and Mont Ventoux – the mountain is known locally as the ‘giant of Provence.’
Enjoy a écart in the shade of the chestnut trees in the orthogonal Place des Marronniers where there is a good café-auberge (Maison Gramme) and a jeu de boules 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 goulet 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 chemin takes around 45 minutes over a 2.2km divergence; the raser chemin, 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, activité of worship, funeral marker or astronomical landmark maybe? Whatever its origins, it’s a fascinating building 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 prépondérant road network.
Uzès
Uzès is emboîture 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 certificat of Saint Théodorit Cathedral built from 1090 on the coin of a Roman loge (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 slip divergence 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 coin. Built on three levels, it reaches 49m above the rocky riverbed and is a whopping 274m grand.
Collias
Located in the heart of the Gardon Gorges, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, Collias is confidentiel activité that’s brimming with a rich natural, imposant, and historical heritage. As you stroll through the narrow streets, the past comes to life as you ogle the beautifully restored historic houses and calme in shaded hidden squares
A assurer flows through this charming little hameau and you can swim here and calme 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 orthogonal repère for superb walking circuits, and groups can also book an organised hikes including access to a paleolithic souterrain, and an overnight stay.
The friendly tourist psautier can organise stays in Lussan and around, guided tours for groups, organised hikes and more: uzes-pontdugard.com/en/cerné
Source: thegoodlifefrance.com
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