Le chemin du Mistral

A hike in the region Languedoc-Roussillon

Let be surprised by an unusual place: visit La Roque-sur-Cèze, one of the Most beautiful Villages in France. Both Nature and History gave this place its charm, either that it lies in the famous waterfalls or along the alleys of the city! The trails around the village provide a good way to appreciate the country and to get an overview on the situation of this place nestled in a meander of the river Cèze.

Information

General points

• Geographic situation. District : La Roque-sur-Cèze (department Gard, canton Bagnols-sur-Cèze)
                                     Road map with
• Starting point : Cascades car park in La Roque-sur-Cèze (on the left bank).
• The length of the stroll is estimated at 7,7 Km and the walk duration is about 1 h 45 mn.
• The stroll is marked out all along
• Stroll form : dual (one part as a loop, the other one linear)
• Stroll relief : hilly (alt. mini = 70 m ; alt. maxi = 200 m)
• Maintenance : frequent (brushwood clearing at least annual)
• Exposure : varied (both covered and uncovered areas)

Noteworthy places

Château et chapelle. Situated on the heights of the village, the castle and the chapel date from the XIth century (private property, not open to visit).

Pont Charles Martel. This is an amazing medieval bridge which goes back to the XIVth century. It is classified Historical Monument. It has 12 arcs and it measures 200 meters long. It is one of the two accesses to the village.

Cascades du Sautadet. Downstream the bridge Charles Martel, the river Cèze has dug potholes, canals and cavities which intersect in a network where water rushes into and flows out in waterfalls. Please, respect the security measures indicated on panels.

Maps

IGN 2940 OT.

Bibliography

Entre Cèze et Ardèche, le massif forestier de la Valbonne. (Office de Tourisme de Valcèzard).