In the heart of the Céze Valley in the department of the Gard, Goudargues is a small, atypical village with a population of 1000. Nicknamed the “Venice of the Gard” - a slightly exaggerated nickname it may be said - its canals shaded by hundred-year-old sycamores, its fountains and its cool squares do make it extremely attractive. The charm casts its spell and it is a pleasure to wander this small town, accompanied by the murmuring of the water, which is everywhere. With restaurants, wine-tasting cellars, crafts shops and small stores, you will find everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Its surrounding countryside is rich and activities are numerous: swimming and canoeing on the Céze, walking along one of the many hiking trails to discover the small authentic villages or bicycling through the hilly landscapes that have escaped mass tourism.
The washhouse of Goudargues and its bronze frog
The abbey church in Goudargues
The church seen from the entrance to the chapter house of Goudargues
Sculpted front door in Goudargues
Promenade along the canal in Goudargues
The canals shaded by the sycamores in the village of Goudargues
The village also boasts a rich architectural heritage. It developed around its 12th century cloister, pumping water from its 14 springs and digging its canals. The abbey church, altered in the 19th century, has preserved a part of its Romanesque choir and apse, as well as the refectory and the chapter house, which today hosts cultural and artistic events.
Don't miss the big washhouse with its emblematic bronze frog and, across from it, the pétanque players fiercely competing in a game of boules.
Goudargues really comes to life in summer with the street festival "Les Goûts d'Arts Gais" in July and the ever popular village festival on August 15 during which the participants throw themselves into the canal to drink their apéritif all while getting watered! An event that lovers of village fêtes will not want to miss. A true party ambiance!
It's also the ideal place from which to visit the region, which abounds in little golden nuggets: La Roque sur Céze, Barjac, Lussan, Uzés and the Gorges of the Ardéche are all within less than a 30-minute drive.
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