In the Gard department of southern France, 47km from Nîmes Airport, Le Martinet is located in the heart of a charming medieval village close to the Cévennes National Park.
You could also fly into Montpellier Airport (70km) or arrive via TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nimes with onward connections to Alès (12.5km), taking just over four hours.
The village is so pretty and authentic – wander down the narrow cobbled lanes, stop off for crêpes and coffee and dine out in the local bistro just down the road serving good local food and wine on its outdoor terrace. There are glorious views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards from the village’s hillside position.
Soak up the charm of this region in the market town of Uzès (28km), a delightful place to explore with its historic architecture and enchanting twice-weekly market that takes place beneath the shady plane trees of Place aux Herbes on a Wednesday and Saturday morning. It is often regarded as one of France’s most beautiful markets and gastronomic specialities to look out for include olive oil, sweet onions, goat’s cheese, truffles (in the winter), good wine, honey alongside seasonal fruit and vegetables. Uzès is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants showcasing the best regional cuisine.
The towns of Alès (12.5km) and Anduze (19km) are both considered to be the gateways to the Cévennes National Park – Le Gardon River runs through both. Try Pélardon goat’s cheese from Anduze’s Saturday morning market and look out for the steam train that takes you to the lovely village of Saint-Jean-du-Gard. It goes without saying that the Cévennes National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its hiking trails.
Elsewhere, visit the fascinating cities of Nimes (35km) and Avignon (65km), canoe beneath Le Pont du Gard (40km) and sample wines across the Rhône valley, Languedoc region or around the historic wine town of Sommières (35km).
The Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
