The Pont du Gard is the most visited ancient monument in France. More than a million people each year, tourist buses, parking at 9 euros. Impressive, yes. But we're not going to lie to ourselves: this is not where we want to put our bags for the week. The real good plan is to settle in one of the villages around.
We take advantage of the calm, the lower prices, and we can easily reach the Pont du Gard, Uzès, Nîmes or Avignon. Here are five villages to sleep in, each with its own character. Collias: the village on the banks of the Gardon (8 km from the Pont du Gard) Collias is probably the best compromise between proximity to the Pont du Gard and quality of life. The village is located directly on the banks of the Gardon, from the gorges.
It is from here that canoe descents to the Pont du Gard depart (about 2 hours of quiet paddling, 8 km on the water). The village itself has a lot of charm: stone streets, shaded square, a gourmet restaurant (L 'Oxalis, just in front of the church), and a pebble beach by the river where families swim all summer. Collias is also the starting point for beautiful hikes in the scrubland and the Gardon Gorge.
On the accommodation side, there are guest rooms in the heart of the village. At Chambres d 'Elise, for example, Beatrice welcomes her guests to a stone village house with two bedrooms (from €65/night) and a self-catering cottage for families (up to 6 people). Breakfast with local products, free parking, and the Gardon is a 5-minute walk away.
By car, allow 10 minutes to reach the Pont du Gard and 15 minutes to Uzès. Vers-Pont-du-Gard: as close as possible to the monument (2 km) This is the closest village to Pont du Gard, 2 km away. It can be reached on foot via a shaded path in 15 minutes. This is the logical choice if your visit to the Pont du Gard is the main reason for your stay. The village is small and quiet.
There are a few bed and breakfasts and hotel residences (such as the Residhotel). The atmosphere is less "charming village" than Collias or Castillon, but the proximity of the monument is unbeatable. Count between 80€ and 150€/night depending on the season for a bed and breakfast. Castillon-du-Gard: the perched village (6 km) Castillon is a jewel.
Perched on a hill overlooking the vineyards and scrubland, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, it offers a peaceful and very photogenic atmosphere. Medieval alleys, gilded stone walls and terraces with views are worth a visit on their own. There are several charming guest rooms, often with swimming pool (La Villa Les Petits Gardons, La Bastide des Pins).
Prices are usually a little higher than elsewhere, between €90 and €180/night. The Pont du Gard is 6 km away by car (10 minutes). Remoulins: the practical solution (3 km) Remoulins is the small service town around here. Supermarket, pharmacy, restaurants, Friday morning market. It's not the most picturesque village on the list, but it's handy if you're looking for functional accommodation at a low price.
There are mainly hotels and residences (Soko Hotels, Residhotel), with prices starting at around €70/night. The Pont du Gard is 3 km away, Nîmes 25 km away, Avignon 25 km away. Uzès: the ducal city (25 km) Uzès is another ladder. First duchy of France, Provençal market on Saturday mornings (one of the most beautiful in the south), restaurants, shops, art galleries. It is a destination in itself.
If you want to combine the visit of the Pont du Gard with the discovery of a city of character, Uzès is a great base. The Pont du Gard is a 25-minute drive away. Prices are higher: between €100 and €250/night for a quality bed and breakfast. The high season goes from July to August: it's hot (often 35°C and above), prices are at their maximum, and the Gardon is perfect for swimming.
June and September offer the best compromise: pleasant temperatures, fewer people, and milder rates. Spring (April-May) is ideal for hiking and visiting the Pont du Gard without the crowds. How to get there? By car from Nîmes: 30 minutes. From Avignon: 30 minutes. From Montpellier: 1 hour. From Lyon: 2.5 hours. From Marseille: 1h30.
The nearest TGV station is Nîmes Pont du Gard (Manduel), a 20-minute drive from Collias. Our advice If you are looking for accommodation that combines the charm of a Provençal village, direct access to the river and the proximity of the Pont du Gard, Collias ticks all the boxes. This is where the canoes leave, this is where we bathe in summer, and it is an ideal starting point to explore the entire region between Uzès, Nîmes and Avignon.
At Chambres d 'Elise, Beatrice welcomes you to her village house in the heart of Collias. Two guest rooms (the Blue Room with private terrace, the Pink Room for families up to 5 people) and an independent cottage with equipped kitchen for longer stays. Book directly on our website for the best rate.