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The Best of Roman Provence
Nights: 4
Day 1: before setting off from Uzès it is well worth taking an hour or two to explore. Besides some handsome old stone arcades there are numerous monuments in the medieval heart of the town, including the elegant Fenestrelle Tower and the ducal palace. The walk to Collias is full of interest, and serves as a good introduction to the landscapes of the garrigue: gently rolling hills coated in kermes and holm oaks and other small shrubs, and dotted with sleepy hamlets. The first part of the walk leads through woodland alongside the River Alzon, then joins a botanical trail that ascends to the top of the ridge. From here, you walk through vineyards, orchards and woodland to pick up a path through expanses of rosemary and thyme along the top of the Gardon Gorge. Enjoy sweeping views in clear weather (behind you, you can often make out the hills of the Cévennes), including occasional tantalising glimpses into the gorge below. (14km, 4hrs) Accommodation: Hostellerie le Castellas, as above. Day 3: this final walk leads along tracks and country lanes lined with orchards and small vineyards to the spectacular Pont du Gard. You have time to visit the ancient bridge and the visitors' centre and to enjoy a leisurely picnic by the river before continuing alongside the aqueduct to the idyllic village of Castillon-du-Gard, set amid the vineyards. (12km, 4.5hrs)
Prices & travel 2008
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The limestone hills north of the Camargue form the final fold of the Massif Central. At the western fringe of Provence,
these secret, sun-scorched hills conceal tiny stone villages and the ancient
duchy of Uzès. Cutting a deep, wooded gorge through the scented hills,
the River Gardon slips between the graceful arches of the mighty Pont
du Gard, one of the region’s Roman masterpieces. This relaxed walk,
perhaps the most comfortable and gastronomic of all our walking breaks,
follows attractive paths through these most Mediterranean of landscapes,
where the air is perfumed with the scent of herbs, and buzzards and falcons
soar overhead. To discover this secret region on foot is a delight, all
the more so when you stay in high-quality hotels, offering some outstanding
cuisine. 
Starting point: Hotel du Général d’Entraigues (3*), Uzès. A comfortable,
well-equipped and atmospheric hotel converted from a 15th-century
aristocrat’s house complete with stone-flagged floors and vaulted
ceilings. With a lounge, outdoor pool and panoramic roof-top terrace offering
views of the town's many towers, there is plenty of space to relax. Enjoy
refined cuisine in the hotel's smart restaurant, Les Jardins de Castille.
The hotel is located opposite the cathedral.
Accommodation: Hostellerie le Castellas (3*), Collias. A
high-quality, beautifully appointed hotel where you will find a genuinely
warm welcome and superb cuisine (with a wine list to match). Each bedroom is individually decorated,
with great attention to detail. There is a small outdoor pool.
Accommodation: Le Vieux Castillon (4*), Castillon-du-Gard.
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful hotel that we have ever discovered
in southern France. Converted from several medieval houses, the hotel
exudes character. The service is attentive, the bedrooms are exquisite,
and there is a lovely terrace and outdoor pool, but the real highlight
is the cuisine, well deserving of its Michelin star. A fitting climax
to the break.