What we love, with the time it takes on foot or by car from the apartments.
A Romanesque façade with three carved portals, and beneath it the great crypt, which is open to visitors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Way of St James. Crypt tours: ask at the tourist information office, 5 place de la République · +33 4 66 58 38 00.
Our tip: Come at nightfall, when the façade is lit up.
The spiral stone staircase, famous among stonemasons and the Compagnons craftsmen’s guilds.
Our tip: Access to the Vis: days and times from the tourist information office.
The town’s new museum, planned at the foot of the Abbey.
Our tip: Opening date to be announced.
The Roman arena, the Maison Carrée (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Jardins de la Fontaine and the Tour Magne.
Our tip: Climb the Tour Magne for a view over the whole city.
The Roman arena, the ancient theatre, the Saint-Trophime cloister, and the Rencontres photography festival in summer.
Our tip: Park outside the centre: everything is within walking distance.
The seaside village, its fortified church whose roof you can walk on, the beaches, and the Gypsy pilgrimage at the end of May.
Our tip: Combine it with the Digue à la Mer and the flamingos on the way.
A late 13th-century watchtower that once guarded the only road to Aigues-Mortes. Free open access, with views over the marshes: egrets, herons, horses and bulls.
Our tip: Stop on the way to Aigues-Mortes, at sunset.
A large freshwater lake fringed with reed beds, in a nature reserve. Centre du Scamandre, lieu-dit les Iscles (D179) at Gallician: loop trails of up to 4 km and a 1 km boardwalk through the heart of the marshes. Herons, ibises, spoonbills, flamingos. Picnicking on site; no dogs or bikes on the trails.
Our tip: Come early in the morning for the birds.
A 6.3 km loop (about 2 hours) between the Costières and the Camargue, starting from chemin du Cambon. Herons, egrets, ducks; audio guide in the Latitude Gard app.
Our tip: Easy, perfect for families.
A walk round the ramparts of the medieval town, then the pink salt pans of the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes on foot or by little train (about 1 hr 15, with a stop at the foot of the salt mountains).
Our tip: Ramparts late in the day, salt marshes in the morning.
Deep in the Camargue, from Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer: a sea dyke closed to cars, between lagoons and sea, on foot or by bike. Flamingos, horses, bulls.
Our tip: Set off early and take water: there is no shade.
A family-run organic farm beside the Scamandre: over 250 bulls, rice fields and horses. Guided tour of the farm every morning by reservation, shop and tasting (Camargue bull, organic Camargue rice). Route des Iscles, Mas de Madame · +33 6 61 72 19 31.
Our tip: Pair it with the Scamandre lake walk, right next door.
Camargue bulls and traditions, from a family of manadiers (bull ranchers) for 85 years. Visits on Wednesday evenings from June to September (6–8 pm, €35), the rest of the year by reservation · +33 6 41 75 67 97.
Our tip: On the same estate as L’est d’Estagel: a visit, then dinner.
The historic manade (bull ranch), founded in 1894 by the grandson of the Marquis de Baroncelli. Abrivados (bull runs), courses camarguaises (Camargue bull games), ferrades (branding). Mainly for groups · +33 6 11 85 88 15.
Our tip: To see a real Camargue festival, keep an eye out for their dates.
Flat cycle paths along the water, towards Beaucaire, Aigues-Mortes or the sea.
Our tip: Locked bike garage 20 m from the apartment (extra, €5 / night).
Saint-Gilles is a stage on the Via Tolosana (the Arles route) to Santiago de Compostela and the end of the Régordane Way. Tourist information office: 5 place de la République · +33 4 66 58 38 00.
Our tip: Ask for the free « Guide du cheminant » (in French), with all the practical information.
Our first pick, right by the apartments. 19 B rue Victor Hugo · +33 4 66 08 19 40.
Our tip: Our favourite, just round the corner.
Traditional Provençal home cooking. 10 avenue François Griffeuille · +33 4 66 87 31 93.
Our tip: Open in season: book ahead in summer.
Home-made local cooking and pizzas, with a terrace by the water. 62 quai du Canal · +33 4 69 00 17 76. Closed 22 Dec to 5 Jan.
Our tip: Perfect after a bike ride.
Seasonal bistronomy at the Domaine du Prieuré d’Estagel, surrounded by nature. 6125 chemin des Loubes · +33 7 56 82 82 86. Closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday evening.
Our tip: For a slightly smarter evening out.
Thursday and Sunday mornings, in the heart of the village.
Our tip: On those mornings, park in P2 or P3.
The village’s big annual festival, organised by the Association des Festivités. In 2026: 28 to 31 August.
Our tip: This year’s programme is on their page.
Approximate times from Les Petites Voûtes. Please check opening hours and prices with each place.
