This department is named after its river inciting the Romans to settle here and make Nimes the 'Rome of France'. It is also home to the Rhone delta with bulls quietly grazing on the marshy banks alongside pink flamingos searching for food. The Gard area was settled by the Romans and was crossed by the Roman road, Via Domitia, which led down to Spain. There are a number of important historical sites. Here you will find the delightful walled town of Aigues-Mortes, established by Louis IX as the point of departure for the Crusades.
Aigues-Mortes is a good base for discovering the surrounding Camargue and its fragile eco-system.
Enjoy the Gard's numerous sporting opportunities; canoeing in the Gorges du Gardon, horse riding in the oak forests or mountain biking following the route of the Roman aqueduct.