It is not uncommon to feel the need to summon up a rap of reality in this parcel of southern France. Castles in the sky, natural water cascades and the hunt for the heady truffle - revered locally as the “Le Diamant Noir” or black diamond, make for a trippy journey into the real unreal. Even the infamous Labyrinth Trilogy by Kate Mosse is constructed on historical evidence from the area.

Occitanie is your own imaginarium, not only on terra firma, but you are invited to take a dip deep below for a year-round underground adventure.

The Grotte de la Salamandre is currently closed to let the bats hibernate, but their deep snooze will end in time for the re-opening on 15th of March.

The newly discovered and developed cave experience offers four possible ways to enjoy your visit:

• The wheelchair-accessible lookout point

• The fascinating guided tour

• The Grand Rappel (50m abseiling)

• Caving in the hidden galleries

  Grotte Salamandre Website

The Salamandre Cave is a must-do experience, even for those with restricted mobility.

Other things to do nearby

Not far from the high, wild country of the Grands Causses and Cévennes - with a fascinating mix of hills, caves, gorges, forests are medieval towns bursting with layers of understated glamour and Provençal markets.

Add to the mix The Mediterranean, and the legacy of the Roman Empire, this is a diverse territory, and an ideal destination for culture-vultures, foodies & nature lovers, or a base for sporting activities.

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS

Architecture & History

• Carré d’Art, Nîmes

• Guided walks in Uzès

• Popes Palace, Avignon

• Pont du Gard & Museum

• Carcassonne

Art, Design & Crafts

• Van Gogh & Frank Gehry/LUMA Foundation, Arles

• Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie - A lively village home to many craftspeople and potters

Performing Arts

• Avignon Festival

• Nîmes Arena

• Music festivals in Uzès and around throughout the year

• Uzès Dance Festival

Gardens & Parks

• Bambouseraie, Anduze

• Grotte de la Salamandre

Museums

• Maison Rouge - Museum of The Cévennes

• Musée du Désert - History of the Camisards & Huenots in Cévennes

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Upcoming Events

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Accommodation:

Historic Stone Sanctuary 15km from the fashionable market town of Uzès in the Languedoc region of Southern France.

Recently renovated self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a traditional 17th c. Provençal village house. 
 

• PERFECT FOR COUPLES
• A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE SOLOS

• STYLISH BOLT-HOLE
• FOODIE DESINATION
• SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES