Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, a charming village in the Gard region of Provence
Just a stone's throw from the Ardèche, Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson is a haven of peace from which you will enjoy the surrounding tranquillity. At the gateway to Provence, the commune is part of a natural mix from which a variety of landscapes emerge. In the middle of the vineyards, to the north of the town, stands the Chapelle Saint-Agnès. Built in the 12th century, the chapel bears the imprint of Provencal art with its pentagonal chevet and its structure of small rough fixtures embedded in the mortar. You will not forget its small rectangular bell tower called "lantern of the dead", which gives its particular aspect to the chapel. In summer, it is not uncommon for cultural and artistic events to be organized there. The forest of Valbonne is unique at these latitudes: indeed, at 250 meters above sea level and in the middle of the Mediterranean zone, the massif is home to beech trees, a species that could not be more mountainous! But what also makes the state forest exceptional is that it hosts the Chartreuse de Valbonne. Listed as a Historic Monument, the Charterhouse was founded in the early 18th century on the site of a Benedictine monastery. Come and discover the monks' life of solitude through the conventual church and the chapel of relics. Stroll silently through the cloister alleys, and don't miss the opportunity to taste the wines of the Valbonne estate: Saut du Mulet, Font des Dames, Croix de Sablet or Jardin des Chartreux.
Take the direction of St-Julien-de-Peyrolas by a small communal road, the passage on the left of the cooperative cellar. After the chapel, turn right and then left to take the country road until the crossing with the RD343. Continue for 800m and after the bridge, turn left towards St-Julien-de-Peyrolas.Panorama in Saint-Julien-de-Peyrolas
Saint-Julien - "stones that roll" stretches along the right bank of the Ardèche. The river borders its lands and, under its airs of fortified city of the XIIth century, the village offers authentic testimonies of its rich past: the church Saint-Julien, magnificent building of Romanesque style, its place of the keep, its picturesque wash-house, its houses with the frontages of blond stones and its old ramparts from which the glance loses itself on the Provençal infinity, make of this sympathetic village a pretty stopover on your route. It is possible here to leave your initial route to visit Aiguèze.
Most Beautiful Village in France
Perched above the Ardèche, Aiguèze is a city with multiple charms. Its heritage first of all, inherited from the Middle Ages, with its keep and its Saracen tower, without forgetting the fortifications and their covered way from which a splendid panorama is revealed on the Ardèche, the Mont Ventoux but also the scrubland and the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône. Then, its southern architecture typical of the region that you can see during the walk: the stone houses topped with round tiles or the streets paved with pebbles from the Ardèche. And finally, its atmosphere, with the boules players who play on the Place du Jeu de Paume planted with plane trees and the good restaurants of the village where you can savour the local produce.
Take the direction of Salazac by taking the RD141 which goes up to the right of the wash house. It is the end of the ascent, take the time to escape in the village.Salazac, medieval village
If there is a Gardois village that deserves your attention, it is Salazac. An ancient town on the salt route, its rich medieval heritage makes it a pearl polished by the ages. The fortified church of Saint-Clément, built in the 11th century, dominates the picturesque village. With its rectangular bell tower, with powerful lines, it is integrated into the ramparts. The latter, still present in the town, are 800 metres long and still have two defensive towers. As you walk through the streets, you will notice typical medieval architectural details such as the vaulted passages between the houses. The vines here surround Salazac, providing a plant cocoon softening its apparent rusticity.
Leave the village and start the descent through the woods of the Cèze Valley towards St-Laurent-de-Carnols. At the end of this descent, take the small tarmac track on your left 1km after crossing the bridge in the bend. Go straight on until the roundabout and turn left to reach the centre of Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols. Take a break here on the small square near the church where the shade of the plane trees will protect you from the sun. Just behind the church, take the direction of the Chartreuse de Valbonne by heading on the RD23 for an ascent of medium difficulty. At the end of this ascent, turn left to arrive at the site of the Chartreuse de Valbonne.Valbonne Forest, a remarkable site
Savour the moment in peace and quiet and walk along the "Vallon des Salamandres", an interpretation trail which allows you to discover the particularities of this remarkable forest with its dense vegetation and biodiversity which is particularly singular in these Mediterranean areas.
Now head towards St-Paulet-de-Caisson via the other access to the Chartreuse where a slight climb takes you back to the D23. Direction Pont-St-Esprit. After the descent of several kilometers, turn left onto the path of Gavanon, just after the exit of the bend lined with a stone wall. Finish your walk in the undergrowth and join St-Paulet-de-Caisson. On the RD343, take on your right to join the center of the village.
