Pont-Saint-Esprit, an artistic stage on the Via Rhôna
Pont-Saint-Esprit is a real link between the regions of Occitania, Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and is a blessed stage on the Via Rhôna. Blessed, one could not say so well! The city of Gard is said to have got its name from the construction of its disproportionately large bridge (919 metres), which, according to local legend, would not have been completed without the help of the Holy Spirit! Situated on the right bank of the Rhône, the city of Spiripont is reflected in the river's lively waters. At the start of your tour or on your way back, don't miss a stroll through the pedestrianised centre to discover its rich historical heritage. In particular, discover its astonishing Lay Museum of Sacred Art, the only one of its kind in the region. Housed in the Maison des Chevaliers, the museum explores the artistic expressions of the sacred around rich collections of objects. A daring museography in a historical setting, a jewel of the Gardois heritage.
The loop starts at the Europe roundabout in the direction of Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson. Then leave the town centre of Pont-Saint-Esprit by taking a climb along the cemetery visible on your left; then turn right halfway up this climb onto the Chemin du Calvaire. Continue through the houses, always taking on your left in the direction of St-Paulet-de-Caisson. Continue straight on for several kilometres on a small country road to reach the village of Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson by the side of the cooperative cellar.A religious heritage in the heart of a generous nature
At the gateway to Provence, the commune of Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson 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 in small rough fixtures embedded in mortar. You will certainly appreciate its small rectangular bell tower, known as the "lantern of the dead", which gives the chapel its special appearance. During the summer, cultural and artistic events are organized there. Vineyards on one side, and on the other, exceptional forest. The forest of Valbonne has impressive species that house a beech forest, trees that are more common in mountain latitudes! But it is also the Chartreuse coiled in this forest that interests the walkers. Listed as a Historic Monument, the Charterhouse was founded at the beginning of the 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 be sure to taste the wines of the Valbonne estate.
Continue your journey in the direction of Carsan. At the roundabout, go straight ahead on the path that climbs and then descends steeply. Be careful with these differences in level! Then turn left and pedal for a few meters on the RD23, then turn right towards the small village of Carsan.A devotion to the Virgin of Carsan
Carsan is, like many of the surrounding villages, marked by Provençal Romanesque architecture. The church of Carsan, around which the village was built, is considered one of the oldest in the region, dating back to the Carolingian era. Its particularity is also due to its large dome and its robust bell tower installed in the south of the transept. In Carsan, the cult of the Virgin is devoted to Notre-Dame de Rouzigue. A spiritual treasure from the 14th century, Christians came from far and wide to adore this Carrara marble sculpture, and to beg the Virgin to cure them of their ailments that "rouzigue" their skin. Take the road that goes back up into the village, turning left twice and then right to start the descent for several kilometres towards the village of St-Alexandre on the RD306.
Take a trip to the village of Saint-Alexandre
A picturesque village in a setting of vines. A panorama of the cultivated land, of the vines lined up in a row, and in the distance, the Mont Ventoux, whose proud silhouette dominates the landscape and the Rhône valley. The departure is made by the descent of the small road of Espéran after having circumvented the three quarters of the village since the wash-house. On the plain, turn left in the direction of Pont-Saint-Esprit on the Voie Romaine path for several kilometres, continuing straight on. Continue to the right on the Mas Conil path, and then take the left-hand side of the railway. Then, to reach the city centre of Pont-Saint-Esprit, turn right and pass under the railway bridge.
