The Arches of Chusclan
If Chusclan is mainly known for its vineyards, the village hides a particularity that we invite you to discover through a circuit set up by the commune. Along the alleys and squares, discover the mystery of its 14 arches. They span the streets, or serve as a passage under the houses. It would seem that some of them are the remains of old rampart doors from the time when the town was surrounded by walls. Some of these porches were used to link the houses together, others were used to let the water run off during bad weather. As a little bonus, admire the genoises on the roof, they tell you a lot about the social function of the master of the place at the time.
From the signpost "Chusclan - Parking", go up north and head towards the Dent de Marcoule via the Place Monseigneur Menjau, the church Saint-Julien and the Rue du Ruisseau. Then follow the tarmac road which climbs towards the forest to reach the Croix de Saint-Roch, then continue on "Chemin Neuf". Continue to the right on "Bois de Vente Paris". At the crossroads of the track, turn right on a path, in the middle of the woods, to reach the Dent de Marcoule by passing through the Bois de Valescure, La Grande Matte and L'Arête de l'Ode.The Dent de Marcoule
Culminating at 230 meters, the Dent de Marcoule dominates the Rhone valley punctuated by the Dentelles de Montmirail and the famous Mont Ventoux, and on the Gard side, the panorama is embellished by the Cèze valley and opposite the Camp de César. Enjoy the view, then come back to the "Bois de Vente Paris" by the way of the outward journey.
Turn right towards Vénéjan. At the "Fontaine Vente de Paris", fork left until you reach a road at the place called "Bois de Mourre de la Folle". Here, take the path in the middle of the oaks, and go down again on a tarred track to join the "Bois de la Rouvière". Go up north on a tarred portion. From there, admire the Jonquier castle and its chapel on the heights, on the right before taking the track to "Le Jonquier". At this point, continue straight ahead to reach Vénéjan.
After a hill, pass a crossroads. Arrive at "Les Hauts de Vénéjan" and make an instructive round trip to discover the built heritage of the village of Vénéjan.Interpretation trail "The Breath of Words
This adorable "Petite Cité de Caractère" has something to seduce walkers. Along its charming cobbled streets, invite yourself on the path nicely named "Le Souffle des mots". The history and life of Vénéjanais are told to you during a circuit where eight elements of heritage are highlighted. From the town hall to the wash house, passing by the Clock Tower, from the ramparts to the chapel and the exceptional panorama surrounding the windmill, Vénéjan and its history are revealed little by little.
Return to "Les Hauts de Vénéjan" and take the path that goes towards the houses in the direction of the Château de Gicon. Drive on a small track which goes up slowly, then, at the intersection, go on a beautiful monotrace. It's time to enjoy the fast parts, but be careful before you go down a slope! Join the point "Les Dessous de Gicon" and go to the right to reach the castle via "La Citerne". This medieval fortress, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, rises to an altitude of 245m. With free access, it is a formidable witness to the region's past. From the ruins of the castle of Gicon, bought in 1973 by the wine growers of Chusclan to contribute to its safeguard, admire the landscape and its hillsides planted with vines, then leave on the yellow marked path which goes down strongly, (Be careful with the pedestrians arriving opposite!). Note that this part requires good driving skills! You will arrive at the "Chapelle de Gicon". Then continue to the other bend at "Vignes de Gicon", then on "Gicon". At the place called "Combe de Carmignan", take the path which swings into the slope. Stay faithful to the yellow markings, pass by "Pied Serbe" and go around the hill until you reach a small road at "Vigne des Sens".Vignes des Sens" interpretation trail
Initiated by the winegrowers of Chusclan, this educational trail teaches about the landscape, and is based on three concepts: colours, scents and taste. Explanatory signs mark out this 1.5 km loop which, between vineyards and forest, orchards and scrubland, highlights the work of men on these exceptional lands.
From there, go up on the left and, at the crow's feet called "Bois de Gicon", turn right to reach "Chusclan - Fontaine du renard". At the car park, take the path opposite at the point "Fontaine du Renard". Still in the forest, go through Les Combes, Falaises du Chemin Neuf, and reach the road taken at the point "Chemin Neuf". Go back down to Chusclan via the Croix St Roch, the Rue du Ruisseau, the church St Julien and the Place Mgr Meniau.
