Walk in the footsteps of Pope Urban V, known as the "Blessed One," along this section of the GR (Great Hiking Trail) that takes you from Uzès to Avignon. A fabulous hike to complete in two days.
Over 329 km the path leads from Nasbinals to Avignon through the exceptional landscapes making up the south-eastern edge of the Massif Central: Aubrac, the Mendois region, the Tarn gorges, the Bougès mountain, the northern Cévennes, the Gardon valleys then the Gardon, the Rhône.
We invite you to explore two sections of the Urban Trail V: From Uzès to Avignon!
From Uzès to Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan
From Uzès, you can reach the papal city in just three days for the most seasoned. Be careful not to confuse speed with haste, as there are many points of interest along the way!
You must absolutely visit Uzès and its Duchy. A true historical gem, the Ducal Castle of Uzès bears witness to the passage of different eras in its architecture. The town is also known for the Uzès National Stud Farm, the Haribo Museum, its market, which has been bustling in the Place aux Herbes since the 13th century, and of course, the black truffle from the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard.
Another emblematic step in your journey is Gard's BridgeThis masterpiece of ancient architecture is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
Perched on its oppidum, the village of Castillon-du-Gard awaits you. You will have a breathtaking view of the majestic site of the Pont du Gard.
Section 17
Urban V in the Grand Avignon
Le section 17 This route will take you through the towns of Gard Grand Avignon. Here's what you can expect on this day.
Rochefort-du-Gard
You will start to Rochefort-du-Gard, whose highest point is the Castelas. From the forecourt of this 12th century Romanesque church, the view over the plain and the surrounding area is breathtaking.
Les Angles
Continue to the Angles, with its Old Village of Angles perched on the cliff. In addition to its exceptional built heritage and the panoramic view it offers, you can take the opportunity to stroll through its authentic alleys.
Villeneuve lez Avignon
You will then arrive at the magnificent city of Villeneuve lez Avignon, between Occitanie and Provence, with its history and its art of living... this medieval city has everything to please hikers in search of comfort.
Arrival in Avignon!
This is at Avignon, in the land of the papacy, that the Urban V path ends. A visit to the Palace of the Popes and the bridge of Avignon stands out, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We recommend a detour to the Rock of the Doms, from where you can distinguish the battlements that surround the city. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of the Rhone, and on the other side of it, on the Fort St-Andre on Mount Andaon which dominates Villeneuve lez Avignon.
Or sleep?
Accommodation for the end of your stay
Avignon
Here is a selection of accommodation in Avignon
Les Angles
Here is our choice of accommodation in Les Angles
Rochefort du Gard
Our recommendations
Villeneuve lez Avignon
Here is our selection of accommodation for all tastes
How to get there ?
Avignon is easily accessible by train (either by TER via the central station, or by TGV via the Avignon-TGV station).
Along the route
To travel along the route, you can use the following bus lines:
The Lio 115 line serving Uzès, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Castillon-du-Gard, Saze, Avignon
Orizo lines 16 and 27 serve Avignon from Rochefort-du-Gard
Line 16 serves Avignon from Les Angles
The Orizo 5 line serves Avignon from Villeneuve lez Avignon
If you have 3 or 4 days, we recommend that you walk from Avignon to Uzès (48 km) and return by bus to Avignon with The Lio 115 line
Available resources
Online map of the route on https://www.gr-infos.com/gr63.htm
IGN Top 25 Maps:
- 2841 O Anduze (Anduze to Vézénobres)
- 2841 E Vézénobres (Vézénobres to Saint-Chaptes)
- 2941 OT Uzès/Remoulins (Saint-Chaptes in Rochefort-du-Gard)
- 3041 OT Avignon (Rochefort-du-Gard to Avignon)
- Topoguide of the Urban V path – GR63 : on sale at the Tourist Office of Grand Avignon and online with Gard Tourisme.
Need a hand ?
Let yourself be guided
When embarking on a journey like this, it's best to be well-accompanied! Here's a list of guides who can share your journey.
go on an adventure
Great hikes
Want more? Here are some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to explore this region of Provence in depth.
Explore the GR63 Urban Trail V, a long-distance hike that takes you through the iconic landscapes of the Massif Central, from the gateway to Lozère in the Gard to Vaucluse. This captivating tour offers a deep immersion in nature, with high-altitude views spanning the Cévennes and Aubrac. Over a distance of 149 km, you'll be treated to some big days of walking, with a cumulative elevation gain of 2676 m and a maximum altitude of 748 m. An invitation for adventurers to undertake this trail, an unforgettable getaway in France. We recommend preparing your adventure with a detailed guidebook, available in a convenient format, which includes each natural pass to be crossed, for an experience that is both organized and exhilarating.