Want to get away from it all without going far? This 100% nature-based micro-adventure takes you on two days of gentle hiking through the secret valleys of the Gard Rhone region. Between vineyard paths, wooded hills, and underground explorations, it's a getaway at the rhythm of the land. On foot first, then underground with a headlamp, this trip between Sauveterre and Rochefort-du-Gard has plenty of surprises in store. Get your hiking boots ready!
Hills and vintages
Day 1 > Sauveterre – Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres: 20km / +300m elevation gain
Departure from Sauveterre, a small, peaceful village just a stone's throw from Avignon. The path quickly climbs gently through vineyards clinging to the hills. The climb ends at Domaine Castel Oualou, or just before at La Chèvrerie d'Émilie: the perfect spot for a local picnic to enjoy under the pine trees or with a view of the ridges.
The route continues to the Gargantua Cave, perched on the heights of Saint-Geniès. From here, the view stretches from the Rhône to Mont Ventoux. You can make out the silhouettes of the castles of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and Saint-Victor-la-Coste facing each other, like two sentinels of time.
End of the day under the plane trees of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, glass of Lirac in hand, before returning to your accommodation (or a corner of scrubland to bivouac under the stars).
We recommend: The Mas de la Treille – guest house all comfort with swimming pool.
From the depths to the light
Day 2 > Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres – Rochefort-du-Gard: 23km / +390m elevation gain
A change of scenery at daybreak: don your helmet and headlamp to explore the underground world and explore caves and limestone galleries for a memorable mineral immersion. Rappelling, silence and freshness guaranteed.
A change of scenery awaits at daybreak: don your helmet and headlamp to explore the underground world. Don't hesitate to contact one of our passionate caving guides, who will take you to explore limestone caves and galleries for a memorable mineral immersion. Rappelling, silence, and freshness guaranteed.
Return to the surface for an afternoon of light. The trail winds through scrubland and vineyards, with possible stops at the wineries of Saint-Laurent, Saint-Victor, and Saze. The final climb reveals the majestic Notre-Dame-de-Grâce chapel, before a gentle descent to Rochefort-du-Gard, and a well-deserved dinner.
Prepare your adventure stay
How to connect departure and arrival from Avignon ?
The bus is the fastest and most efficient way to experience this adventure. Plan ahead by checking schedules and connections.
- Villeneuve les Avignon (Tourist Office) – Sauveterre: line 122 (9 min journey)
- Rochefort-du-Gard – Avignon: line 16 (35 min journey).
Stock up on producers along the way
We organize ourselves before leaving: I check the opening hours of the producers to stock up there!
- Emilie's Goat Farm for delicious fresh cheeses
- The Domain Aiguilhon Castle in Sauveterre
- Le Boucarut Castle and Castel Oualou Estate in Roquemaure
- Le Maravilhas Estate in Saint-Laurent-des-arbres or the cooperative cellar
- Le Pelaquié Estate in Saint-Victor-la-Coste
- Le Rouette Estate and Lôyane Estate in Rochefort-du-Gard
- Le Marie-Blanche Estate or Quine Estate in Saze
Accommodation on your route
Where to sleep in Villeneuve lez Avignon and Rochefort-du-Gard?
Sauveterre
The adventure begins in Sauveterre, a small village located just a 9-minute bus ride from the Tourist Office. After wandering through the narrow streets of the old village, a first climb will allow you to return to the GR42 and admire the magnificent view of the Rhône Valley.
Roquemaure
Then, head to Roquemaure, the wine-growing town par excellence! Here, the vineyard reigns supreme. Vineyards surround the town, and the narrow streets of the old town are dotted with remains whose history is linked to that of wine.
On the road, don't hesitate to make a detour to La Chèvrerie d'Emilie to stock up on goat cheese for your picnic. A real treat!
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres
After having crisscrossed vineyards and scrubland and gained height to observe the Valergue plain, the Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, a well-deserved stop awaits you in the charming village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres.
Caving spot
Day 2: Let's go for an adventure above... and below ground! You'll need a guide to discover the underground wonders hidden deep in the scrubland. Adrien, a passionate caving guide, will take you to explore limestone caves and galleries for a memorable mineral immersion.
Rochefort du Gard
And there you have it, you've arrived at your destination. After exploring all these vineyards, you'll most certainly want to celebrate this micro-adventure with a glass of Tavel or Lirac (in moderation, of course) and/or with an ice cream from Francesca's in hand. Now, it's time to relax under the plane trees.
A palette of experience
Our other micro adventures
Find our other micro adventures to discover the destination Grand Avignon
