The region of southern France that lies to the north-west of Nîmes and south-east of the Cevennes National Park is less visited than might be expected but take the time to explore this corner of France and you will discover several interesting villages including Vézénobres which really is quite an undiscovered gem!
Explore Vézénobres
France This Way review: although I mention various notable buildings here, the charm of Vézénobres really lies in its authenticity and the charm of the streets and the views across the countryside rather than in any particular monument: it is most certainly one of our favourite villages in the region!
The historic part of Vézénobres is situated on the side of a gently sloping hill and includes a good number of medieval houses, some of which are said to date from the 12th to 15th centuries, while more recent buildings are in the valley below.
There is a large parking area below the village - cars are not permitted in the historic centre - so you need to walk up the hill to the village. No problem its a lovely walk with vineyards to the side of you and the village ahead so you don't notice you are walking up a hill!
Among the notable medieval buildings in the lower part of Vézénobres you can see the Hotel de Montfaucon, with its decorative stone entrance, tower and lead-light windows and built in the 16th century by a local baron.
In the lower part of the town you can also visit the Church of Saint-André, above all to see the decorative 18th century frescoes in the apse. The brochure from Vézénobres tourist office seems to suggest the church was built in the 17th century, although the facade has the appearance of being considerably older.
Many of the roads in the village centre have impressive houses in the roman style of architecture and exploring these narrow cobbled streets, in places interconnected by covered stone staircases, is the principal pleasure of your visit.
Many of the ancient houses have interesting architectural features, unchanged over the last 600 years. Not surprisingly the road called the 'Rue des Maisons Romanes' contains some of the nicest of these houses.
I had never come across the idea of putting a glass roof over a whole section of a medieval alley but they have done it in a section of street in Vézénobres and it is a great idea - it creates a sort of indoor gallery without at all spoiling the charm of the street.
You will also come across various terraced areas as you climb through the village, with far-reaching views across the region. In the medieval period Vezenobres was centre of the local fig growing industry. The figs were dried on the terraces, which explains why there are more of these on the south-facing side of the hill.
Another structure dating from the 15th century is the Porte de Sabran, now used as a clocktower and belltower (there is a simple campanile on top of the tower) and originally one of the five gates that allowed entry to the medieval town through the defensive walls. The others have unfortunately been lost over the centuries.
Also incorporated in these ancient walls you will notice the Chateau de Thoiras, built in the 14th century. The building has enjoyed various uses over the centuries, and is currently where you can find the Vézénobres tourist office and the mairie, and a small exhibition area in the vaulted area below.
At the top of the hill you can see the ruins of a castle (the Château de Montanègre) that stood here in the 12th - 13th centuries. Unfortunately very little now remains of the original building, but you can still enjoy the views.
Facilities are quite basic here in Vézénobres but you will find several small cafes and restaurants in various parts of the town if you need to escape the summer sun for a while.
Back below the old village, the Chateau de Calvière in Vézénobres was built in the middle of the 18th century in the classical style, and stands in a large park. Note: the castle can be glimpsed from outside but is not open to the public.
In the vicinity
If you enjoy exploring Vézénobres we suggest you also find the time to visit Sauve, about 20 kilometres to the south-west of here.
You can find more travel ideas in the Gard guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
Photos of Vezenobres
Click any picture to start the gallery
Arrange a visit to Vezenobres
Hotels in Vezenobres
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Vezenobres and places nearby
Visit near Vezenobres with France This Way reviews
Anduze
The historic heart of Anduze, with its small squares and medieval houses, is very pleasant to explore
Anduze guide
Prafrance bamboo garden
We enjoyed walking through the alleys of bamboo at the bamboo garden at Prafrance
Prafrance bamboo garden guide
Sauve
There are numerous places of interest to discover as you explore the narrow ancient streets in the heart of Sauve
Sauve guide
Lussan
Lussan is a pretty village of character in Languedoc-Roussillon with two ancient castles
Lussan guide
Uzes
The medieval centre of Uzes is interesting to explore, then perhaps visit the extensive caves at nearby La Cocaliere
Uzes guide
Saint-Ambroix
Saint-Ambroix is an interesting town, in part because of the ruined castles and the rocky 'plateau du dugas' in the village centre
Saint-Ambroix guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gard
Address: Vézénobres, Alès, Languedoc-Roussillon, 30360, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.052, longitude 4.143
Plan your visit to Vezenobres, Gard
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Ales: ville fleurie 4* (9 km)
- Bambouseraie de Prafrance: remarkable garden (13 km)
- Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit et Fenestrelle Tower (Uzes): religious monument (22 km)
- Uzes: town of art and history (23 km)
- Grotte de la Cocaliere: site of natural beauty (28 km)
- Jardins de la Fontaine: remarkable garden (30 km)
- Nimes: secteur sauvegarde (30 km)
- Sommieres: secteur sauvegarde (30 km)
- Pont du Gard: grand site of france (33 km)
- La Roque-sur-Ceze: most beautiful village (34 km)
- Cascades du Sautadet: site of natural beauty (34 km)
- Grotte des Demoiselles: site of natural beauty (36 km)
The French version of this page is at Vezenobres (Francais)