Sleeping in Anduze

Sleeping in Anduze: what to see and do at the gateway to the Cévennes

Anduze, gateway to the Cévennes

Known as the gateway to the Cévennes, Anduze is one of the most beautiful stops in the Gard Cévennes. Nestled below the cliffs where the Gardon leaves the mountains, this small town brings together medieval lanes, squares shaded by plane trees and historic houses. It is an ideal starting point for exploring the Cévennes, and a charming destination in its own right, with markets, craftspeople and its famous pottery bringing it to life throughout the year.

Anduze combines the atmosphere of southern France with the character of the Cévennes: flowing water, shady plane trees, colourful façades and terraces where you can linger. In just a few hours, you can move from medieval heritage to the area's outstanding natural sites, making it a lovely base for discovering the Gard Cévennes.

What to see in the town

Stroll through old Anduze to see the Clock Tower, cobbled lanes, the Protestant church—one of the largest in France—and the Pagoda Fountain, a reminder of trade with the East. The Parc des Cordeliers and the banks of the Gardon are inviting places for a walk.

Home of the Anduze vase

Anduze is also the home of the Anduze vase, the large glazed pottery planter first made here centuries ago. Several workshops welcome visitors and continue this tradition: a lovely outing and an authentic souvenir to take home.

The market

The colourful, tempting market is a must for tasting local produce: Pélardon cheese, chestnut honey, sweet onions, olives and seasonal fruit. Visit in the morning, before the heat, to get a real feel for the town.

Highlights around Anduze

Two of the Cévennes' major attractions are on Anduze's doorstep. La Bambouseraie, in Générargues, offers a forest of giant bamboo and Asian-inspired gardens. The Cévennes Steam Train runs from Anduze to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, stopping at La Bambouseraie: a magical outing, especially for families. A little further away, Trabuc Cave, the Musée du Désert in Mialet and the Cévennes villages provide plenty to explore over several days.

Outdoor activities

Around Anduze, the Gardon offers beautiful swimming spots and canoe trips that are especially popular in summer. Explore the surrounding hills on foot, by mountain bike or by motorcycle, enjoying wonderful views of the Cévennes. Walking, swimming, canoeing or cycling: the area offers outdoor activities for active visitors and families alike, just minutes from the town.

Where to stay: Mas Saint Laurent

Rather than staying in the town centre, many visitors prefer a peaceful base for exploring. Around 25 minutes from Anduze, in Les Salles-du-Gardon, Mas Saint Laurent offers the best of both: the peace of the Cévennes, a swimming pool overlooking the hills, restful rooms and La Table Cévenole, which celebrates local flavours. Set in a historic building a few minutes from Alès, it is an ideal base for visiting Anduze by day and enjoying the quiet in the evening.

Why choose Mas Saint Laurent

At the Mas, you can enjoy a personal welcome and tailored advice for planning your days: when to visit La Bambouseraie, when to book the steam train and where to swim depending on the season. Add the swimming pool, panoramic terrace and home cooking, and you have a stay that is both convenient and restorative, in the heart of the Cévennes. Our location between Alès and Anduze makes it easy to explore the main attractions without spending too long on the road.

A little history

Anduze owes its name as the gateway to the Cévennes to its strategic position: this is where the Gardon leaves the mountains for the plain, and the town long guarded this passage. A Protestant stronghold during the Wars of Religion, it was an important bastion before its ramparts were dismantled. The old town and its Protestant church, one of France's largest, still bear witness to this Huguenot history. Over the centuries, trade, silk and pottery brought prosperity to Anduze; the famous Anduze vase remains its emblem. This rich history can still be seen in the lanes, façades and fountains. Wandering through Anduze is a journey into the past, amid the life of a lively town.

Where to take a break in Anduze

Anduze is also a place to enjoy good food and a terrace. Beneath the plane trees, cafés and restaurants invite you to pause, whether for an afternoon ice cream or an evening meal featuring local produce. At the market, taste and take home Cévennes specialities: Pélardon cheese, chestnut honey, sweet onions, jams and chestnut treats. Pottery workshops offer authentic souvenirs, from small pieces to large glazed planters. Take your time: much of Anduze's charm lies in this relaxed southern way of life. For dinner, you can also return to La Table Cévenole at the Mas, around twenty minutes away.

Anduze through the seasons

Every season offers a reason to visit Anduze. Spring brings the terraces and surrounding countryside to life, ideal for early walks and discovering La Bambouseraie in bloom. Summer is the busiest season: a lively market, steam train trips, swimming in the Gardon and warm evenings beneath the plane trees. Autumn is quieter, with beautiful light, colourful hills and chestnut season, celebrated throughout the region. Even winter has its charm: a peaceful town and easy access to caves and museums, perfect on cooler days. Whenever you stay at Mas Saint Laurent, Anduze deserves a place in your plans.

Practical tips

Visit Anduze's market in the morning, then La Bambouseraie or the steam train in the afternoon. Book the train ahead in summer. Bring comfortable shoes for the cobbled lanes and walks. Leave time to wander: Anduze is best enjoyed slowly, with an ice cream beneath the plane trees or beside the Gardon.

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Anduze in one day? Explore the old town and market in the morning, then visit La Bambouseraie or take the steam train in the afternoon. A varied day combining heritage and nature.

Is Anduze worth visiting with children? Yes. The steam train, La Bambouseraie and swimming in the Gardon make it a popular family destination.

What is an Anduze vase? A traditional large glazed pottery planter originating in Anduze. Several workshops continue to make them and welcome visitors.

Where can you stay near Anduze? Around 25 minutes away, Mas Saint Laurent offers peace, a swimming pool and a table d'hôtes: an ideal base for visiting Anduze and the Cévennes.

How do you reach the main attractions from Anduze? La Bambouseraie is a few minutes away, the steam train leaves from Anduze station, and Trabuc Cave and the Musée du Désert are nearby, towards Mialet.

Book your stay

Discover Anduze and the Cévennes from a peaceful setting: book your room at Mas Saint Laurent and enjoy the swimming pool and table d'hôtes.

Internal links: Home · Our rooms · La Table Cévenole · La Bambouseraie d'Anduze · The Cévennes Steam Train · River swimming in the Cévennes.

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