Belonging to the department of Gard in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées, the commune of Beaucaire is fascinating for its picturesque and authentic charm. Located at the crossroads of tourist and historic regions, Beaucaire is endowed with diverse heritages and remarkable natural landscapes. Awarded the 'Ville d'art et d'histoire' (Town of Art and History) label in 1985, the town has many attractions that will charm you during your river cruise along the Canal du Midi!
The historic sites of Beaucaire
The history of the town is marked by its incredible architecture, as can be seen in the Fortress of Beaucaire. This medieval castle, located in a green space, houses a museum that tells the story of the town of Beaucaire. The troglodytic abbey of Saint-Roman embellishing the Aiguille hill also remains a mythical place not to be missed during your stay in Beaucaire.
From its terrace, a magnificent view of the Rhône and Provence awaits you! And if you have a particular passion for history, head for the old Mas, a special museum with a rather typical decor that will take you back in time. The museum recreates the decor of everyday life in days gone by. Finally, in the old square, a strange sculpture called the Dragon of Beaucaire is sure to catch your attention.
Relaxation and entertainment in Beaucaire
In addition to visiting the town's historic sites, other interesting attractions are also worth a visit. The Causses and the Cévennes, a World Heritage Site, are wonderful natural areas offering a wide range of hiking possibilities. The site is a two-hour drive from Beaucaire. On your hikes you will be able to enjoy the wildlife and flora of the Gard region. Want to go further afield? Then opt for a trip to the Cirque de Navacelles, home to the majestic Vis waterfall, where you can enjoy a swim with the family.
As for the Beaucaire marina, it brings a lot of charm to the town. Fans of river cruises are also invited to take advantage of the river boat charters in Beaucaire for a romantic trip along the Rhone. Water-jet-powered motorized craft and sailboards will also be in the spotlight. Trips to the Gorges du Gardon are recommended if you want to try your hand at canoeing or kayaking.
France river navigation Beaucaire westwards: 7 days
Beaucaire is an ancient city where the vestiges of its past as a Roman city (port of Nîmes at the time) and a medieval town (with the famous Madeleine fair and its castle overlooking the old town). It lies at the crossroads of major natural regions: Provence, the Camargue and the Costières plateau. There is a strong bullfighting tradition, with arenas for bullfights and other Camargue events (regional variants).
Practical information
- Base de départ : Beaucaire
- Arrival point: Beaucaire
- Total km: 188 km
- Total Hours: 24 hrs 32 mins
- Total Locks: 24 Locks
Summary of your itinerary
Beaucaire >>> Bellegarde (13 km / 1 hr 57 min / 1 lock)
Today a spa town with 17 fountains, lakes, canals, streams and a marina, Bellegarde has a surface area of 4500 ha and is home to more than 6100 inhabitants. A town with 5 A.O.C. (Clairette de Bellegarde, Costières de Nîmes, olive oil from Nîmes, rice and bulls from the Camargue), a town in bloom, Bellegarde is also a land of bullfighting traditions and culture. Twin town with Villamartin in Andalusia and Gersfeld in Germany, Bellegarde combines all the charms and lifestyle of a rural village with the modernity, services, shops and businesses of a 21st-century town.
Bellegarde >>> Saint-Gilles (11 km / 1 hr 22 min / 0 locks)
Saint-Gilles is characterized by a strong Camargue influence, which it proudly displays, and there are still many ferias (although not as big as those in Nîmes) and other festivals (Camargue races, the release of young bulls in the city). In addition, the Abbey is listed by UNESCO as a place of passage for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. You can therefore enjoy the charms of a city deeply rooted in its past with lots of activities in the summer.
Saint-Gilles >>> Gallician (16 km / 1 hr 52 min / 0 locks)
Gallician is a hamlet in the municipality of Vauvert, located at the foot of the Costières plateau. Gallician lives mainly from wine growing (Costeères-de-Nîmes), but also fishing and «sagne», which is the cutting of reeds. The Scamandre regional nature reserve is not far away, perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the summer hustle and bustle.
Gallician >>> Aigues-Mortes (12 km / 1 hr 40 min / 0 locks)
Aigues-Mortes is a city steeped in history (like the whole region, for that matter), an ancient medieval city with a still-visible fortified enclosure. Les Salins (salt production and harvesting) is a magnificent visit between the sea and the salt pans, in a wild and unspoiled natural environment. Around the corner, you will find cellars with a wide selection of wines.
Aigues-Mortes >>> Carnon (20 km / 2 hrs 30 mins / 0 locks)
At the gateway to the Petite Camargue, the pretty port of Carnon undeniably benefits from a microclimate and a conviviality that have made it famous. Its port facilities, which are particularly well protected from the sea, fully meet all requirements in terms of quality and nautical comfort. The port has 700 berths.
Carnon >>> Palavas les Rising Tides (4 km / 0 hr 30 min / 0 Locks)
An extraordinary port of call, located in the bay of Aigues Morte, 10 minutes from Montpellier, the port of Palavas is at the heart of the resort. The canal lives to the rhythm of the sun and traditional fishing is still present. The Port of Palavas is at the point of environmental concerns, labeled as a "clean port", it offers boaters all the necessary equipment to respect the environment.
Palavas les Rising Tides >>> Frontignan (18 km / 2 hrs 25 mins / 0 Locks)
Frontignan-la-Peyrade and its inhabitants have been intimately and passionately anchored to the Mediterranean for several centuries, first as a fishing port, then as a commercial port and now as a marina. 600 spaces
Mittersheim >>> Harskirchen Bissert (13 km / 2 hrs 22 mins / 3 Locks)
The port of Harskirchen/Bissert on the Saar Canal was refurbished after a construction project that began in October 2009 and ended in earlye 2011. This project was part of the Rural Center of Excellence of Alsace Bossue, a sustainable tourism development project for the two communities of municipalities in the area. It was co-financed by the State, the EuropeaneRDF, the Alsace region, the Department of Bas-Rhin, the Voies Navigables de France, the Rhine-Meuse Water Agency and the CCPSU, in partnership with the municipality of Harskirchen (which manages it) and the Tourist Office.
Frontignan >>> Beaucaire (94 km / 12 hrs 16 mins / 1 locks)
Beaucaire is an ancient city where the vestiges of its past as a Roman city (port of Nîmes at the time) and a medieval town (with the famous Madeleine fair and its castle overlooking the old town). It lies at the crossroads of major natural regions: Provence, the Camargue and the Costières plateau. There is a strong bullfighting tradition, with arenas for bullfights and other Camargue events (regional variants).
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |