La Valette Boutique
Sanilhac-Sagriès, 30700 Gard, France
The roads and tracks around the Gard are among the quietest cycling terrain in the south of France. Garrigue plateau, limestone gorges, Roman roads, almost no traffic.
By the hosts of La Valette Boutique, Gard
The countryside around Uzès suits cycling well: quiet roads, light traffic and varied terrain across garrigue, vineyard and river valley. The Pont du Gard is about 15 km away, roughly 45 to 60 minutes by bike, best reached on the direct, quiet route via Castillon-du-Gard — a longer loop route is also detailed further down this page. Bike and e-bike hire is available in Uzès town centre. Several routes begin directly from La Valette Boutique in Sanilhac-Sagriès.
Why this area
The Gard has no famous climbs, but something better: roads that go for thirty kilometres without a junction, garrigue scrubland that smells of wild thyme in the heat, gorges that most touring cyclists have never found, and terrain that suits every level from a relaxed family loop to a serious hundred-kilometre road ride.
From La Valette in the Gard you can roll out of the courtyard and be on empty roads within two minutes. The plateau above the Gardon gorge connects Uzès, the Pont du Gard and the Gorges du Gardon without touching a main road.
"Leave the house at 7h before the heat, take the plateau road east toward Collias, descend to the Gardon. You will not see another car for forty minutes."La Valette Boutique, the Gard
Dedicated cycle paths
Two converted railway lines run through the area as fully separated cycle paths, away from traffic. Asphalt, gentle gradients, plane trees overhead. Suitable for families and anyone who wants to ride without watching mirrors.
Routes from the doorstep
All routes start from or near La Valette in the countryside near Uzès. Distance and elevation are approximate. Road bike or hybrid unless marked gravel.
Practical information
Several hire options in the town centre, including e-bikes and road bikes. For serious road riding, bringing your own bike remains the better option. Ask us for the current recommendation when you book.
From mid-June to mid-September, temperatures above 35°C are normal. Start before 8h and plan to be off the bike by noon. Two litres of water minimum for any ride over 25 km in summer.
Main roads are well-surfaced. Minor D-roads through the garrigue range from excellent to unpredictably rough. Gravel tracks are firm limestone with good drainage, but check after heavy rain.
Plateau roads between the Gard, Collias and the gorge carry almost no traffic outside summer weekends. The road to Uzès is light. Avoid the N86 and N106 entirely.
Komoot has the most complete track data for this area. The IGN 1:25000 map covers all routes described here. Google Maps misses many of the best tracks.
We have secure covered storage for bikes at the house. Arriving by train in Nîmes or Avignon with a bike? Let us know and we will help coordinate the transfer.
La Valette Boutique is in the countryside five minutes south of Uzès. Every route on this page starts within two minutes of the front door. We have secure bike storage and can advise on conditions and hire.
Enquire about your datesYes. The countryside around Uzès is ideal for cycling: quiet roads, minimal traffic, varied terrain through garrigue, vineyard and river valley. Several routes depart directly from La Valette Boutique.
Bike hire is available in Uzès town centre. Electric bikes are also available. La Valette Boutique can advise on current rental options on request.
The Pont du Gard is approximately 15 km by road from Uzès, about 45–60 minutes cycling on the direct route. A quiet route via Castillon-du-Gard is recommended. A longer loop route is also described further down this page for those with more time.