Gard Beaches: The Most Beautiful River Beaches, from the Cèze to the Gardons

In the Gard, the most beautiful beaches are often found along the rivers. The Cèze and the Gardons offer refreshing swimming spots, pebble beaches at the foot of hilltop villages, and clear water all summer long. Two areas are home to the prettiest spots: the Cèze Valley, around the Slow Village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, and the Gardons Valley, around the Slow Village of Anduze.

Here are the beaches you should know about in these two valleys, along with some tips for swimming safely.

What is the most beautiful beach in the Gard?

It’s hard to pick just one, but two spots always come up: Pont du Moulin Beach in Montclus, at the foot of one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Sautadet Beach in La Roque-sur-Cèze, just downstream from spectacular waterfalls. In the Cévennes region, the beaches of Saint-Jean-du-Gard stand out for their water quality, which is rated “excellent.” What they all have in common is fresh, clear water,shade along the shores, and a calmer atmosphere than you’ll find on the coast.

The Beaches of the Cèze

Sautadet Beach, in La Roque-sur-Cèze

The Sautadet Falls are the most impressive sight in the valley, with their potholes carved into the rock. Swimming is strictly prohibited there—from the Charles-Martel Bridge to the canyon—due to the strong currents and whirlpools that have already caused numerous fatal accidents.

Swimming, however, is possible at Sautadet Beach, about 100 meters downstream, where the river flows calmly again. The water there is monitored and deemed to be of good quality. The beach is not lifeguarded. It is about a 15-minute walk from the Slow Village La Roque-sur-Cèze.

Goudargues: The Cèze River Along the Canal

Nicknamed the “Little Venice of the Gard” for its canal lined with plane trees, Goudargues is traversed by the Cèze River. Several swimming spots are within walking distance of the village center: pebble beaches, shallow areas for children, and wider areas for swimming. It’s also the starting point for canoe trips, with water temperatures around 22°C in the summer.

Montclus and Pont du Moulin Beach

At the foot of the medieval village of Montclus, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Pont du Moulin Beach features a pebble beach with a view of the old bridge. The small rapids are fun for children, the water quality is rated excellent, and there is a picnic area nearby. Swimming is unsupervised.

The Courau Bridge in Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis

Beneath the arches of the Courau Bridge, a pebble beach stretches all the way to the levees of an old mill. With its open-air café and canoe rentals, it’s the most welcoming spot in the valley. Swimming is unsupervised.

These three beaches are about a 15- to 25-minute drive from the Slow Village of La Roque-sur-Cèze. To make the most of your day, check out our selection of the most beautiful villages in the Gard.

The Gardons Beaches

Pont d’Anduze Beach

This is the city’s most famous beach, located at the foot of the bridge that marks the entrance to the Cévennes. The water here is shallow, and its quality is regularly monitored, making it a popular spot for families. It’s located 4 km from Slow Village Anduze, an easy bike ride away. It gets very crowded in July and August, so it’s best enjoyed in the morning.

Alès Plage: Supervised Swimming

Every summer, from early July through late August, the banks of the Gardon River in Alès turn into a sandy beach between the Pont-Vieux and the Pont-Neuf. It’s one of the few supervised river swimming areas in the Gard region, open from noon to 7 p.m., with water quality tested daily. A great option for families with young children, located about 20 minutes from the Slow Village of Anduze.

Which beaches in the Gard are recommended for families?

If you have young children, choose Alès Plage—the only beach with lifeguards—followed by shallow beaches like Pont d’Anduze, Goudargues or the Pont du Moulin in Montclus, where the small rapids are a delight for children. On unsupervised river beaches, an adult must always remain at the water’s edge.

What activities can you do on the beaches of the Gard?

You can paddle down the Cèze River by canoe or stand-up paddleboard, starting from Goudargues or the Courau Bridge, with stops at beaches accessible only by water. Around Anduze, the Gardons River is ideal for canyoning, fishing, and hiking along the gorges. The cliffs of Mialet also attract rock climbers.

Swimming in Rivers in the Gard: Safety Tips

Good habits to develop:

• Lifeguard Service: With the exception of Alès Plage, river beaches are not patrolled
• Restricted Areas: Please obey the signs, especially at the Sautadet waterfalls
• Thunderstorms: After a Cévennes-style thunderstorm upstream, a river’s water level can rise very quickly. Get out of the water at the slightest sign of danger.
• Depth: Some pools are very deep. Check out the area before diving.
• Water quality: Temporary closures may be announced during the season. Check with your local city hall or visit baignades.sante.gouv.fr

Choosing a beach in the Gard means choosing a river: the Cèze for its hilltop villages and pebble beaches, and the Gardons for their natural pools and Cévennes-style bridges. In both of these valleys, you can go swimming just a few minutes from your lodging, as offered by the Slow Village communities of La Roque-sur-Cèze and Anduze.