Slow weekend in the Cévennes: 48 hours of simple, authentic escapism

How about treating yourself to a couple of days to slow down, away from the screens and urgencies of everyday life? In the Cévennes with Slow Village, time takes on a different cadence: that of trails that zigzag between valleys and chestnut groves, rivers that invite you to swim, and local flavors that comfort.

A slow weekend is an opportunity to walk softly, listen to the silence, taste simplicity. In just 48 hours, the Cévennes become a haven for reconnecting with the essentials from our open-air hotel in Anduze .

Programme summary - 48h slow in the Cévennes

Day 1

• Morning: Silent stroll around Anduze (Rocher de Peyremale)
• Noon: Shopping on the way back + break on the banks of the Gardon river
• Afternoon: Meeting with craftspeople (pottery or beekeepers)
• Evening : Local dinner at Casa Slow

Day 2

• Morning: Wild foraging with Aphaïa Nature
• Lunch in a Cévennes inn
• Afternoon: Gentle discovery with the Cévennes Steam Train
• Evening : Convivial dinner

Morning - Welcoming silence at dawn

Wake up gently between 7.30 and 8.30 am. Take a few minutes to stretch gently, open the window and let in the light and fresh Cevennes air. Leave the telephone aside: this moment of wakefulness is a timeless pause.

We suggest a quiet stroll along the Rocher de Peyremale trail, directly accessible from Anduze, 7 km away. This easy-to-moderate 7 km loop offers panoramic views of the Gardon valley and the ancient Rohan fort, in the delicate morning light. Away from performance, walk with awareness, smell the fragrance of the undergrowth, listen to the silence.

How do I get there? The start is in front of Anduze town hall; park in the public parking lot. The trail is marked in yellow. Its proximity to our open-air hotel in Anduze makes it an ideal way to start the day.

To go

• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• A little wool, the morning chill settles in easily
• If you wish, a notebook or pencil to jot down a thought or a detail of the landscape

This walk is not a physical challenge, but a slow immersion in your initiation to slowness: a breath equal to that of nature, one step at a time, and a gentle reopening to the essential.

Noon - Break on the banks of the Gardon river

Around 12pm, when you return from your morning stroll, let the pace slow down even more and take the time to prepare a gourmet stopover in the heart of nature.

If you haven't planned anything in advance, take the opportunity to stop off at a bakery or local producer in Anduze. A crusty loaf of bread, some farmhouse pélardon, a few seasonal fruits and a bottle of artisanal juice are all you need for a light, tasty picnic. Then settle down on the banks of the Gardon river, close to Slow Village. Find a shady spot, spread out a blanket and let your feet cool in the water.

Meet a Cévennes craftsman. Just a few minutes from Anduze, several workshops open their doors to visitors:

• Le Chêne Vert " pottery workshop : a family-run workshop where Anduze vase-making skills are passed on with passion. Learn how to turn and glaze vases, combining tradition with contemporary creativity.
• Les Terres Anciennes " pottery (Cardet, near Anduze): each piece is hand-crafted in the pure Cevennes tradition. The workshop offers tailor-made creations, from classic vases to more modern pieces.

Evening - Enjoy a local dinner at Casa Slow

From 6.45pm, make yourself comfortable for a dinner that extends the slow spirit of the day.

At Casa Slow, the cuisine features local produce from the Cévennes region. You'll find simple, generous and authentic dishes, prepared with care: melting pélardon, seasonal vegetables, cooked chestnuts, local honeys... All in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for closing this first day.

Good news: Casa Slow is right in the heart of Slow Village Anduze. There's no need to take the car - everything is done on foot, in a spirit of slowness.

Day 2 - Let your body attune to the rhythm of nature

For the second day of your weekend in the Cévennes, we've come up with a program that extends the slow pace while opening up new discoveries.

After a gentle wake-up call, it's time for simple experiences. The idea remains the same: enjoy few activities, but live them to the full, to give your body and mind time to tune into the peaceful rhythm of the Cévennes.

Morning - Wild foraging and Cévennes herbs

Between 8 and 9 a.m., wake up gently and set off with a light mind. Morning is the best time to pick: the herbs are still fresh and fragrant with dew.

Join us on a nature outing with Aphaïa Nature, which offers wild-gathering workshops around Anduze. Guided by an enthusiast, you'll learn to recognize the emblematic plants of the Cévennes (thyme, verbena, mint, elder...) and their medicinal or culinary uses. The walk ends with a tasting session or the preparation of an herbal tea, to prolong the sensory experience.

To go

• A basket or canvas bag for your crops
• A knife or a small pair of scissors
• Good trail shoes
• A notebook to record your discoveries and uses

Starting the day of your weekend in the Cévennes with a pick-your-own means reconnecting with an ancestral gesture: respectfully taking what nature offers, in small quantities, and rediscovering the simple pleasure of gratitude.

Noon - Lunch in a Cévennes inn

After a morning of foraging, take time to enjoy lunch at a small local inn. Here are two addresses that embody the spirit of the Cévennes:

• Auberge des Templiers(Anduze): an Anduz institution, renowned for its generous, traditional Cévennes-style cuisine.
• Tife Tafe (Anduze): restaurant appreciated for its friendly atmosphere and generous dishes at reasonable prices. Perfect for a relaxed stopover without breaking the bank.

How do I get there? The Anduze train station is just 6.5 kilometers from Slow Village. The journey to Saint-Jean-du-Gard takes around 40 minutes (and the same for the return journey).

To go

• Water and a hat, the wagons are open in summer
• A camera if you want to capture the landscape

Evening - A convivial dinner and an early night

From 7pm onwards, round off your weekend in the Cévennes with a simple, hearty meal.

For this final evening, you have two options:

• return to Casa Slow if you wish to extend your experience in the heart of the village,
• or let yourself be tempted by a small restaurant in the center of Anduze

After dinner, treat yourself to an early bedtime, without screens: let the Cévennes night envelop your last hours here, in calm and silence.

In just two days, the Cévennes offer much more than just a weekend: a deep breath, a return to simple gestures, a reconnection with nature and with yourself. Walking without haste, picking a few herbs, listening to the silence or sharing an authentic meal... so many precious moments that remind us that true luxury lies in slowness.

Don't wait any longer to book your weekend in the Cévennes at the heart of our open-air hotel.

FAQ - Planning your weekend in the Cévennes

Hiking in the Cévennes?

The Cévennes are a hiker's paradise: from the Stevenson trail (GR70) to the more accessible walks around Mont Aigoual or the Cévennes National Park, each route offers a unique experience. You'll enjoy breathtaking panoramas, from chestnut forests and valleys to unobstructed views over causses and gorges.

What cultural sites can you visit on a weekend in the Cévennes?

The Cévennes also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Château de Portes, the Musée du Désert in Mialet and the Bambouseraie in Anduze are must-sees. These sites offer an insight into local history and are the perfect complement to a nature holiday.

What to see around the Cévennes: Tarn gorges, villages and viewpoints?

A few kilometers away, the Tarn gorges reveal spectacular scenery, between cliffs and turquoise rivers. And don't miss the picturesque villages of Florac and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, where you'll discover the authenticity of the Cévennes. Numerous belvederes also offer exceptional views of the national park and its relief.

Where to stay for a weekend in the Cévennes?

For one night or a longer stay, the Cévennes provide the ideal setting to recharge your batteries. Accommodation in an open-air hotel, close to nature, allows you to enjoy modern comforts while remaining rooted in the authentic spirit of the region. It's a simple, authentic way to extend the slow-motion experience in the heart of the national park.