The Gard is an ideal destination for a family vacation in the south of France.
This department checks all the boxes: spectacular Roman sites like the Pont du Gard and the Nîmes Arena, sandy beaches in Le Grau-du-Roi, rivers for swimming, caves to explore, and even a steam train in the Cévennes. Kids never get bored—and neither do parents. Follow our guide; we’ll tell you everything.
Camping: the ideal accommodation for families
Let’s start with the question of lodging—and here, there’s no hesitation. Camping stands out as the best option for family vacations in the Gard. The reasons are simple and practical.
First, the kids are instantly happy there. A pool, water slides, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs—everything is right on site. They make friends from the very first night and gain independence in a safe environment. Meanwhile, you can finally relax.
Second, your budget gets a break, too. A mobile home or campsite costs much less than a traditional rental for a large family. You can cook whenever you want, eat outdoors, and no one will complain about the noise at 9 p.m.
Finally, the location makes all the difference. Campgrounds in the Gard are often located along a river, near major attractions, or just a few minutes from the beaches. You can easily explore the Pont du Gard, the Cévennes, or the coast. Book early for the summer—the best dates fill up fast.
The Pont du Gard, the department’s star attraction
You can’t visit the Gard without seeing its most famous landmark. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct built about 2,000 years ago. It towers over the Gardon River and impresses visitors of all ages.
The good news for families? Children under 18 get free admission to the interactive areas, such as the museum, the movie theater, and the exhibition. Your budget will thank you.
Kids even have their own space. The Espace Ludo is designed for young visitors ages 5 to 12, with a playful approach that encourages observation, imagination, and critical thinking. There, they’ll discover Roman life through play, while you explore the museum at your own pace.
And in the summer, the day naturally extends to the waterfront. The banks of the Gardon River are perfect for swimming, with the bridge as a backdrop. You can also canoe down the river from Collias. It’s an activity suitable for even the youngest children, and the memory will stay with you for a long time. Just remember to make a reservation during peak season.
Head to the sea at Le Grau-du-Roi
The Gard also has its own coastline—and what a coastline it is! Le Grau-du-Roi, a former fishing village in the Petite Camargue, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities along the Mediterranean.
A must-see first stop: the Seaquarium. This aquarium dedicates over 2,400 m² to exploring the marine world. Its Requinarium—the only one of its kind in Europe—spans 1,000 m² across two levels entirely dedicated to sharks, featuring more than 25 living species. Thrills are guaranteed in the glass tunnel that passes beneath the sharks.
The tour takes about 2 hours, and you’ll also encounter sea turtles, seals, and sea lions. The site is stroller-friendly thanks to elevators, which is convenient when traveling with a baby. It’s also the perfect outing when the mistral is blowing or when the sun is too strong.
After the aquarium, head to Espiguette Beach. This vast stretch of wild sand bordered by dunes is one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of France. Kids can spend hours building sandcastles there. Be sure to bring a beach umbrella and water, as shade is scarce.
The Cévennes by steam train
A complete change of scenery in the northern part of the department. The Cévennes offer lush green valleys, cool rivers, and an experience your children will never forget: the steam train.
The Cévennes steam train runs from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Anduze via the Bambouseraie. The one-way trip takes 40 minutes, passing through viaducts and tunnels. The locomotive belches steam, the wheels screech on the tracks, and the children’s eyes widen with wonder. A round-trip family pass is available for 2 adults and 2 children, and it’s free for children under 4.
A smart tip is to combine the train ride with a visit to the Bambouseraie. There’s a scheduled stop along the route, and you’ll have two hours between trains to explore the park. This exotic garden—unique in Europe and founded in 1856—immerses the whole family in a veritable jungle of giant bamboo.
Everything on site is designed with children in mind. A treasure hunt in the form of a mystery lets kids solve puzzles by observing the park’s plants and animals. The Japanese garden and the Laotian village round out this exotic journey without ever leaving the Gard department.
Underground wonders
The Gard’s underground also hides treasures. The Grotte de la Salamandre, near Méjannes-le-Clap, is among the region’s most beautiful caves. Its giant, illuminated stalactites and stalagmites leave visitors speechless.
The standard tour is suitable for all ages. The well-marked path allows visitors to admire the Great Hall in complete safety, even with young children. The guides tailor their explanations to the audience and easily captivate the little ones.
Families with teens can aim higher. The cave offers a ride in an “Aéroplume”—a single-person airship—as well as a tour of hidden galleries accessible to visitors ages 12 and up by reservation. Flying underground in a giant subterranean chamber—you have to admit, that’s not something you can do just anywhere.
And if your kids want more, the department has other remarkable caves. The natural coolness of the caves is just what you need during the sweltering summer heat. It’s the perfect Plan B for afternoons during heat waves.
Nîmes and Uzès: learning history while having fun
A family vacation in the Gard also includes exploring its towns. Nîmes, nicknamed the “French Rome,” is a great place to visit with kids. The arena—a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater—can be explored with an audio guide that recounts the gladiator battles. Kids love imagining the circus games from the stands.
Round out your visit with the Maison Carrée and the Jardins de la Fontaine. These gardens offer shade, ponds, and plenty of space to run around. The climb up to the Tour Magne rewards young hikers with a beautiful view of the city.
Half an hour from Nîmes, Uzès has another attraction up its sleeve: gourmet treats. The Haribo Candy Museum lets the whole family discover the history and production of these famous candies. Housed in the former Zan licorice factory, it features interactive exhibits, a machine room, and the largest Haribo store in France.
Just a heads-up: you won’t leave empty-handed. Take the opportunity to stroll through the historic center of Uzès and its Place aux Herbes. The Saturday morning market delights the whole family with its local products.
Our tips for a successful trip
A few practical tips before you pack your bags. Opt for June or September if your children aren’t in school yet. Temperatures remain pleasant, attractions are less crowded, and prices drop.
In July and August, embrace the southern pace of life. Sightseeing in the morning, swimming or napping in the afternoon, and evening outings. The night markets and summer festivities in the villages are the perfect way to round out your days.
Also, remember to mix things up. A cultural day at the Pont du Gard, followed by a day at the river or beach: this rhythm keeps the kids from getting bored. The department is compact; most sites are less than an hour’s drive apart.
One last tip: book your must-see activities in advance. The steam train, canoe trips, and cave tours fill up quickly in the summer. With a little planning, your family vacation in the Gard will live up to all your expectations. All that’s left is to choose your departure date.
