Rows of colourful bras suspended above a street in Alès.

Alès

30 km from the house · Alès

The nearest big town: a lively centre and nightlife.

Fancy a change of scene and some city nightlife? Alès is the largest town nearby, 30 km west of Le Mas g'Ardéchois. Its centre is lively, and the people of Alès certainly have a sense of humour, especially at the women's festival.

Here is what the web says

"Alès is a lovely town in the south of France, in the Gard department of the Occitanie region. A few ideas of things to do:

Explore the historic centre: Alès has a rich history going back to Roman times. The centre is full of charming narrow streets, old half-timbered houses and interesting shops and cafés.

Visit the Mine Museum: a fascinating museum on the history of coal mining in Alès, set in a former mine shaft, where guided tours show the miners' working conditions.

Hike or cycle in the Cévennes National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage site with magnificent mountains, forests and rivers, many hiking and cycling trails, and climbing, canoeing and kayaking.

Taste local wines: the Gard is known for its wines, and several wine estates are close to Alès.

Relax in a spa: Alès has several spas offering massages, facials and body treatments.

Visit the Bambouseraie: a magnificent bamboo garden near Anduze, a short drive from Alès, with over 1,000 varieties of bamboo.

Go climbing in Russan: a small village near Alès famous for its climbing cliffs, with routes for all levels.

Take a cooking class: learn traditional French cooking with a local chef.

Catch a concert or show: Alès has a lively cultural life, with frequent concerts, shows and exhibitions.

Browse the local markets: several markets are held during the week, selling fresh produce, local crafts and souvenirs."

In short, Alès has plenty to offer, whether you're looking for history, culture, nature or relaxation.