Occianie

 The regiion was created in 2016 with a reorganization of the former regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées. There are some large cities of note in the Region, but I really enjoyed that we did not feel we were surrounded by out-of-control tourism. Yes when in Nîmes there are tourists, but nowhere was it that crazy-busy that is taken over many popular locations., 

Our house was located just outside of the small village of Saint-Bauzély. Now while the history is rich, now it is a small cluster of houses and administrative offices for some 14 different towns., There were no stores, no cafes etc. - all which mean no tourist traffic. It was a couple of km to an adjacent town for stores and cafes.    

I enjoyed heading out most mornings to explore the  many small towns of the Region.   

Saint Bauzély

In the Department of Gard, the village is 15 km north-west of Nîmes. I did not find the old Roman fortified tower located 12 km from the town. We are returning in 2026, so I will have the chance to search for the sight.

Towns like Nîmes and Uzès are only a short drive.

Our House

 We stayed in a beautiful house with a massive, heated pool, and patio area. It was very enjoyable. We had friends from Paris come down and stay with us for a few days.

Towns to Explore

Castillon-du-Gard

I missed this town, but will  have a chance in 2026. It is a medieval village with alleyways that wind between houses made of golden stone.

Anduze

This is old interesting town that is worth a walk through. When you drive through the town the main road is lined with restaurants and a few interesting buildings. But to get a feel for the old town, walk through the main gate and there the typical network of streets. Many of the buildings are old and show it. 

We found a good restaurant for lunch. In turns out there are numerous restaurants of note in the town. 

After a walk through the historic centre we headed off to the bamboo garden, which was remarkable.    

La Bambouseraie d'Anduze

I did not know what to expect and through I would be in and out of a garden in just over half-an-hour. Nope, more than three hours and only left as I physically could not walk any further. 

 The massive garden was established in 1856 by Eugène Mazel, a passionate botanist who used his fortune from the spice trade to import and plant exotic species from around the world. There are over 1,000 different species of plants, including around 300 varieties of bamboo. The the official website of La Bambouseraie en Cévennes.

Nîmes

Think Roman.... an important outpost of the Roman Empire.  Known for well-preserved Roman monuments such as the double-tiered Arena of Nîmes, the Maison Carrée white limestone Roman temple are around 2,000 years old.

In addition to the Roman structures, the town has a good vibe. There are numerous pedestrian areas, a scenic canal with fountains and endless restaurants and bars.  

We have been t  Nîmes a number of time, however, it was en joyable to walk around the town, see the "famous sights" and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard was built in the 1st century to channel water from the Eure springs near Uzès to Nîmes, and has stood the test of time remarkably well. This impressive Roman aqueduct bridge over the waters of the river Gardon has three storeys of arches. This is the highest aqueduct built by the Romans - and built in onl  5 years!.

The day I drove to the Pont du Gard I was lucky, there was fog in the area. I drove fast as I could see the fog lifting but I was luck to arrive and have a good half-hour of some with the special weather to enhance photographs.    

When visiting, there is no charge to just see the bridge, You just have to pay for parking. And, the parking lot opens just after 7 am - well before the museum etc opens.   

Uzès

i went into Uzès early on a Sunday morning as I want to talk about the town before the people traffic built up. And I did indeed have the streets to myself! The architecture if impressive. There are numerous cafes and restaurant and shops. Sunday is not a close-down day for this town. Karen and I returned for another visit and to  have lunch at a cafe in the Place aux Herbes - the largest and best known square in the town.       

In 16th-century the Duke of Uzès was one of the most influential men in the entire kingdo. The castle stands in the centre of town and the architecture reflects the status of people and events that took place at the time.  

Sauve

It started as a morning drive, I wonder what this town will be like thing. Sauve is a very interesting town and I went there twice on our 2025 visit.  The town died off, but artists took over the town and it has taken on a new life. Numerous cafes and restaurants. Endless interesting old medieval streets to talk. The places has a great vibe and no feeling of tourism over-load.