Bellegarde (Gard) is a small town full of charm on the banks of Rhône to Sète canal. Discover its market, its lively streets and the sublime panorama of the Tour de la Madone !
Bellegarde and its heritage
Bellegarde is a pretty village in relief of just over 7000 souls dominated by the Tour de la Madone. At 102 metres above sea level, the Tour de la Madone was part of a larger collection of fortifications in the 13th century, the Castrum Bellae Gardae, which gave its name to the city. The walk on the heights of Bellegarde is worth a visit, because from up there the panorama on the plain of Petite Camargue is simply beautiful !
In the heart of the village, an authentic 19th century oil mill with its bloodmill (mechanism using animal or human force to grind olives) is the pride of the village inhabitants.
And if you are in search of a little spirituality, the Prieuré de Broussan chapel, on the way to Santiago de Compostela, is undoubtedly one of the wonders of our region !
A sun-ripened terroir
Bellegarde is located at the end of the Plateau des Costières and is surrounded by wineries waiting for you for a tasting of their AOC Costières de Nîmes wines !
But also and this will surely surprise you, one of the smallest and oldest appellations in France: AOC Clairette de Bellegarde. This dry and quiet white wine is made from Clairette Blanche, an unknown grape variety grown by only a handful of winemakers. Its genetic heritage and filiation remain a mystery that has not yet been revealed !
For a perfect food and wine pairing, on Friday morning the town hall square hosts the Bellegarde market, a market of colours and flavours from here. Where you will local producers, including Johanna, brewer of craft beer Bellegard'Elfe.
The Marina and the lakes
The Port of Bellegarde on the Rhône to Sète canal offers a postcard atmosphere. And if you feel like it, then rent a boat without a license from the renter Nichol's. You can enjoy the calm on the waves and take the time to enjoy the landscapes and wildlife of Camargue.
Water is everywhere in Bellegarde, a museum is dedicated to the subject, the Water Museum, where you will discover the Aqueduct of Bellegarde.
And if you are a fan of fishing, you will certainly find your happiness in the many lakes and bodies of water around the corner !
