Vallabrègues (Gard), a Provencal village bordering the Rhône is worth a visit. It is a village of basketmakers with a yesteryear charm that values traditions. To see: market, lake, alleys, port.
Vallabrègues, village of basket makers
Vallabrègues is the only village of Gard located on the left bank of the Rhône, the whims of the Rhône have indeed changed its geography. During a violent flood, the Rhône moved on the other side of the village ! It is quite naturally that the basket makers settled here to work the wicker growing along the river.
Vallabrègues is a village of basket makers. For many years, the village has been hosting the European Basketry Festival in August. Not surprising, because since the 19th century, Vallabrègues is famous for this reason. And today one can find the very last basket maker in a hidden alley of the village.
Let's go back a few steps. At the very beginning of the 20th century and at the end of the previous century, Vallabrègues was truly considered the capital of basketry. Nearly 450 basket makers lived and practiced their trade in the village. Located on the banks of the Rhone, the basket makers left to harvest the wicker, in the baysses, these fertile and swampy lands along the river. The return of bayssiers was celebrated throughout the village and gave rise to large lively parties.
Today you can visit the museum that traces the history of basketry.
The Dolce Vita
Vallabrègues is typically the nice Provencal village where you would love to drop your suitcases, to take a break. It is a small paradise for those who seek calm and authenticity.
The best advice we can give you is to go through the historic centre without any precise route, wherever you desire... It's not very big, but it is so charming! At the turn of an alley, you will meet the village basket maker, discover the Basketry Museum and also the Atelier de la Croix Couverte, known for its magnificent renovations of antique chairs.
Do you know why all the houses in Vallabrègues are elevated by a step ?
Walking through the old center of Vallabrègues, one can note a very curious peculiarity: all the houses have a small walk. It was used to protect yourself from the floods of the Rhône and prevent water from entering !
Then head to the Cours, to sip a glass of fresh white wine and enjoy the atmosphere of the market (Thursday afternoon).
Local specialties
Vallabrègues is famous for its fruits and vegetables. Indeed, it is a land of vegetable gardening and fruit trees. By bike or on foot, the plain offers very nice routes in nature.
And then, it's in Vallabrègues, everyone will tell you, that we find the best bull sausage in the area! To taste it (and certainly succumb to it), go to the butcher's shop of the village !
The lake
Leaving the village towards Aramon, we discover a pretty shady lake, an ideal spot for picnics. You will find a children's playground, wooden tables, lawns to watch fishermen tease the fish !
The River Stop
After the lake, we pass the friendly Camping Lou Vincen and continue its way to the river stopover. From here, you can explore the local flora and fauna aboard a tiny barge called Black Bee Boating.
