Gardens & Slow Travel in the Gard

Not far from Uzès, La Bambouseraie en Cévennes offers a refreshing immersion into greenery and exotic landscapes.

This remarkable botanical garden reflects the 19th-century European fascination with plants and distant lands, a passion that even found its way into the pages of André Gide’s autobiography If It Die. His childhood memories of botanical explorations, guided by his mother’s governess, echo beautifully with the spirit of this place (see below to learn more about his connection to the region).

Created in 1856 by Eugène Mazel, a Cévennes native, the garden is the result of a lifelong dedication. Mazel devoted his fortune and energy to acclimatizing rare species, introducing bamboo—then almost unknown in Europe—and plants from Asia and North America. Today, the estate extends over 34 hectares.

As you wander through the garden, a whole world unfolds: towering bamboo avenues reaching up to 25 meters, serene Japanese-inspired landscapes, a reconstructed Laotian village, historic greenhouses, and playful discovery trails. The site was later preserved and developed by the Nègre family, who still own the park today.

Please note that the garden is closed during winter, so it is best to check opening dates before planning your visit. Nearby, however, several beautiful sites remain open year-round and are well worth exploring.

This is a perfect stop for travelers interested in slow travel in the south of France and nature-focused experiences.

You don’t have to be a child to feel the magic of this charming steam train. As it winds its way through the Cévennes, it offers a journey that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully timeless.

Originally built in the early 20th century, the line once carried passengers as well as goods — first textiles, then timber. In the 1970s, the SNCF (the French national railway company) eventually abandoned it like many rural railways, when it was no longer considered profitable. Its survival today is thanks to the dedication of a passionate train enthusiast who refused to let it disappear.

Now lovingly restored, the train runs between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, revealing along the way the wild and unspoiled beauty of the Cévennes.

Experiences like this highlight the diversity of things to do in the South of France beyond the classic tourist routes.