Discover Bez-et-Esparon between riverside landscapes, hiking trails and cultural heritage sites. In Bez, picturesque houses line a bend in the river at the confluence of the Arre and Merlanson. The Lavassac Viaduct adds a structure with a railway history. For planning purposes, the designated routes vary by mode of transport, distance and duration.
Hiking or mountain biking: routes by time required
The Du Bosc au valat de Merlason route starts and ends in Bez-et-Esparon. This moderately difficult circular hike is 9 km long and takes four hours. It passes through livestock-farming areas, vegetable-growing land, meadows and chestnut groves, which extend from the valley floor up to the village heights. Two optional out-and-back routes lead to scenic viewpoints: one goes to Esparon, its chapel and panorama; another leads to Notre-Dame de Bez for a panoramic view. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may change.
The VTT La vallée de l'Arre n°1 route offers a different distance and time commitment. This easy mountain-biking route is 16.5 km long, follows an out-and-back layout and takes two and a half hours. It runs alongside the Arre and passes through Bez-et-Esparon. Compared with the hike, the mountain-bike route is longer, but its stated duration is shorter. Since the easy and moderate ratings apply to different activities, they do not form a shared difficulty scale. You can compare the options by mode of transport, distance and estimated time. Check current conditions and access before setting off.
Structures and trails
The Les bonnetiers route passes through Bez-et-Esparon and reaches the Lavassac Viaduct. Built in the late 19th century in the Eiffel style, the structure was part of the railway line. Visitors interested in infrastructure history can find a tangible connection here to the area's former railway use.
The 3.5 km Voie verte La Promenade du viaduc also runs near Bez-et-Esparon. It follows the former Tournemire (Aveyron)–Le Vigan (Gard) railway line. Check the latest conditions for this route too before setting out.
The hamlet of Esparon lies above the Arre valley and offers views of the mountains of the Pays viganais and the foothills of the Causse de Blandas. Since 1976, the hamlet has been listed in the supplementary register of Historic Monuments. The historic Four Ă pain d'Esparon bread oven and a 12th-century church are also among the sights.
Produce and market
Since 2022, La ferme d’Esparon has offered fresh chestnuts, almonds, walnuts, asparagus, sweet onions and butternut squash. Its processed products include chestnut cream and onion confit. Aux saveurs d’ici et d’ailleurs makes confit from sweet Cévennes onions and wild garlic pesto, and has a stall at the Bez-et-Esparon market on Wednesdays from June to September. If you plan to visit the market, check in advance whether the producer will be there that season.
Discover more destinations: Les Salles-Du-Gardon, Flaux, Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie, Saint-Roman-De-Codières, Combas, Saint-André-De-Valborgne, Pujaut, Manduel
For the broader travel overview: Gard.
