Collias lies on the left bank of the Gardon and combines riverside scenery with hiking trails, canoeing and historic sites. When choosing where to stay, consider which side of the area you would like to explore more closely: the riverbanks and nature, activities on the water or local history.
The Gardon and hiking trails
In Collias, the Gardon has a bathing area with pebble beaches and an unsupervised swimming spot. From the bridge over the river, you can see pebble banks and steep slopes. These offer different perspectives on the same riverside landscape: one from the riverbank, the other from above. Check the current conditions at the swimming spot before visiting.
Collias provides access to the Gorges du Gardon, which is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The village is one of the 26 municipalities within the reserve and also forms part of the classified Gorges du Gardon area, which follows the course of the river. The L’Ermitage de Collias route runs along the Gardon through the riverside vegetation of L’Ermitage. It is classified as a moderate circular hike, 6.5 kilometers long, and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. If trail conditions change, check the rating and details in advance.
Canoeing, kayaking and via ferrata
Several canoe routes start in Collias and pass beneath the arches of the Pont du Gard. Kayak Vert Pont du Gard offers canoe and kayak routes from 8 to 30 kilometers long, taking one or two days depending on the season. One trip follows the Gardon from Collias to the Pont du Gard. Route availability may depend on water conditions; check in advance which route is being offered.
The time commitment differs considerably: the circular hike takes about two hours and twenty minutes, while the canoe and kayak routes can take one or two days, depending on the season. This makes it possible to choose a stay based on the time available and your preferred focus, without treating the hike and water activity as a single package.
Another activity, the Via ferrata Collias, includes ladders, a suspension bridge, two zip lines and a 40-meter abseil section. It is accessible to beginners, and technical equipment is provided. Before taking part, check the route and confirm the participation requirements and equipment arrangements before booking.
Discover nature at the Maison du Castor
The Maison du Castor is an interactive educational and discovery center focusing on beavers and the Gardon. It also explores the biodiversity, history and cultural heritage of the Gorges du Gardon. It adds a thematic perspective on the river and its surroundings to the experience of the landscape.
The center includes an educational area, a relaxation area and an open-air theater. Its exhibitions use a giant beaver, models, a diorama, a slide and digital tablets; the specific exhibits may change. The focus is therefore not solely on the animal, but also on different ways of presenting information.
Chapels, a church and caves
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Laval was built in the 12th century on the ruins of a Gallo-Roman temple. A spring rises on the site, and near the chapel there is a cave that was once inhabited by hermits. The entire site is classified. Its combination of architectural history, a spring and a former hermitage makes it a distinctive attraction alongside the riverside activities.
The Eglise Saint-Vincent de Collias also reflects several phases of construction: it was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque chapel, and work was completed in December 1867. The Grotte des Colonnes is located in Collias, in the L’Ermitage and les Costettes area. It has been classified as a historic monument by decree since August 24, 1931, and is associated with the Middle Paleolithic, Upper Paleolithic and Antiquity.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Saint-André-De-Majencoules, Pouzilhac, Moussac, Saint-Bonnet-Du-Gard, Cavillargues, Notre-Dame-De-La-Rouvière, Saint-Jean-De-Maruéjols-Et-Avéjan, Saint-Hyppolyte-Du-Fort.
Return to the main travel overview: Gard.
