Les Salles-Du-Gardon brings together architectural history and a distinctly varied landscape. Cultural highlights include a chapel, a tower, a château and the Dolmen du Roc Troué. The hills offer walks through Cévenol hamlets; there is also a pump track near the Gardon. At Le Mas del Fray, a farm shop and tours by appointment add to the visitor experience.
Architectural History and Historic Sites
The Chapelle Saint Pierre de la Tour was built in the 9th century. Its construction follows the rock’s geological strata, directly linking the architecture to the underlying geology. The chapel has been listed as a historic monument since 4 August 1963.
The Tour Saint Pierre dates from the 13th century and was listed as a historic monument in 1963. The main construction phase of the Château de La Tour also dates from the 13th century. Underground passageways connect the tower to the chapel and the château. The distinction in dates is important: the chapel dates back to the 9th century, while the tower and the main construction phase of the château date from the 13th century. At the same time, the passageways link all three buildings.
The Dolmen du Roc Troué is located on Mont Roc Troué. It was used for depositing offerings and the ashes of the dead. Its described function thus differs from the architectural history of the chapel, tower and château: the dolmen is associated with offerings and the ashes of the dead.
Landscape and Walks
The CĂ©vennes fault divides Les Salles-Du-Gardon into two clearly distinct areas. One is dry and characterised by limestone, with holm oaks predominating. The other is dominated by schist and is wetter, with chestnut and pine trees. The contrast therefore involves both the underlying geology and the vegetation that predominates in each area.
The hills around the commune offer numerous walks through typical CĂ©venol hamlets. Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find not just a single natural environment, but also the hamlets as a characteristic part of the walks. These hilly routes are a different focus from the historic buildings and their architectural connections.
Activities and Local Produce
Built near the Gardon in 2025, the pump track offers a circuit for bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller skates. Several wheeled activities are therefore available in one place. Unlike walks in the hills, the pump track offers a distinct, clearly defined focus for activity; the two options differ both in form and in what they centre on.
The farm shop at Le Mas del Fray sells eggs, charcuterie and meat produced by Audrey and Nicolas. The farm raises Baron des CĂ©vennes pigs, traditional domestic pigs and laying hens. Le Mas del Fray offers individual and group tours by appointment. The appointment requirement applies to both types of tour and is important when planning a visit.
The local attractions can be easily distinguished: the buildings and dolmen offer different cultural and historical perspectives, the hills and hamlets are ideal for walks, and the pump track brings together several wheeled activities. Le Mas del Fray adds farm produce and tours by appointment. You can decide which aspect of Les Salles-Du-Gardon will shape your stay, according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Cabrières, Cavillargues, Poulx, Gagnieres, Baron, Saint-André-De-Roquepertuis, Montpezat, Lanuéjols
For the broader travel guide: Gard.
