Branoux-Les-Taillades: Heritage and Mountain Scenery

Branoux-Les-Taillades brings together traces of Romanesque architecture and historic bridge-building with a landscape of plateaus and forested mountains. The village lies at the foot of the Col de la Baraque, on a small plateau surrounded by mountains covered with chestnut and pine trees. Its church, the Pont Bertrand, a ridge trail and a watersports centre offer different ways to plan your trip.

Church, bridge and megalithic traces

The Église Saint-Pierre de Blannaves is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. It was built by monks from the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille. A decree dated 6 December 1949 listed it as a historic monument. Its simple floor plan has no chancel bay; at the apse, four pilaster strips support a triple-arched frieze. Pilaster strips are shallow, vertical projections on a wall. Those interested in the architecture can look at both the age of the building and its specific design.

The Pont Bertrand crosses the Brémo between the village of Branoux and the hamlet of La Favède. According to archival texts, the bridge was built shortly before 1800. It is very high, has a single arch and parapets made of slate or stone slabs. At the church, the focus is on the layout of the building; at the Pont Bertrand, it is the high, single-arch structure and the material of the parapets.

Historic traces can also be found on the hills above Branoux-Les-Taillades: megalithic remains are located at Caussiers, Mortissou, Castanet and Lichère. On a walk, you can discover dolmens as well as markings and rock engravings. The area’s heritage therefore includes not only individual buildings but also traces at several locations across the landscape.

Ridges, velodrome and watersports

The GR 44 B passes through Branoux-Les-Taillades along the ridges. From the Col de la Baraque towards Castanet, it offers views over the Branoux Valley. This gives you a different perspective on the surroundings from looking at individual historic buildings. Check local information about the route before setting out.

The fully renovated Vélodrome Louis-Riquet is in the Les Taillades area. The cycling track is 250 metres long and set in natural surroundings. It is said to be one of only three of its kind in Occitania. If you plan to use it, check current access arrangements separately. Above the two villages, there is also the Lac des Camboux, which has a watersports centre. Activities on offer and operating arrangements may vary; check the latest information before your visit.

Planning your stay

The commune stretches along the right bank of the Gardon; in this narrow valley, the RN 106 and a railway line run alongside it. The Auberge du Fraissinet, a restaurant serving homemade dishes made with local, fresh and seasonal produce, is also located on the Gardon. These local points of reference can help with trip planning alongside the buildings and walking routes.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Branoux-Les-Taillades, it helps to be clear about the focus of your trip: historic buildings and megaliths, ridge trails, the velodrome or watersports. Then check whether the details for each specific hotel meet your needs.

Discover more destinations: Barjac, Soustelle, Saint-Julien-De-Peyrolas, Cassagnoles, Rousson, Verfeuil, Saint-Dionizy, Saint-Nazaire

For the wider travel overview: Gard.