Laudun-L'ardoise: History, Wine and Landscapes
Accommodation in Laudun-L'ardoise
Different interests can shape a stay in Laudun-L'ardoise: archaeology and architectural history, a marked cycling route, or wine-related experiences. The places and activities also vary in format—from historic buildings and digital explorations to an indoor team game.
Archaeology and Architectural History
Camp de CĂ©sar is an 18-hectare protohistoric and Roman settlement on the eastern edge of the Lacau plateau, overlooking the RhĂ´ne Valley. A smartphone app offers a virtual tour with content linked to QR codes and a 3D reconstruction of the ancient Gallo-Roman city. Before your trip, check whether the app is compatible with your smartphone.
The Chapelle Saint-Jean de Todon, also known in the region as Saint-Jean de Rousigue, dates to the final settlement phase of the Gallic and later Roman settlement of Camp de CĂ©sar. Its history may date back to the 5th to 7th centuries; it ceased to be used as a place of worship from the 14th century onward.
Historic Buildings
The Aqueduc de Balouvière was built in 1870 to supply the village of Laudun, its fountains and livestock troughs with spring water. The structure is 76 metres long and built of limestone and brick. Its role in supplying water and the materials used offer insight into two aspects of its history: the purpose of the structure and how it was built.
The Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs was built in 1647 to house a brotherhood of White Penitents. It lies south of Sainte-Foy Hill and overlooks the town of Laudun-l'Ardoise. The Église Notre-Dame-la-Neuve also reflects several historical periods: it was built in the second half of the 14th century, with much of it completed by 1352. A few years later, the church became the seat of a priory of the Avignon Celestines, which remained in place until the French Revolution. Its south façade was fortified, and the bell tower served as a watchtower.
Cycling Route and Nature Experience
The marked “La Vigneronne” cycling route starts and finishes in the centre of Laudun. It is 23.97 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route passes through vineyards and hilly landscapes with green slopes, as well as historic remains. Check current route conditions before setting off.
Jeu de piste au Clos de Taman offers a different format: the route passes through an island of biodiversity amid the vineyards below the historic Camp-de-CĂ©sar plateau. The Explorama app uses geolocated challenges and quizzes along the way. This combines the landscape with a puzzle-based activity, with no cycling distance or duration specified.
Wine, Games and Digital Culture
In Laudun, the Maison Sinnae tasting cellar offers cellar tours by reservation. Maison Sinnae also hosts wine tastings led by professionals. The Escave Game Sinnaé “La bonne bouteille” is a two-hour indoor team escape game at the Maison Sinnae winery in Laudun. Two different time estimates are provided for planning: two hours for the game and 2 hours 30 minutes for the cycling route. Check the game booking details before your trip.
Château Saint Maurice is an 18th-century château with a tasting cellar in a 13th-century sheepfold. Cellar tours are available by appointment. The cellar’s historic setting and the tour arrangements are therefore distinct from the experiences offered by Maison Sinnae.
Digital cultural experiences also offer different focuses. Maison Albert André offers an immersive online tour of the house’s rooms, as well as interactive content about the artist’s history and heritage. An online Patrimonio quest complements the experience with puzzles and challenges about Albert André’s life and work. You can choose between a virtual tour and a puzzle-based exploration of the artist.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Clément, Les Plantiers, Meynes, Pougnadoresse, Manduel, Lédignan, Fournes, Saint-Jean-De-Crieulon.
For the wider travel overview: Gard.
