Saint-Laurent-De-Carnols: Village History and Mountain Bike Routes

Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols lies in the heart of the Cèze Valley and is shaped by seven hills. The village offers several concrete points of interest to help you plan your trip: a historic centre, a landscape of the Forêt de Valbonne, water and vineyards, and mountain bike routes in the area. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you assess Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols as a destination based on your travel interests. The Cèze Valley indicates the wider regional setting, while the seven hills shape the immediate landscape of Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols.

Village History in the Historic Centre

The buildings in the historic village centre are built adjoining one another and mostly face south, protecting them from the Mistral. Their construction and orientation together shape the village’s appearance: this is an ensemble of connected buildings, not just individual houses.

The place name Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols was first mentioned in 1232. The village church was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1934–1935 after its foundations subsided. These are three distinct points in time: the first mention of the name, the construction of the church and its later reconstruction. The historic ensemble and monument are open daily throughout the year.

Landscape and Mountain Bike Routes

The surroundings of Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols are shaped by the Forêt de Valbonne, water and vineyards. This gives you different aspects to consider when choosing a destination: the historic village centre and the surrounding landscape.

There are 24 mountain bike routes of varying types and difficulty levels in the area. Routes 7, 11 and 12 pass through Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols. The figure of 24 refers to the selection available in the area, while numbers 7, 11 and 12 identify the specific routes that pass through the village. This distinction helps with planning, allowing you to separate the wider regional selection from the routes that go through Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols. Alongside the route, you can also consider its type and difficulty when choosing a ride.

Wine Tasting in the Cèze Valley

Near the Cascades du Sautadet, the Vignerons de Saint Laurent de Carnols offer a wine tasting featuring wines from three villages in the Cèze Valley. The grapes come from plots on sunny slopes, in a windy plain and along cool riverbanks. The winemakers themselves serve the wines. Wine enthusiasts can therefore consider two distinct aspects: the wines’ origins in three villages and the different conditions in which the grapes grow.

Information for Motorhomes

There is a separate practical note if you are travelling to La Roque-sur-Cèze by motorhome: the recommended approach is via Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols, as the Charles-Martel Bridge is too narrow to cross the Cèze.

Discover more destinations: Montclus, Saint-Julien-De-Peyrolas, Malons-et-Elze, Soustelle, Saint-Laurent-D'aigouze, Carnas, Saint-Jean-De-Crieulon, Collias.

Go to the main travel overview: Gard.