Gard

Gard is a département located in le midi, the south of France, named after the river Gardon (or Gard).

History

The Gard area was settled by the Romans in classical times. It was crossed by the Via Domitia, which was constructed in 118 BC.

The département was one of the original 83 départements created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from the ancient province of Languedoc.

Geography

Gard is part of the région of Languedoc-Roussillon and is surrounded by the départements of Hérault, Lozère, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, and Ardèche.

The highest point in the department is the Mont Aigoual.

Serious flooding has occurred in the département in recent years.

Tourism

Gard contains a part of the Cévennes National Park.

There are important Roman architectural remains in Nîmes, as well as the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

External links

• Prefecture website (in French)
• Conseil Général website (in French)
• Map of the department
• The Gard département and Languedoc-Roussillon région

Signpost welcoming travellers into the Gard, at Beaucaire.