Discover Bezouce, a quiet village in the Gard that preserves the charm of the Gard countryside. This village welcomes you with its architectural treasures and local traditions for a peaceful immersion in local history.
Discover local history
Bezouce has a rich history that deserves to be discovered. Its origins are certainly Gaulish (the name Bezouce is said to come from a Gaulish man or tribe, BISTUCIUS).
The granary of Nîmes during the Roman period, Bezouce was equipped with ramparts in 858, when the region was pillaged by the Normans.
The village, which at the time belonged to the Count of Toulouse, was destroyed in 1209 by Simon De Montfort during the first crusade against the Cathars.
In 1269, the lands of Bezouce were given to the bishops of Nîmes, who retained their rights over Bezouce until the French Revolution.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Bezouce welcomed part of the court of Versailles, notably Queen Claude de France, her husband King François1er, the future Henry II, and kings Charles IX and Louis XIII.
During the Wars of Religion, the village was taken and retaken by both Catholics and Protestants on at least 5 occasions. The village was partially destroyed in the battle of January 1578.
The ramparts were destroyed around 1629, on the orders of Richelieu.
The following centuries were rich in public buildings.
Architectural heritage
Saint-André church
Built in the 12th century and enlarged in the 19th, Saint-André church is now in the ogival style. The interior is entirely covered with magnificent murals.
The old town
A "heritage discovery" trail, with a special focus on the old town center, is available from the town hall, the museum and selected shops. This self-guided tour allows you to wander through the cobbled streets of Bezouce and appreciate its ambience. The old stones still whisper tales of bygone days, offering visitors an authentic experience.
The arena and the wash-house
The old washhouse is an important meeting point. The bullring, built in 1987, hosts bullfighting events and local festivals.
Noria Park
Laid out in 2004, the site is a popular place for walks and picnics. You'll find an old waterwheel, which takes its water from the ancient Roman aqueduct that brought water from Uzès to Nîmes, as well as remnants of the Pouzin canal. The magnificent frescoes are the work of an association for the reintegration of disadvantaged people.
Francis Gaud Archaeological Museum
Bezouce boasts an archaeological museum, with over 450 artifacts dating from prehistory to the present day. The entire collection comes from excavations in Bezouce and surrounding villages. A must-see! Opening hours and contact: Mairie de Bezouce or Facebook page "musée archéologique Francis Gaud".
DID YOU KNOW?
Alphonse Daudet's house
Alphonse Daudet was fostered here until the age of 6, where he learned the patois language.
The old cemetery and war memorial
The "old" early 19th-century cemetery houses a war memorial erected after the First World War.
The industrial zone
The small industrial zone is home to a cutlery factory, an olive-growing winery and various local shops.
IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Protected areas
The northern part of the commune is part of the Gardon gorges (Unesco biosphere reserve).
The plain to the south is classified as Nature 2000 and ZNIEFF type 1.
Hiking trails
There are several signposted footpaths around Bezouce, through vineyards, garrigue and woods, on foot or by bike (information available from the Mairie).
