The commune of Sainte-Anastasie comprises three hamlets: Aubarne, Vic and Russan. Together with the Domaine de Campagnac, it has a population of over 1,600. Set in exceptional natural surroundings, Sainte-Anastasie is a veritable green lung, with its 3,000 hectares of garrigue and 1,000 hectares of farmland.
History & Heritage
Sainte-Anastasie boasts a rich historical and natural heritage. Although the Château de Sainte-Anastasie was destroyed by Richelieu and the Castel Veil oppidum is difficult to discern, the commune offers many other sites of interest.
THE SAINT-NICOLAS BRIDGE IN CAMPAGNAC
An imposing medieval building
Located in the commune of Sainte-Anastasie, the Pont Saint-Nicolas de Campagnac is a majestic medieval arch bridge dating from the 13th century. Spanning the Gardon River, it was built to provide a valuable link between Nîmes and Uzès. Over the centuries, the bridge has undergone a number of modifications, such as being raised in the 19th century and its deck widened following the historic Gardon flood of 2002.
THE BAUME-LATRONE CAVE
Traces of prehistoric occupation
Billed as the "little sister" of the Grotte Chauvet, the Baume-Latrone cave in the Gorges du Gardon bears witness to a human presence 37,000 years ago! Cave lions, mammoths, ibexes and deer are just some of the prehistoric drawings to be found here. Although the site is not open to visitors, their history can be discovered at the Maison du Grand Site des Gorges du Gardon in the commune of Sainte-Anastasie.
Our guide's anecdote
Discovered by Nîmes high-school students in 1940, the Baume-Latrone Paleolithic site was listed as a Monument Historique in 1941.
LA MAISON DU GRAND SITE DES GORGES DU GARDON
2 rue de la pente Hameau du Russan
30190 Sainte-Anastasie
04 48 27 01 00
Fun, educational and interactive, the Maison des Gorges du Gardon will help you discover all the riches of this remarkable environment. Fauna, flora, cliffs and caves are just some of the themes highlighted in this museographic space, which will transport young and old alike to the heart of this natural site inhabited since prehistoric times!
Prieuré Saint-Nicolas de Campagnac
The Campagnac priory is another notable historic site. It comprises a church and adjoining buildings, with listed facades and roofs.
Russan Church
In the heart of the hamlet of Russan, this church was built in 1681, with the approval of the Bishop of Uzès. The church has preserved its 19th-century decor and remnants of 17th-century decor. Most of the decoration is neo-classical.
With a single nave and two chapels forming a transept, the church is covered by a barrel vault supported by a transom. A wall-belfry topped by a curved pediment replaced the old one in 1830.
Dating from the 17th century, this church is a central element of the commune's religious heritage.
Natural Heritage
GORGES DU GARDON
A paradise for nature lovers
A 29 km-long canyon carved out by the crystal-clear waters of the Gardon river, that̀'s the beautiful spectacle offered by these vertiginous Gorges! An ideal spot for hiking, you'll marvel at this sumptuous regional nature reserve, classified as a "biosphere reserve" by UNESCO. For a breathtaking panorama of the most impressive meander in the gorges, head for the Castellas lookout, just a few minutes' walk from the village of Russan, where birds of prey and other birds of prey swirl in the heart of this majestic environment.
ATTENTION
This is a protected area! Respect this rare and fragile natural environment. Access to the site is strictly regulated, so please follow the instructions posted at the entrance to the gorges!
RUSSAN: CLIMBING SITE
Climbing enthusiasts can scale the cliffs of the Gorges du Gardon for breathtaking views over the canyon. A rather famous spot in the region! The "L'escalade dans les Gorges du Gardon" guidebook provides all the information you need: open routes, sites to avoid... It is distributed́ free of charge in the Maisons de site (Castor and Gorges du Gardon) of the Syndicat mixte des Gorges du Gardon and in the region's Tourist Offices.
