Guide to Gard & Property for Sale in Department 30

The Gard department is the most easterly part of the Occitanie region of southern France. It has a history dating back to Roman times, when it was part of the Via Domitia, the first road linking Italy to Hispania. In the intervening centuries, its history was no less fascinating: it was one of the original 83 departments created by the French Revolution and, with strong manufacturing in the region, its prefecture became a major railway junction for trade in the 19^th century. The prefecture of Gard is Nimes, a beautiful city with stunning Roman architecture. It has a wonderful old town which is well worth exploring, along with charming gardens and a lovely river running through the city.

Larger Communes in Gard

Other larger communes in the department include the popular town of Uzès and Bagnols-sur-Cèze, another Roman town. Bagnols-sur-Ceze now has a population of around 18,000, but still retains many of its architectural features around the marketplace. Ales, meanwhile, has a reputation as a leading floral town, with open parks and historic monuments around its streets.

Historical Treasures

For history buffs, there are so many sites to visit in Gard that you will never be short of something new to see. The ancient aqueduct, Pont du Gard, near Remoulins, is perhaps the most famous, but Roman architecture is also prevalent in the area, particularly in the larger towns. Aigues-Mortes also features medieval city walls that visitors can walk around, including towers open to the public.

Cultural Delights

Beaucaire offers stunning vistas across the Rhone River and up to the hills beyond, and boasts a thriving cultural scene, with festivals celebrating everything from storytelling to horse racing. At Saint-Gilles, you will find a stunning abbey church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich history that includes serving as a refuge during the French Wars of Religion. It remains a place of pilgrimage now, with a shrine in its crypt said to empower women wishing to become pregnant.

Culinary Experiences

Food and drink enthusiasts will enjoy the acres of vineyards surrounding Vauvert in the south of Gard, where there are also two busy weekly markets. Nimes has a selection of fine-dining restaurants, including Alexandre and Jerome Nutile, while traditional French dishes are on offer at the many family-run restaurants across the department, using local ingredients and creating regional specialities, such as paté, Gardianne (lamb stew), Cévennes (a stewed or stir-fried pork dish) and cod Brandade.

Outdoor Adventures

If the great outdoors is more your scene, head for the Cévennes National Park. Here, you’ll find extensive woodland across the low mountains, along with unusual wildlife. Keep an eye out for the reintroduced griffon vulture and listen for the distant howl of the native wolves. The famous Ardeche Gorge is on the northeastern border between Gard and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes – a perfect spot for outdoor activities and adventure, or simply enjoying the incredible scenery.

Language and Local Life

As with much of France, English is spoken fairly extensively in the most populated areas, but less so in the countryside. Some basic phrases will get you through at first, and you’ll soon pick up more as you settle into life in this inviting part of the Occitanie region.

Key Information about the Gard (30)

• Main City/Prefecture: Nîmes
• Nearest Airport: Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport
• Population: Around 750,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,852 sq. kilometres and 2,260 sq. miles
• Landmark: Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Roman aqueduct.  
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, attracted by its Roman heritage, vineyards and the Cévennes National Park

Types of Properties for Sale in Gard

The beauty of Gard is that it enjoys all the benefits of the Mediterranean, a warm climate, good food, and easy connections, yet it remains a tranquil place to live among some of the most stunning scenery France has to offer. Whether you desire a charming stone farmhouse in the countryside or a contemporary residence near historic sites, Gard offers a wide variety of properties in one of France’s sunniest regions.

Common Property Styles in the Department

• Traditional stone houses: Quintessential Gardois homes full of character and history.
• Provençal houses: Elegant and timeless, with terracotta roofs and rustic charm.
• Modern and contemporary homes: Sleek lines and modern comforts, often built in wood, brick, or block.
• Apartments: From T2 to T4 and more, especially in Nîmes, Alès, and Bagnols-sur-Cèze.
• Villas and townhouses: Ideal for those seeking space, comfort, and a sunny lifestyle.

Property Prices in Gard in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,505 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €3,243 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: -3% over the last 12 months, +27% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Gard

• Average House Price in Nîmes: €2,837 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Alès: €1,981 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Bagnols-sur-Cèze: €1,970 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Thinking about a Property Purchase in the Gard?

• Authenticity & Affordability: Where the Camargue’s wild marshes meet the Cévennes’ hills, the Gard offers stone mas, vineyards, and village houses, often 30–40% more affordable than the Riviera.
• Strong Rental Demand: With tourists drawn to Nîmes’ Roman ruins, Uzès’ markets and the Pont du Gard, properties here generate 6–10% annual yields, especially for holiday lets or farmhouses in the garrigue.
• Strategic Accessibility: Nîmes & Montpellier Airports (1h), TGV to Paris (3h), and proximity to Provence’s hotspots make it ideal for second-home owners and those wanting a central base in the South.
• Mediterranean Climate: Hot summers (30°C+) for river swimming, olive harvesting, and férias, with mild winters (6–12°C).
• Occitan-Provençal Lifestyle: A region of deep traditions, with wine festivals, cultural events, and truffle markets. 

Please take a look at our selection in the Gard, and register to receive alerts about properties for sale matching your criteria.