Aspères: Vineyards, trails and historic traces

Aspères lies in the Languedoc Sommières wine-growing area, amid vineyards, cultivated fields and garrigue. This gives the village a rural character that comes into focus as you explore its several trails: winegrowing, dry-stone walls and evidence of past uses are among the tangible themes. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Aspères, you can use these themes as a starting point for planning your outings.

Vineyard walk and riding route

The “Balade vigneronne à Aspères” walk is a marked 2.7-kilometre circular route starting and ending in Aspères. It invites you to discover the Mas Montel/Mas Granier winery. The route is freely accessible; parking at the Foyer rural is recommended. Confirm the winery’s visitor arrangements before you arrive, and check local trail conditions before setting out.

A longer circular route is the “Promenade à cheval – Autour d’Aspères” horse-riding trail. It is 7.4 kilometres long, marked and rated easy; it starts and ends at the Foyer d’Aspères. An audio guide for the route is available via the Latitude Gard smartphone app. As app availability and route details may change, check the information before your outing.

The two marked circular routes differ both in length and in activity: the shorter vineyard walk leads to a winery, while the longer route is a horse-riding trail. The latter is also rated easy. This makes it possible to compare the outings by distance and focus.

Hiking trails and historic traces

Hiking trails in Aspères lead to the ruins of former shepherds’ huts and to capitelles, traditional dry-stone shelters. The caves in Bois de Paris can also be reached by hiking trails; they were once used for charcoal production. Along the trails, these structures stand alongside evidence of the caves’ former use. Trail conditions can vary seasonally; check locally before visiting the caves to see whether underground access is possible.

The “Le bois de Paris” walk leads to Roc du Midi and follows an out-and-back route. There is an orientation panel at the viewpoint. The named destination and the panel give this walk a distinct focus among the trails described.

Silkworm farming and winegrowing

The former magnanerie in Aspères is a three-storey building that operated as a silkworm farm from 1840 to 1900. It represents a different past use from winegrowing, which is associated with Mas des Cabres. The winery has a very old vertical wooden wine press in its century-old cellar. Mas des Cabres is a family winery with an organic focus; production practices may change. The family has been established in Aspères since 1724. The historical references thus bring silkworm farming and winegrowing together as distinct activities.

Discover more destinations: Montignargues, Monoblet, Fourques, Saint-Laurent-Des-Arbres, Rochefort-Du-Gard, Les Salles-Du-Gardon, Lasalle, Flaux.

See the overview of the wider region: Gard.