Discover Marguerittes

Marguerittes brings together garrigue landscapes, a history of irrigation, and a variety of walking and cycling routes. The sites differ in route length, interpretation and focus, allowing you to plan your trip around your interests.

Garrigue and agricultural history

The Combe des Bourguignons is a garrigue valley whose landscape has been shaped by rural farming. Agricultural terraces, dry-stone Capitelles, irrigation channels and various crops are all part of this landscape. An interpretation trail of about 2 km runs through the valley; around 40 information panels cover historic farming techniques, the daily lives of the Rachalans and the cultivated garrigue.

The Combe is easily accessible on foot. There is a car park and a shaded picnic area at the entrance. If you would like to explore the landscape through digital activities, there is also an educational trail using the Explorama smartphone app: geolocated missions and quizzes add an interactive element to the route.

Routes, springs and historic sites

The Chemin des Sources is a loop accessible on foot or by bicycle, taking you through Marguerittes’ historic irrigation heritage. Along the route, you’ll find fountains, streams and a noria; the heritage sites also include springs, channels and boreholes. You can choose between the full 12 km route and two 6 km loops. The yellow “Promenade & Randonnée” markings are affiliated with the Fédération Française de Randonnée. Each of the shorter loops covers half the distance of the full route.

Another site at the Source de l’Agarne is the spring at Mas Praden. It was restored and opened to the public in 2023. The Club d’Histoire et d’Archéologie de Marguerittes offers guided tours there on the second Saturday of each month; check the specific date before your visit. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre adds to the area’s historic interest: the former parish church was mentioned as early as 1156 and restored in 2020.

The Montrodier route and the garrigue

The Montrodier route starts at the Montée des Carrosses car park on the Route de Poulx (D135). The 5.41 km loop is rated easy, marked in yellow with a PR trail symbol, and reaches an elevation of 166 metres at its highest point. A few metres from the car park stands a restored dry-stone Capitelle, which you can visit at the start or end of the loop. The route thus offers a chance to see a tangible example of traditional construction.

The landscape itself is also a point of interest: much of the Marguerittes garrigue is classified as ZNIEFF and ZICO. The woodlands include Aleppo pines and holm oaks. The Maison de la Garrigue et Musée de l’Olivier offers another perspective on the local landscape. The olive-focused museum explores the Rachalans, olives in Marguerittes, olives and olive oil, and the history of the olive tree. Visitors can explore independently or use a discovery booklet for children and adults; check availability in advance. Workshops cover making olive oil, tapenade and oil lamps. Check the dates.

Water park and guided walks

Kids Paradise is a family water park in Marguerittes. Facilities include swimming pools, water slides and play areas for children under six, children aged six and over, and adults. Children may enter the park only when accompanied by at least one adult. The park operates seasonally; opening and admission rules may change. Check both before your visit.

Another activity is offered by L’âne Rit, with walks along marked trails around the Mazet or in the Combe des Bourguignons. If you plan to take one of these walks, confirm the activity details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saumane, Sénéchas, Tresques, Branoux-Les-Taillades, Chamborigaud, Durfort-Et-Saint-Martin-De-Sossenac, Saint-Christol-Lès-Alès, Meynes

For the broader travel guide: Gard.