Unlike the larger towns and coastal resorts of southern France, Alès has retained its character and charm. There's a daily covered market, and on Mondays, an open air market spills out into the surrounding streets. There are free music shows every evening during the summer, an annual singing week in July and festivals celebrating everything from Ascension Day to chestnuts, wine and olives. In May the local Feria turns Alès into a 4-day party - with bull-fighting in the local Arena - parades and dancing in the streets.

Nîmes boasts the best preserved Roman temple outside Italy, the Maison Carrée and the city centre features a number of interesting museums - Archaeology, Natural History and Prehistory, Old Nîmes and Beaux-Arts. It is also famous for its textiles, particularly serge de Nîmes (denim) and many good shops. The famous Roman amphitheatre, Les Arènes, is host to excellent live concerts in the summer months but advance booking is essential.

The spectacular Pont de Gard, just northeast of Nîmes, is the biggest surviving Roman aqueduct, whilst Aigues Mortes to the south is an almost perfectly preserved, now land-locked, medieval town. Uzès and Vézenobres are just two of many other medieval towns and villages in the Cevennes foothills. The ever popular provencal market in Uzès on a Saturday morning is a must with its pretty squares filled with artisanal stalls.

Montpellier is a city of contrasts - its imposing and futuristic new quarter, the Antigone, is the icon of Montpellier's technologically based prosperity whilst the Ecusson (old quarter) is a reminder of its strategic importance in the Middle Ages.

For lovers of the great outdoors there are endless opportunities for cycling, hiking, pony trekking, fishing and canoeing. The nearest golf courses are Nimes Vaccaroles, a good 18 hole course and Uzes, a pretty 9 hole course. For fun, there is a 6 hole riverside course 10 minutes away at Ribaute-les-Tavernes. Other fine courses can be found in Nimes, Montpellier and in the Alpilles, south of Avignon. There are many sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast and excellent river swimming in the Gardon near Anduze - a short drive and walk away. For the less energetic, there are countless vineyards to explore and enjoy with the chance to sample some of the renowned 'vins de pays'.

There are many scenic drives in the magnificent Cevennes - to Mont Aigoual, the Corniche des Cevennes, the Cirque de Navacelles and the Gorges du Tarn, now crossed by the awesome Viaduc de Millau. With superb light and beautiful views, the area offers great opportunities for those who love to paint and is also home to a wonderful variety of birdlife.