Walking
The River Gardon rises in the Cévennes National Park which is a protected area above the plains of the Languedoc. There are many local walks around Russan, and the National Park of the Cèvennes is so close-by providing plenty of options. Maps of the district indicating popular walks are widely available. Inspiration can be found in Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Travels with a Donkey in the Cèvennes’ his book about his 252km hike 1879.
Climbing
There are some great climbs at Russan. Le Castellas has excellent well protected limestone cliffs around a scenic horseshoe bend in the river, a peaceful, sheltered climb. There are some eighteen sport climbing sections here from vertical to radical overhangs. From Russan there many opportunities to climb including Claret and the Cévennes.
Canoe & Kayak
There are several opportunities around Russan for Canoe and Kayak experiences for all ages. One or two day adventures can take you down the Gardon from Collias towards the Pont du Gard, or upstream, towards the Pont Saint Nicolas and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the village of Vanel, taking in a scene from the movie ’The Wages of Fear’ which was shot here along the path to Poulx. Take time out for a dip in the clear waters and relax on the beaches of the Gardon.
