Ales

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Description

Alès is a small town in Languedoc-Roussillon, France.

Although known as the capital of the Cevennes, you may have a hard time getting to Alès, partly because it's off the well-trod tourist track, and partly because everyone will assume you want to go to nearby, and bigger, Arles.

Tourism Office (open 9 Р12, 1:30-5:30) Place de l'H̫tel de Ville РBP 345 Р30115 Al̬s Cedex. 04 66 52 32 15 РFax. 04 66 52 57 09

Access

• Local trains run from Avignon via Nîmes. A change is sometimes required.
• Local buses also stop in Ales at the trainstation.
• By car is probably the most convient way to reach Ales and to see the surrounding countryside. From the A7, exit Bollène. From the A9 exit at Nîmes-Ouest.
• The nearest airport is in Nîmes.

Transportation

The town is small enough to see on foot. A few taxis are available, either at the train station or by phone.

Activities and Sightseeing

• Cathédrale Saint Jean

If you get to Ales keep going. You will enter the "tarn" a miraculous fairy tale of a place. Rural and endowed with its own sense of a history not rubbed out by tourist invasion. Arthur

• Fort Vauban / Le Bosquet — Historic fort, gardens and summer outdoor theater.

• La Tour Vieille — Botanical Garden and playground.

• La colline de l'Ermitage

• Film Festival

• Feria d'Alès May 19th – 23rd. Traditional bullfighting

• Carnival

Restaurants

• Punky Conners, 44 Place Pierre Semard, across from the train station. Irish Pub. Traditional pub food including a great lamb stew. Very friendly English-speaking staff and locals.

Nightlife

• Punky Conners (see Eat).

Lodging

See the listing of the Hotels in Ales