Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis is a commune in the Gard department, in the Occitanie region, 17 km northwest of Bagnols-sur-Cèze.
Located on the borders of Ardèche, Vaucluse and Drôme, its 12 km² territory oscillates from 70 to 309 meters above sea level, in the heart of the cultural and tourist region of Provence Occitan.
Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, the locality is crossed by the Cèze and various other small rivers. It has retained a resolutely rural and verdant character, covered in particular by forests (54% of its area) and crops (26%).
The site of Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis was already occupied during Antiquity (remains of a Gallic oppidum and Roman ceramics were unearthed), but it was after the year one thousand that a Romanesque church bears witness to the establishment of a village. Thereafter, the small city is spared from troubles, especially during the Wars of Religion.
Nowadays, the town, which has nearly 600 inhabitants, is economically driven by its wine estates. Close to the Rhône valley and the Cévennes, its picturesque character, its unspoiled nature and the attractions of the Cèze valley make it an appreciable stopover or vacation spot.
The parish church of Saint-André is the jewel of the town's heritage. Its Roman foundations date from the 11th century. The building benefited from fortifications which are still visible and give it all its character. The nave and its side aisles, the polygonal chevet with decorated arcades, the rectangular apsidioles are to be observed. We also note that the "west" facade was taken over in the 18th century, which adds to the nobility of the whole. The bell tower, struck by lightning in 2021, threatened to collapse, which required the programming of backup works.
A Madonna overlooking the village, the Martel mill, the beautiful old Valat wash house (restored and enhanced) or the Saint-André bridge over the Cèze, north of the small town, are also nearby. mentioned as notable heritage items.
The heart of the village itself, its alleys and its old houses of character constitute in themselves a pleasant goal for a walk.
Nearby, amazing "18th century gardens" have been preserved and are still maintained: these are vegetable gardens or flower beds delimited by old dry stone walls.
On the leisure side, in season, it is possible to swim and at the very least to cool off in the water of the Cèze (be careful, however, the small communal beach is not supervised). Always in summer, the course of the river lends itself to canoeing and kayaking. A rental point is located north of the village.
For hiking, mountain biking or even horseback riding, many paths and loops are available which allow you to follow the banks of the Cèze, to follow the hillsides planted with vines, to discover the wooded hills or the plots planted with lavender and olive trees. Part of the communal environment is protected: there are three sites classified Natura 2000 for their biodiversity. These are the "forest of Valbonne", "the Cèze and its gorges" and the "garrigues of Lussan".
Wider hikes allow you to reach the Rhône Valley and its track reserved for cyclists (the ViaRhôna which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean). Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 66 39 26 89 or +33 4 66 82 21 41.
At the end of June, Saint-Jean festivities with a parade and musical entertainment.
On July 14, celebration of the national holiday in the morning and votive festival in the afternoon with fun activities, gourmet meal, concert and ball.