The Bambouseraie in the Cévennes: An exotic outing right near our vacation home
Anyone who wouldn't have expected to come across a 34-hectare bamboo forest in the middle of the Cévennes is not alone in this reaction. The Bambouseraie en Cévennes in Générargues, right near Anduze, is one of the most unusual attractions in our area—and can easily be combined with a visit to Anduze’s historic district or a ride on the historic steam train.
Here you'll find directions to the vacation home, what to expect at the park, and where we'd go for a meal.
Directions from the vacation home
The drive from Saint-Victor-de-Malcap takes a good hour.
Distance: approx. 40 km
Travel time: about 55 minutes
Route: Route de Saint-Ambroix, then continue on the Route d'Alès toward Anduze/Générargues
Parking: Free visitor parking right at the entrance, including for RVs and buses
What Awaits You at the Bambouseraie
The garden was laid out in 1856 by Eugène Mazel, a botany enthusiast who had made his fortune in the spice trade. Despite several changes in ownership, the park has remained one of Europe’s most significant bamboo collections to this day.
About 300 species and varieties of bamboo, some of which are several meters tall, spread across 34 hectares
A replica of a Laotian village in the middle of the park
About 5 kilometers of water channels that wind through the entire site
Alongside them are Asian shrubs and trees, ginkgo biloba, and sequoias
Depending on your pace, a tour takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. It’s a good idea to wear sturdy but breathable shoes, as some paths near the waterways can be damp.
Hours: The Bambouseraie is open daily from late February through mid-November, with hours that vary by season. Last admission is one hour before closing. It’s best to check the official website shortly before your visit for exact hours and current admission prices, as they may change slightly from month to month.
Combined with the Cevennes steam train
If you'd like to extend your trip a bit, you can easily combine a visit to the Bambouseraie with a ride on the Cévennes Steam Train , which runs between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. The trip takes about 40 minutes each way; a stop at the Bambouseraie is optional.
Don't skip Anduze itself
The small town of Anduze is worth a visit as a complement to the Bambouseraie:
Old Town: Narrow streets, historic squares, and colorful roof tiles define the town's character
Pottery Tradition: Anduze has been known for its ceramics for centuries, particularly the famous "Vase d'Anduze," which was created around 1610 based on a Florentine model. You can watch the potters at work in several workshops.
Sunday Market: The weekly market on Sunday morning is a great opportunity to combine your outing with a stroll
Our restaurant recommendation: "Mas de l’Antidot"
To wrap up the outing, we recommend the Mas de l'Antidot'in Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies, a good 20 minutes from the Bambouseraie—a small restaurant serving fine regional cuisine and featuring a terrace with a view of the Cévennes.
Address: 102 La Pénarie, 30610 Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies
Concept: French cuisine featuring regional ingredients; the menu changes monthly
Atmosphere: Terrace with mountain views in the summer; cozy dining room with a fireplace during the cooler months
Practical Tips
Best time to visit: Spring and early fall, when it's pleasantly cool under the bamboo in the park
Time estimate: half a day to a full day for the Bambouseraie and Anduze; a full day including the steam train ride and a meal at a restaurant
With children: Experience has shown that the Laotian village and the water canals are a big hit with kids, as is the train ride
Combine: If you still have time, you can extend your trip to the Corniche des Cévennes or to nearby Saint-Jean-du-Gard
Between the bamboo forest, the steam train, and the pottery town, you can spend an entire day here—an experience that really stands out from other destinations in the region.
