Lussan
Situated between Uz’es and Barjac, Lussan has a distinct and well-earned reputation for being one of France’s top places to visit. As the birthplace of the Nobel laureate, André Gide, Lussan has a deep appreciation and affinity towards the arts in all forms – sometimes displayed on the streets, at times up for sale or interaction, and other times submerged in the small river flowing nearby. Art of such staggering beauty makes you stop and look closer. Discover world-class glass-makers, painters, artists, writers, and sculptors as you wander the village.
How to Get There
A train from Marseille will get you to Lussan via Ales and Nimes in less than three hours. You could even take a bus from Nimes, which will contact you to Lussan in over two hours. Montpellier is the nearest airport if you want to fly to Lussan. However, the lush landscape of Southern France is best enjoyed when traveling by either train or bus.
History & Culture
The mostly Protestant population of Lussan suffered gravely in the War of the Camisards following the 1685 revival of the Edict of Nantes. It was only after 1789’s French Revolution that Protestants and Catholics laid their animosity to rest and started living in harmony together. The places of worship that had been destroyed were reconstructed and renovated after the revolution. The Protestant church of Lussan and the Saint-Pierre church was rebuilt in the 19th century.
The stark, somber church is juxtaposed with large, elegant Gothic revival windows today. The towering, fluted columns are an architectural marvel and stand as a testament to the strong and resilient spirit of Lussan.
Top Things to Do
Enjoy a lazy stroll across the renowned Jardin des Buis, spread along the southern walls of Lussan. It boasts more than 200 different varieties of Mediterranean plants- a near-perfect replica of the Garden of Eden.
Enjoy a charming picnic surrounded by the Cévennes range of mountains in the Place du Verger.
Catch a discreet glimpse of the Château de Fan, André Gide’s ancestral home. Built-in the 16th century, the majestic château is unfortunately not open to visitors.
Other activities to consider
- Enjoy a leisurely walk from Château de Lussan to Château de Fan’s park.
- Shop for knick-knacks and gifts for your friends and family from the “Les Céramiques de Lussan.”
- Enjoy a demonstration of ceramic sculpting, or try your hand at sculpting your ceramic guinea fowl. The guinea fowl is emblematic of Lussan and would make a wonderful keepsake for your stay in France.
Eat and Drink
From homely cafés to fine dining restaurants, Lussan offers a wide range of options for the foodie in you. Enjoy a crisp white wine with your ‘Filet de poisson,’ or treat yourself to a full-bodied red wine to accompany your ‘Grillade de boeuf.’
Stay
Depending on your needs, you can choose from a broad selection of accommodations for your stay in Lussan. Both modern hotels with world-class restaurants and charming B&Bs are readily available. You can also rent Holiday cottages in France, equipped with all the amenities one could need.
Best time to visit
The summer months of June to late August are the best time to travel to and stay in Lussan. Bonfires for “Lussan s’enflamme” (a festival celebrating Saint John), “Lussan se Livre” (book fair), and open-air concerts liven the Maronniers Square of Lussan throughout these months. In early October, Art et Jardin (Art and Garden) brings florists, gardening enthusiasts, and botany students from across the country and the world. It is a unique celebration of nature and its beauty.
Getting Around
Bike and car rentals are readily available in Lussan. Explore the village and its attractive surroundings at your leisure.
