Saint-Privat-des-Vieux is a commune in Gard, in the Occitanie region, north-east of Alès, with which it borders.
Its territory of nearly 16 km² belongs to the natural and cultural region of the Cévennes, and it ranges from 129 to 285 m above sea level, having as its highest point the Croix de Bertranet site.
The landscape remains predominantly rural with 40% of agricultural land and 25% of forests in the town.
As for the urbanized poles, in addition to the village center, there are more distant districts and hamlets such as those of Espinaux (attached in 1789) and Saint-Alban and Mazac, attached to Saint-Privat by imperial decree in 1813.
Crossed by the Bruèges and Avène streams, sometimes subject to flooding but on which mills were once established, the locality was already occupied at the end of the Neolithic (objects unearthed, such as tools, are now exhibited at the Alès museum). Much later, it suffered during the Wars of Religion and the rebellion of the Camisards (led by the Huguenots after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and then at the beginning of the 18th century).
The heritage elements, the environment and the leisure offer of Saint-Privat-des-Vieux (which has some 5,200 inhabitants) deserve interest during a stay in the Cévennes.
The church is the most notable of the heritage elements of the town, established in the center of the village. It was erected in the 12th century, in a Romanesque style, and during restoration work, two funeral vases dating from this period were recently unearthed.
At the same time as the surrounding farms and smallholdings, the church was burnt down in December 1702 during the Camisards war. It was restored in 1966 (interior) and in 1990 (exterior).
The old alleys near the church and the picturesque town center also contribute to the charm of the "old village".
We will also observe with interest the Napoleon Bridge, which spans the course of the Avène.
In terms of cultural leisure activities, it should be noted that activities are regularly offered at the library (on the floor of the town hall), such as readings, meetings and conferences (contact on +33 4 66 56 89 38). In addition, shows (concerts, plays) and exhibitions are regularly hosted at Espace Georges Brun. Information on +33 4 66 86 10 02.
In the very heart of the village, an "inter-generation" park has also been set up: in a wooded setting, children's play areas, a skate park, are available. a football field but also shaded paths. It is on this site that are organized activities such as the music festival or, at Easter, a big egg hunt!
Nearby, the Blacous fitness trail has equipment to combine physical exercises and regenerating walks. Information on +33 4 66 86 10 02.
For other sporting activities, tennis courts can be booked with the local club on +33 4 66 86 10 83 but visitors and tourists can also join the cycling trips or mountain bike from the bicycle club of the town (contact +33 6 33 39 76 70).
Four hiking trails have been traced and marked on the territory of Saint-Privat-des-Vieux: they are centered on heritage or natural elements and 4.5 to 10 km long, without presenting any significant difficulty. One of them is dedicated to the Croix de Bertranet where an orientation table allows you to enjoy views over the town and its hamlets. Other larger loops lead to Alès or the wooded foothills of the Cévennes. Maps and information on +33 4 66 86 10 02 or +33 4 66 52 32 15.
