Gard

Gard is a department in southern France, named after the Gardon River. It is part of the Occitanie region and bears the department number 30. The prefecture is Nîmes. The department was created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790 from part of the province of Languedoc.

Geography and climate: Gard covers about 5,852 square kilometers, stretching from the Cévennes foothills in the north to the Mediterranean coast in the southeast. It is bordered by Lozère to the north, Hérault to the west, Vaucluse to the east, and the sea to the southeast. The landscape features river valleys such as those of the Gardon and Vidour, plains along the coast near Le Grau-du-Roi, and inland agricultural areas. The climate varies from Mediterranean along the coast to more temperate conditions inland and in the northern hills.

Economy and culture: The economy combines agriculture, viticulture, and tourism. Wine production is centered on the Costières de Nîmes AOC; fruit growing and olive production are common inland. Tourism highlights include the Roman monuments in Nîmes (the Arena, Maison Carrée) and the Pont du Gard aqueduct, as well as historic towns such as Uzès and coastal resorts along the Gulf of Lion. The department preserves medieval villages, Roman ruins, and a coastal landscape that attracts visitors.

History: The area has ancient Roman roots; Nîmes was a major city in Roman Gallia Narbonensis. The modern department was established in 1790 during the French Revolution from part of Languedoc. It has since developed a diversified economy and preserved significant cultural heritage.