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Alès is a commune and subprefecture of the Gard department in southern France. It is the administrative center of the Arrondissement of Alès in the Occitanie region. The town lies at the western edge of the Cévennes, in the Gardon valley, and is a gateway to the Cévennes landscape.

As of the latest census, the commune has around 40,000 inhabitants, with a larger urban area that accommodates a broader community. Historically, Alès developed as an industrial town in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably for coal mining and metalworking in the Cévennes. The decline of mining in the 20th century prompted economic diversification toward services, administration, commerce, and tourism. Today, the city blends historic architecture with modern amenities and serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and culture. Its proximity to the Cévennes National Park and surrounding villages makes it a base for outdoor activities such as hiking and river exploration.

Alès is connected by road and rail to Nîmes and other Cévennes towns, with regional transport networks linking the city to the wider region. As a subprefecture, it hosts administrative services and several primary and secondary schools, along with cultural venues such as theaters and museums. The town preserves a historic center with monuments reflecting its long history and hosts local markets and events that highlight the area’s Occitan heritage.