Alès

On the border of the Cevennes hills, Alès owes its growth to the mining industry.

Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Alès - Cevennes

In the 18th century the wealth of Alès was based on the silk trade. Cocoons and the silk itself were traded in thousands of tonnes. It was only in the latter half of the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway, that it was replaced by coal. Alès then became one of the most important industrial centres in Languedoc. In its most prosperous days, the whole life of the town revolved around the 20,000 miners. But coal too was to be hit by competition from new energy sources and, in the second half of the 20th century the town had to change direction yet again. Because of its ideal situation at the meeting-point of several of the Cévennes’ valleys it became, not only a focus for commerce, but also a scientific, cultural and tourist centre of enormous interest.

Things to see: - Mining Museum, with its 400-foot gallery tracing the history of mining and miners - modern and contemporary art and book collections in the Pierre André Benoît Museum - Geology Museum, which has minerals and fossils from over the world - Museum of Colombier, with its collection of paintings and local archaeology.

In the area - In Cendras, a Romanesque church and the Galeizon valley eco-museum, Tourist Office, tel: 04 66 20 21 83. - In Rousson, a Louis XIII château with elaborately decorated rooms and period furniture; the ‘Préhistorama’ museum of evolution, with lifesize models of men and animals. - In Saint Christol les Alés, the museum of writing, with papermaking displays, writing implements and a model of a 1920’s schoolroom. - In La Grand’Combe, the mining museum.

The mining history of Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon once had three important mineral fields. In the Cévennes, the mining activity in the Alès and La Grand Combe coal fields followed the rise of the silk industry from the end of the 18th century. After the mines were shut down, the region recreated its industrial past in the Mining Museum at La Grand Combe and at the Mine-Témoin in Alès, a real life underground museum which retraces 150 years of coal mining history.

Eating out in Alès

Dining in Alès means choosing from dozens of quality restaurants, serving everything from simple local dishes to fine cuisine, and from pizza to casseroles. Restaurants range from informal, cheerful eateries to elegant dining rooms with grand décor.

Entertainments

The Cratère Théâtre contributes a touch of class to the town’s nightlife, with shows and plays of national standard. The town is also home to a number of carnivals and festivals throughout the year, which bring life and colour to its streets day and night. There’s a cinema festival, singing festival, town carnival, and music festival, among others.

In July and August, the town centre buzzes with life, as the town lays on party evenings for young people aged 12 to 18 in the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. They’re free of charge, and help to entertain thousands of youngsters every year.

Events in Alès: - Festival of Youth Theatre in July - local summer festival, ‘Estiv’Alés’, which offers free shows on summer evenings - Film Festival in February.

INFORMATION - Tourist Office - Tel: + 33 (0)4 66 52 32 15 Website

Hotels in Alès