Eglise Réformée de Nîmes
Through the garden plains towards Alès and Saint Jean du Gard
The Reformation established itseH earlier in towns than in the country. Then, as soon as Henry IV died, Catholicism, with the help of the monarchy, restored its position in certain places where it remained a minority.
Jean Cavalier:
The children of those who were forced to abjure rose up at the beginning of the XVIII century. Jean Cavalier was an apprentice baker in Anduze and upon seeing the several heads of Camisards he decided to join their cause - and ultimately became one of its leaders. He fought in the Vaunage and Uzès after the "scorching" of the Cévennes.
He met Marshal Villars in Nîmes in May 1704. The Marshal promised him he could become the colonel of a Camisard regiment that could keep its religion but owe alleigance to the King. The King broke his promise and some Huguenot leaders did not agree to the negotiations. Cavalier then joined the "Refuge" where he served the Duke of Savoy and then the King of England.
Protestantism was officially recognised in the XlXth century. It was then organised into "consistories" but was not allowed to hold Synods. New methods of marketing the local wine production, coupled with the crisis in textile production contributed to a decline of local crafts and a reduction in the population.
The Protestant population and the number of churches decreased in the Gardonesque region, but remained at the same level in small towns.
Stopping Places
Castelnau Valence
Secret assemblies were held here, especially in the castle which can now be visited. Pierre Laporte was surprised and killed here after being betrayed. A memorial stone stands by the side of the D. 203.
Euzet
Half way between Alès and Uzès. A former spa. Jean Cavalier made his base in the "Euzet Grottos". They were subsequently destroyed and can now only be reached on foot. Ask for information in the village.
Anduze
Known as the "Gateway to the Cévennes". You can now see the Pagoda Fountain where the first Huguenot martyr was burnt in 1557. A Church was built in 1560 that persecution and religious wars could not destroy. The "Clock Tower", part of the fortifications, is still standing to this day. Anduze is also the site of the largest Protestant Church in France.
The Mas Soubeyran
The house where the Camisard leader Pierre Laporte (known as Roland) was born. It has become the "Museum of the Desert", displaying two hundred years of the troubled history af the Huguenots.
Mialet
A tablet can be seen on the facade of the Protestant Church, commemorating the deportation, in March 1703, of 670 Protestants who refused to abjure.
Les Aygladines
A neighbouring hamlet where the first Synod of the underground Church was held.
St Jean du Gard
A small market town in a Valley of the Cévennes close to the mountains. Several preachers were born there. Reverend R. Saillens composed the "Cévenole" on this spot.
Falguières
The birthplace of Abraham Mazel, a Camisard Leader.
Practical Informations
Anduze, Tourist Offices: Tél. 04 66 61 98 17
Saint Jean du Gard, Tourist Offices: Tél. 04 66 85 32 11
Musée du Désert, Le Mas Soubeyran, F 30140 MIALET: Tél. 04 66 85 02 72, Fax : 04 66 85 00 02
Other Places of Interest
Alès
"Disused coal mine" well worth a visit. The minig industry was an important activity in this Protestant area during the XlXth century: seven hundred yards of gallery explaining mining techniques. Tel: 04 66 30 45 15
Anduze
1 "The Music Museum". 1,000 musical instruments from all over the world.
Tel: 04 66 61 86 60
2. "The Bamboo Park " in Prafrance with its village, exotic flowers and aquatic
garden. Tel: 04 66 61 70 47
Mialet
The "Trabuc Grotto": 1300 yards of galleries and its "100,000 soldiers". Tel:04 66 85 03 28
Générargues
"The Santon Museum" (clay figures for cribs). Tel: 04 66 61 66 74
St Jean du Gard
"The Museum of the Cévennes valleys": every day life: dwellings: economy. Tel: 04 66 85 10 48
The "Cévennes Steam Train" From Anduze to St Jean du Gard: a memorable journey through the unique landscape of the Cévennes Tel: 04 66 85 13 17
