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Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort (Gard, France)

Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort nestles at the foot of the Cévennes, about fifteen kilometers from Alès. A small town with a strong character, it preserves a rich industrial past linked to sericulture and spinning. The village shows a mix of old lanes and 19th-century workers' buildings. It is also a convenient gateway to the limestone and forested landscapes of the Cévennes.

Heritage and history

The industrial memory is visible in the urban fabric: former workshops, brick buildings and small repurposed factories tell the story of the silk era. The center retains medieval streets and houses clustered around an old core. The parish church and several civic buildings bear witness to the town’s development between the Middle Ages and the 19th century.

Architecture and urban planning

One notices the juxtaposition of stone Cévenol houses and more massive industrial units. Some facades bear traces of former activities (walkways, grilles). Squares and shops enliven the town center, while sections of ramparts and old gates punctuate walks.

Nature and outdoor activities

Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort serves as a base for hikes to nearby hills and valleys. Trails offer views of the Cévennes relief, chestnut groves and forests. Mountain biking and walking enthusiasts find varied routes, and the proximity of rivers invites nature breaks.

Gastronomy and local produce

Local cuisine relies on products of the Cévennes terroir: châtaignes, farmhouse cheeses and charcuterie, accompanied by wines from the Languedoc region. Local markets often showcase small producers and seasonal specialties.

Not to miss

• Historic center: lanes, shops and old buildings.
• Remains of the spinning mills: traces of the silk industry and worker heritage.
• Parish church: an architectural landmark of the village.
• Trails to the Cévennes: hiking routes and viewpoints.
• Markets and local products: chestnuts, cheeses and wines of Languedoc.