'''Ales''' [http://www.ville-ales.fr/] is a small town in Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
Although known as the capital of the Cevennes, you may have a hard time getting to Ales, partly because it's off the well-trod tourist track, and partly because everyone will assume you want to go to nearby, and bigger, Arles.
'''Tourism Office''' (open 9 - 12, 1:30-5:30) Place de l'Hotel de Ville - BP 345 - 30115 Ales Cedex. 04 66 52 32 15 - Fax. 04 66 52 57 09
Get in
Local '''trains''' run from Avignon via Nimes. A change is sometimes required.
Local '''buses''' also stop in Ales at the train station.
By '''car''' is probably the most convient way to reach Ales and to see the surrounding countryside. From the '''A7''', exit Bollene. From the '''A9''' exit at Nimes-Ouest.
The nearest airport is in Nimes.
Get around
The town is small enough to see '''on foot'''. A few '''taxis''' are available, either at the train station or by phone.
See
'''Cathedrale Saint Jean'''
'''Fort Vauban / Le Bosquet''' -- Historic fort, gardens and summer outdoor theatre.
'''La Tour Vieille''' -- Botanical Garden and playground.
'''La colline de l'Ermitage''' -- Small hill with a chapel on the top with great views over Ales. It's a lovely place to walk up to and take a picnic.
'''Mine Temoin''' -- Museum about Ales' mining history.
Events
'''Film Festival''' -- March. Art-house cinema.
'''Feria d'Ales''' -- May 20th - 24th. The town is taken over by this four day festival. Good food and drink, music, traditional bull fighting and the running of the bulls through the streets.
'''Carnival'''
'''Cratere Surface''' -- Begining of July. Street theatre and music.
'''Les Fous Chantants''' -- Last week of July. Choir with a thousand singers, performances throughout the week and a spectacular final concert.
Buy
'''Ales''' has a number of small shops and boutiques. There is a central '''covered food market''' every weekday morning, and a '''larger general market''' on a Monday which sells traditional items.
Eat
'''Punky Conners''', 44 Place Pierre Semard, ''across from the train station''. Irish Pub. Traditional pub food including a great lamb stew. Very friendly English-speaking staff and locals.
Drink
'''Punky Conners''' (see Eat).
Sleep
'''Hotel Orly''' is a comfortable 2* hotel in the very centre of Ales. It is located minutes away from many bars, restaurants and the theatre. An ideal place to stay when visiting the many attractions of the region; including the Cevennes hills and the Pont du Gare, as well as a stop over en route to Nimes, Montpellier or Aix en Provence.
Get out