Alès, Administrative center in Gard, France
Alès is an administrative center in the Gard département of southeastern France, stretching along the Gardon d'Alès River at about 134 meters (440 feet) elevation. The commune sits at the foot of the Cévennes range and forms a hub for several surrounding cantons.
The Romans called the site Alestium and established an early settlement here, which received its charter in 1200. In 1243 the area was incorporated into the French kingdom and grew into a regional center.
The name derives from Latin Alestium, pointing to an early settlement by the river. Today the town serves as an administrative hub for surrounding communities and draws visitors who want to experience life in a mid-sized southern French commune.
Weekly markets take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Monday, and Friday, offering fresh produce and regional goods. The town serves as a starting point for walks in the Cévennes and for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The École des Mines, a technical school, has trained engineers since its founding and remains an important educational site. Plane trees line many streets and promenades, shaping the townscape with their shade.
Location: canton of Alès-Nord-Est
Location: canton of Alès-Ouest
Location: canton of Alès-Sud-Est
Location: Gard
Location: arrondissement of Alès
Elevation above the sea: 153 m
Shares border with: Cendras, Saint-Christol-lez-Alès, Saint-Hilaire-de-Brethmas, Saint-Jean-du-Pin, Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues, Saint-Privat-des-Vieux
Address: 30100 Alès, France
Phone: +33466561100
Email: contact@ville-ales.fr
Website: https://ales.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.12537,4.08528
Latest update: December 15, 2025 01:43
Mine témoin d'Alès
1.7 km
Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Alès
716 m
Fort Vauban
829 m
Alès Plage
511 m
Arènes du Tempéras
494 m
Chapelle de l'Ermitage de Notre-Dame-des-Mines
1.8 km
Abattoir d'Alès
2.8 km
Grand Protestant Temple of Alès
852 m
Town hall of Alès
639 mOppidum d'Alès
1.7 kmParc botanique de la Tour Vieille
1.6 kmAlès war memorial
723 m
Casernes Thoiras
558 m
Palais épiscopal d'Alès
691 mAbbatiale Saint-Martin de Cendras
4.2 km
Église Saint-Joseph d'Alès
402 m
Église Sainte-Bernadette d'Alès
2 km
Le Cratère, scène nationale d'Alès
346 mMusée du Colombier
616 m
Église des Cordeliers
674 m
Our Lady church of Rochebelle in Rochebelle
1.2 km
Église Saint-Éloi de Tamaris
2.5 kmOrgue de chœur de la cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Alès
716 m
Orgue de tribune de la cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Alès
716 m
Bénitier à Alès
743 mCastle of Lacoste
3.7 kmToposcope, scenic viewpoint
1.8 kmRailway carriage
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