It is 127.6 km (79.3 mi) long, and takes its source in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Lansuscle, in the Cévennes mountain range.

The Gorges du Gardon, which ends at Pont Saint-Nicolas, is a popular recreation area for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking.

The village of Collias, approximately 12 kilometres (7 mi) downriver from the Pont Saint-Nicolas, has several kayak and canoe rental agencies which will bus customers upriver to the Pont Saint-Nicolas (until the river level drops low in late June).

Departing from Collias by kayak or canoe will bring you to the Pont du Gard in about an hour and one-half.

In September 2002 and again in December 2003, the Gardon had record level floods that damaged many of its bridges including the Pont Saint-Nicolas, which has since been fully restored.