In the south the Orb, the Herault and the Vidourle are independent rivers flowing to the Golfe du Lion; farther north, the Gard - formed by the union of several streams named Gardon - the Ceze and the Ardeche flow to the Rhone.
The town is situated at the foot of the Cevennes, on the left bank of the Gardon, which half surrounds it.
The town is one of the most important markets for raw silk and cocoons in the south of France, and the Gardon supplies power to numerous silkmills.