It is here that the signing and proclamation of grace (1629) , by King Louis XIII , to the Protestants took place. After the conqure of La Rochelle in 1628 , the Duke of Roham tries to resist in the Cévennes and chose Anduze as his base. Privas was captured and burnt. He organized the resistance at Alès and asked the inhabitants to resist until their death. The Royal army gained control and the city of Alès had to surrender after nine days. The Duke of Rohan having suffered this defeat had to negotiate with the Cardinal . In the peace agreement , the Protestants lost their political power in State affairs and other influential positions. Liberty of thought and belief stipulated by the Nante edict was confirmed.The Duke received 300,000 pounds which he distributed to his companions of battle.

In 1847 there was a breakout of silkworm disease ; the principal activity of Alès was touched.The problem worsoned year after year and the possible eradication of mulberry trees was real. Dumas in 1865 asked the reseacher Pasteur to study the problem. Pasteur , despite the death of his two daughters , found a remedy in 1867. He continued to work on this project inspite of a paralytic attack during his stay in Paris. He returned to Alès at the beginning of the following year to head the research and with the effort of his collaborators the problem was definitely resolved.

Alès has experienced several industrial transformations : the 12th century was a prosperous time. It was known for its drapery industry. It become a large industrial center in the 19th century thanks to its coal-mines at Alès and its iron , lead , zinc , and asphalt mines situated at la Combe and Besèges. Coal mining continues to exist at Alès.