Provencal Authenticity and Hospitality
Pont du Gard - Uzès - Gorges du Gardon - Nimes - Ceze Valley - Cevennes - Camargue - Avignon - Beaucaire
Between Cévennes and Rhône Valley, in the Gard department, Uzès is a small town of about 8,000 inhabitants known for its elegance. Its history and architecture were highlighted under the influence of André Malraux, an eminent writer and Minister of Culture, in the 1960s.
Labeled as a "City of Art and History", Uzès charms visitors with its remarkable architectural heritage. Its old town, with its cobbled and winding streets, exudes a captivating medieval atmosphere. The elegant facades of its 16th and 17th-century patrician houses, fountains, and shaded squares offer a harmonious and enchanting sight.
Uzès proudly bears its title of "First Duchy of France" since 1632, thanks to the lineage of the Dukes of Uzès. Their residence, "the Duchy," an imposing castle, stands in the heart of the city and is still inhabited by the seigneurial family. Overlooking the Saint-Théodorit Cathedral, the Fenestrelle Tower adds a touch of elegance to the historic city's ensemble.
Every Saturday morning, the Uzès market brings the Place aux Herbes and surrounding streets to life, offering one of the most colorful and vibrant markets in Provence.
Uzège, the region surrounding Uzès, enchants with its fragrant garrigue landscapes, typical of the Mediterranean. Here, olive trees and vines thrive, producing the "Vin de Pays du Duché d'Uzès" appellation, which is well worth a tasting.
In Uzège, beautiful medieval villages like Lussan, Castillon-du-Gard, and Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie await your exploration. The latter, renowned for its ceramic arts, adds an artistic dimension to the cultural richness of the region.
You can reach the Pont du Gard by following the ruins of the ancient Roman aqueduct that captured the waters of the nearby Alzon River, or, for the more adventurous, by canoe or kayak from the village of Collias, navigating the meanders of the Gardon.