Just 6 miles outside of Uzès, towards Avignon,
serenely merging into the surrounding landscape,
sits the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site
The Pont du Gard.
It has been here for well over 2000 years,
patiently waiting to be explored.
No matter how many times you have stood below its ancient arches
it will hold you spellbound,
as you stand and gaze up at in wonder.

Visiting the Pont du Gard

400 Route du Pont du Gard, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard  Phone: +33 (0)4 66 37 50 99

Open all year round. Admission is €18 for a car of 5 people, includes parking and admission to the museum and film about the Pont du Gard.

About the Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard was built by the Romans in 50AD.

The Romans picked the source of the River Eure, near Uzès, to supply water to the nearly fifty thousand inhabitants of the vibrant city of Nimes, about thirty km away. It continued to do so for nearly 600 years.

The Pont du Gard was constructed with stone from the Roman quarry of L'Estel, just four hundred meters upstream.

The Pont du Gard is the largest and highest known Roman aqueduct in the world. It stands forty eight meters high with six arches on the first level, eleven on the second level and thirty five on the third level where the canal ran. It is fifty five kilometers long but its most monumental and best preserved piece is the Pont du Gard where it spans the beautiful River Gardon.

During the Middle Ages the Pont du Gard was partially destroyed and the stones were taken and reused in other constructions. The batteries were cut in the second floor and it was used as a road bridge.

During the 16th century a degree of restoration work was competed to preserve its integrity.

A road bridge was attached to it from 1743-1747 and finally in 1840 it was classified as an historic monument.

It is still possible to visit Prehistoric Caves at the Pont du Gard, evidence of just how long man has settled by the waters of the River Gardon

The Pont du Gard is a site to be behold, make sure you include it on your itinerary!

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

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Languedoc Roussillon has a steadily growing and well respected reputation for its wine
and there are some excellent wines produced in the Uzès area.
Predominantly they use the great Mediterranean varieties,
Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Combined with the natural limestone and gravel of the 'terroir',
long days of brilliant sunshine and the skill of the local vintners
the result is wines of great rigor and of the highest quality.
Reds, whites and the wine the South of France is so well known for, rosé!
And of course where there are vineyards there are often olive groves.
Here are a few of our local Uzès favourites.

Domaine de l'Aqueduc d'Uzès

Collines du Bourdic Duche d'Uzès

Other local Uzès wineries

Domain Deleuze Rochetin

Route d'Uzès Chemin du Moulin 30700 Arpaillargues   Phone: +33 (0) 4 66 59 65 27

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 The fabulous Uzès market can be found every Wednesday and Saturday
by the arches of its magnificent central square, Place-aux-Herbes.
On Wednesdays in the Uzès market you'll find smiling locals offer mouthwatering, regional produce.
Cheeses, garlic, wine, flowers, lavender, olive oil, honey and soaps.
On a Saturday at the Uzès market the stalls tumble out onto the streets,
baskets, linens, jewelry and art, everything and more
that you would hope to discover in a marché-provencal!
Take a peek here, I think you'll see what I mean!

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès  and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

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  At the the heart of the beautiful city of Uzès' lies the architecturally stunning, La Place-aux-Herbes.
La Place-aux-Herbes is a vast, cobbled square surrounded on three sides by golden, stone arches
whose domed canopy covers the patios of shops and restaurants.
Her central feature is a large stone fountain which sits quietly chuckling at all who pass her by.

La Place-aux-Herbes is overlooked by tall, shuttered buildings,
softly painted in gentle shades of blue grey and violet, so delightfully French,
Place-aux-Herbes is like a splendid setting for a party.
Whether hosting her twice weekly markets, festivals, brocantes or local artisanal sales

Place-aux-Herbes is a place to gather, a place to meet friends, a place you will want to be in this charming, medieval city of Uzès.

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Rue du Portalet, 30700 Uzes Tel : +33 (0)4 66 22 68 88
The Fenestrelle tower is Uzès' most famous landmark, adjacent to Saint-Théodorit Cathedral,
built at the end of the 11th century, this 'tower of windows'
is the only campanile tower in France.
A fairy-tale 'Rapunzel' tower
where can one imagine a handsome prince rescuing his beloved!

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The enchanting medieval bastide city of Uzès,
just outside of Provence, in Languedoc Roussillon.
Come and wander its cobbled streets,
admire its gently worn, shuttered buildings.
Discover the Ducal château, its Medieval Garden and iconic Fenestrelle tower.
Sit under one of the golden arches fringing its magnificent square,
Place-aux-Herbes,
host to its weekly markets and festivals.
Listen to the soft splutters of the fountain,
become immersed in the beguiling atmosphere of this special place.
Watch the 'video glimpse' next
and discover why people who visit Uzès always return...

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

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A man with hairy ears selling goats cheese, a nun blessing us with her wine!  Smiling locals selling linens, ribbons, baskets, and flowers,  cheese makers, olive growers, and an abundance of fresh produce. How can you not visit the Uzès fabulous, twice-weekly markets, the most vibrant in Provence!

Every Wednesday and Saturday, in the central square of Uzès, Place-aux-Herbes, ringed by its golden stone arches, colourful shuttered buildings and cheerfully chuckling fountain, plays host to fabulous marches.

Wednesday is mostly local produce, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, and flowers fill the air alongside carefully presented artisanal cheeses, sauscisson, honey, locally grown fruits and vegetables stalls of olives, more sizes and varities than you would ever believe possible

The Saturday markets colourful array of stalls completely fill the cobbles of Place-aux-Herbes and like a giant ball of twine, twist their way throughout the square and along the pavements of the surrounding streets, delighting shoppers with an abundance of olive oil, goats cheese, bread and honey, the fruits of the land intermingled with lavender, soaps, linens,

ribbons, scarfs, pottery, baskets and all that is expected to be found at a Provencal market.

Bring your baskets and get there early to do your rummaging them grab a spot for steaming coffee and freshly baked croissants. Check the local calendar, you might want to return the following day for on many Sundays Place aux Herbes also plays hosts to art & antique fares, exhibitions, carnivals, and every January an annual truffle fare.

If you have time for no other marché on your trip to Provence but the one in Uzès you will have been to the very best!!!

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

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Easter is only a few weeks away and Uzès is getting ready.
Previously closed shops and restaurants, are re opening.
The cobbled streets below the magnificent, golden arches surrounding Place aux Herbes,
its stunning central square and market place, are being washed and swept.
New leaves are gently uncurling, to form their natural canopy of shade across the square.
Everywhere is bursting into life ready for an influx of excited Easter visitors,
thrilled to be escaping for a few days,
to explore and discover this delightful little bastide town,
maybe you are going to be one of them?

listening to the local chattering bustle
becoming immersed in the unique, beguiling atmosphere.

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

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WHY GO TO UZES

Uzès is a magical bastide town 40km west of the Medieval walled city of Avignon, 25km north of Roman Nimes & just 13km from the world UNESCO heritage site, Pont du Gard. It boasts a rich and ancient history dating from the Romans and is home to the first duchy of France, (the direct lineage to the Royal family) its Ducal Castle being still occupied by the family today.

Its cobbled streets spill out onto elegant squares, shaded by gently worn, shuttered buildings. There are many grand renaissance mansions and other interesting landmarks including its château, cathedral, and its iconic Fenestrelle tower.

At the heart of Uzès is the magnificent central square, Place-aux-Herbes, fringed by limestone arches under which its restaurants and shops spill out onto the cobblestones, shaded by the broad branches of long ago established sycamore trees.

One could sit here for hours listening to the soft splutters of the fountain, enjoying a refreshment from one of the many enticing restaurants, becoming immersed in the local bustle. Place-aux-Herbes plays host to carnivals, an annual truffle fare, art & antique fares & exhibitions, and well renowned twice-weekly marchés, the most vibrant in Provence. Smiling locals selling linens, ribbons, baskets, and flowers, cheese makers, olive growers, and an abundance of fresh produce. 

Uzès, has a unique, beguiling atmosphere one which having visited will leave you feeling as if you've spent a moment, back in time.

HOW TO GET TO UZES

The nearest international airport is Marseilles (MRS), 120km south with numerous international connections from Paris, London Frankfurt Munich and many other European cities. Several regional European airlines fly into Nîmes (40km south) and Montpellier (80km south).

If driving, Uzès is about 20km west of the A9 autoroute, just 25km south of the major A7/A9 autoroute interchange near Orange.

WHAT TO IN UZÈS

If your stay in Uzès was spent entirely within this delightful, historic town your experience would encapsulate the very essence of this magical part of France. Uzès oozes charm and ambience; its cobbled streets, enticing  boutiques, wide variety of restaurants and wonderful markets are all part of its enchantment.

There is much to explore to within the town itself and should you wish to venture further the surrounding area beckons!

THE CHÂTEAU The château in Uzès, Le Duché d'Uzès, is known by the locals as ‘Le Duchy’ and is where the original ducal family still reside. Tours are available, check for times

THE CATHEDRAL ~ Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit d'Uzès dates from the Middle Ages, it was the former seat of the Bishops of Uzès'

THE FENESTRELLE TOWER  ~Uzès' most famous landmark, an incredible Rapunzel tower of windows!

THE MEDIEVAL GARDEN ~ originally part of the castle, it was restored to a medieval garden in 1995, utterly captivating!

 THE MARKETS  ~held twice a week in Place aux Herbes. 8am -1pm.
Wednesday is mostly fresh produce including flowers, cheese, wine, olive oil, honey and soaps.
Saturday is a much larger affair tumbling out of the Place-aux-Herbes onto the surrounding streets.

PONT DU GARD

A visit to this incredible World UNESCO heritage site  should not be missed. Just 13km east of Uzès on the road towards Avignon, for over 2000 years it has spanned the River Gardon. Built in 50AD as part of the Roman aquaduct of Nimes it was used up until the 6th century. A breathtaking marvel. Watch the video here

WINERIES

There are many great local Uzès wineries to sample from, tastings are mostly free and the local vintners are more than happy to share their knowledge and proudly show off their vintages.

OLIVE OIL MILLS
As in much of southern Europe, where there are grapes growing often there are olives too! Our favorite is Le Moulin d’Uzès, normally also available in the Uzès’ market.

WHAT TO DO NEAR UZES

There is a rich Roman heritage in this area of France which is reflected in the many ruins which include amphitheatres and arenas in the local towns especially in:

NIMES lies 25km south of Uzès and was once the most important city of Roman Gaul, much of which remains in evidence, in particular its arena, one of the best preserved in Europe and still in use today.

ARLES This lovely Roman city, lies 60km south east of Uzès and was much painted by Van Gogh who lived there for a year.  Sun kissed and golden it is full of Roman sites and a particularly fascinating Van Gogh museum. Arles sits on the banks of the Rhone, nestled by the Camargue, infamous for its majestic white horses and bulls.

ORANGE Founded in 35BC and also abounding in Roman splendor is 50km north east of Uzès. Its stunning stone theatre is still the magical, atmospheric setting for productions today.

AVIGNON The stunning, medieval, walled city is 40 km away. Most famous for Les Palais des Papes which was the home of the Popes for 100 years and the Pont D’Avignon. A tour of both should not be missed.

CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE  47km north east of Uzès, Chateauneuf-du-Pape is France’s first wine appellation, where the wine for the Popes were cultivated and produced.

MONTPELLIER 80km south west of Uzès, Montpellier is the capital of Languedoc Roussillon, a grand medieval city well worth spending a day exploring.

ST RÉMY DE PROVENCE 55km south east of Uzès, St Rémy-de-Provence is a charming, very Provencal town packed with shops and restaurants, with a fantastic Wednesday Market. Whilst there combine a visit to the perched village of Les Baux de Provence.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE

60km south east of Uzès and just a fifteen minute drive from St-Rémy-de-Provence is the stunning perched medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

The self-guided audio tour around the château ruins is fascinating and do NOT miss the spectacular video art extravaganza  Carrières de Lumières. Set to music and projected onto the walls of one hundred foot high bauxite caves the art of the Masters is profiled; Van Gough, Michelangelo, Gaugin, each year someone different, it is utterly breathtaking!

AIGUES-MORTES  70km south of Uzès. The roots of Aigues-Mortes date back to 102AD, this fortified wonder is the most well preserved medieval city in Europe. Walk the walled rims of this fortress city and gaze out across the salt flats where salt has been mined since before the Romans. Tour the factory Saunier de Camargue whose salt is considered the ‘Rolls Royce’ of salts!

THE LUBERON VALLEY

75km south east of Uzès is The Luberon Valley. A beautiful region resplendent with vineyards, olive groves, abundant fruit trees, and from about mid June, endless fields of fragrant lavender. Watch the video of the Luberon Valley here and then explore it's timeless perched villages yourself, Lacoste & Menerbes, Gordes, Roussillon & Bonnieux and my favorite, Lourmarin not actually perched but quite magical!

Download The Travel Guide for Lourmarin & the Luberon here.

WHERE TO STAY IN UZES

Renting a property There are many properties available, renting somewhere to stay can provide a tiny snapshot of what it is like to actually live here; having more space to relax and shopping in the local stores and markets to cook at home. Typically it is more expensive to rent in the town center and parking can be problematic but being able to walk to restaurants and the market in my opinion makes it worth it.

If you rent out in the villages you will probably get more space with a garden and a pool.
Check out Homeaway and airbnb

LA MAISON DE LA BOURGADE  31 Rue de la Petite Bourgade, 30700 Uzès  Tel: +33 4 66 22 71 10

Location: ~Uzès center, seldom closed, parking available for €7 a night. Price: €100 -€130 per night, breakfast included. Comments: Exquisite but simple rooms, you will be charmed by Elizabeth who opens up her home & her heart to her guests. Stylish and charming a delightful place to stay,

L'HOSTELLERIE PROVENCALE 1 Rue de la Grande Bourgade, 30700 Uzès Tel: +33 4 66 22 11 06

LA MAISON D' UZES 18 Rue du Docteur Blanchard, 30700 Uzès  Tel:+33 4 66 20 07 00
Location: ~Uzès center, Closed: mid February to early March. Price: €190 -€530 per night Comments:
This wonderful Relais Chateaux hotel, tiny and discreet (just 4 rooms and 2 suites) but luxurious and divine, is a splurge, complete with a spa and fabulous restaurant. A lunchtime special menu is an incredible bargain. Book well in advance.

LA BEGUDE ST PIERRE Chemin des Bégudes, 295, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard Tel: +33 (0)4 66 02 63 60

Location: 6 km east of Uzès on D981 leading to Uzès, 2 minutes from the Pont du Gard. Price: €65 -€260 per night breakfast €15, parking free on site, gourmet restaurant. Comments: One of our favorites's. La Begude St Pierre  renovated a few years ago this former 17th century coaching inn offers 4 star luxury in one of its 23 rooms and suites. All rooms are air-conditioned with flat screen TV's, mini bars and safes. It is worth paying extra for one of the rooms with its own oversized private terrace. The spa services available in your room are highly recommended!

L’ARTEMISE Chemin de la Lauze, 30700 Uzès Tel: +33 (0)4 66 63 94 14
Location ~ 10 minute walk from center of Uzès Closed: normally closed during winter months
Price: from €200 per night Comments: A 16th century Provencal mas, 8 exquisite suites, decorated with soft Belgian linens & each room with its' own kitchen facilities. L'Artemise offers a spa and gastronomic restaurant. A luxurious, laid back spot, just a 10 minutes stroll from Uzès, gorgeous!

CLOS DU LETHE Chemin de la Lauze - 30700 Uzès, Tél : +33 04 66 74 58 3
Location ~ 6km from center of  Uzès  Closed: normally closed during winter months Price: from €200 - €320 per night check with hotel. Comments: A sister hotel to L'Atemise, 6km from Uzès. 5 rustic and spacious rooms with sitting areas, IPod docking stations, plasma TVs and espresso machines, most have a terrace or small outdoor area. Like L'Artemise, luxurious & thoughtfully designed within the limestone walls of an ancient building. There is also a gym, a library and a steam room, pretty special!

 WHERE TO EAT

There are many delicious dining choices in Uzès, here are a few we love.

RESTAURANT PARENTHESE ~ Uzès center (In L'HOSTELLERIE PROVENCALE)
1 Rue de la Grande Bourgade, 30700 Uzès   Tel: +33 4 66 22 11 06
Price: €18.00 -€40.00 per person Closed: mid February to early March Comments: Great restaurant, with delicious, locally sourced ingredients.

LA MAISON D' UZES ~ Uzès center
Contact: 18 Rue du Docteur Blanchard, 30700 Uzès   Tel:+33 4 66 20 07 00
Price: €47.00 -€90.00 set menus. Lunch from noon to 2 pm, Dinner from 7:30 to 9 pm Closed: For Sunday dinner and all day Monday, annual closure - mid February to early March. Comments: A wonderful Relais Chateaux hotel, with a fabulous restaurant. The lunchtime special menu €25.00, is an incredible bargain but book well in advance as it is hard to secure a reservation in this special spot.

LE ZANELLI ~ Uzès center
Contact: 3 Rue Nicolas Froment, 30700 Uzès   Tel: +33 4 66 03 01 93
Price: Pizzas from €14.00 Comments: Excellent pizza and wide choice of other Italian food. We love sitting on the gorgeous terrace as the sun drops down behind the clay tiled roof tops, reservations are a must!

PIZZA DU DUCHE ~ Uzès center
Contact: 14 Rue Jacques d'Uzès, 30700 Uzès   Tel: +33 4 66 22 30 42
Price: Pizzas from €14.00

Comments: Excellent pizzas, 'feu de bois' Cosy inside on a winter nights or outside when its warmer where it’s fun to watch the world go by! Also serves excellent steaks and kebabs, reservations essential!

BEC A VIN ~ Uzès center
Contact: 6, Rue Entre les Tours 30700, Uzès   Tel: +33 4 66 22 41 20
Price: mains from €28.00 Comments: Follow the cobblestone lane to this charming restaurant, dine in candlelight under the domed limestone ceiling, the food is wonderful, booking essential.

RESTAURANT D’ ENTRAIGUES ~ Uzès, opposite the Fenestrelle Tower
Contact: l'Evèché, Place de l'Évêché, 30700 Uzès Tel: +33 4 66 72 05 25
Price: 3 courses about € 38.00 per person. Comments: A former 15th century mansion, superbly renovated in 2013 into a luxurious but unpretentious hotel & gastro bistro excellent! Closed Weds & Sundays

TEN ~ Uzès center                                                                                                                                                   Contact: 110 place Dampmartin 30700 Uzès  Tel: +33 (0)4 66 22 10 93                                    Price: Mains from about €18.00. Comments: Opened in 2016, by a delightful lady from Devon, England and her charming French husband. An interesting & delicious menu ~ brunch, lunch, tapas & dinner. Dine on the front patio, under the warm curved ceiling inside or in the rear garden patio, lovely!

LA BEGUDE ST PIERRE ~ 6 km east of Uzès on the D981 2 minutes from the Pont du Gard Contact: Chemin des Bégudes, 295, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard   Tel: +33 4 66 02 63 60
Price: mains from €27.00 Comments: Great food in the new gourmet restaurant of this recently renovated sumptuous former 17th century coaching inn.

L'ARTEMISE ~ 10 minute walk from center of Uzès
Contact: Chemin de la Lauze, 30700 Uzès    Tel: +33 4 66 63 94 14

Price: from €55.00 set course menu Closed: during winter months
Comments: A 16th century Provencal Mas with a gastronomic restaurant, wrapped within warm, exposed limestone walls, excellent service

LE TRACTEUR ~10 minute drive from  Uzès
Contact: Boregre neighbourhood, 30700 Arglliers Tel: + 33 04 66 62 17 33
Price:€€€ call Comments: You need to know how to find this delightful country restaurant, set in old farm buildings but strikingly modern and chic inside. Great food from the local area, menu frequently changing, always getting better and better!

HOSTELLERIE LE CASTELLAS ~ 8km south east of Uzès

Contact: 30 Grand rue - 30 210 Collias Tel: +33 (0) 4 66 22 88 88  Price: 2 or 3 course Lunches €25-35 Dinner Thursday to Monday evening, from €45~120 May to September also on Wednesday evenings.Comments: A Gastronomic restaurant at this lovely boutique hotel.

Do let me know your own recommendations AND please do contact me if you would like additional help!

Download TThe PDF Travel Guide for Uzèshere

The post Uzès, Languedoc Roussillon, France, Travel Guide appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.

Most of us have experienced that cloud of melancholy which sometimes descends after a wonderful trip. Seemingly endless days spent escaping, maybe relaxing by a sun drenched pool, listening to the sounds of local, traditional music, salivating at the smells of regional food, soaking in the ambience, the architecture, the history, then you return home, to reality. You momentarily remember tiny details as you flick through assorted photographs but all too quickly feelings and experiences fade to become a treasured memory, as the business of life re-consumes you.
For me, I was fortunate enough to actually to live in such a place, somewhere that most of us only visit on a trip, somewhere that spoke to my heart. Having been immersed in Provence for eighteen, glorious months, it felt as if the essence of this beautiful place had somehow flowed into my entire being, as if I had found the essence of life, a magical ‘je ne sais quois’ which I still find almost impossible to define and then after a year away I returned .............

People say you can never go back, nothing will be the same but in fact more often than not it is just as you had remembered it. Like rediscovering a much-cherished teddy or book or outfit that somehow had become hidden within the folded layers of your wardrobe. You see it again and your emotions immediately sweep you down a well-remembered path of excitement and elation, simply put; feeling good!! Returning to a beloved place is really very similar, the only thing that has actually changed is yourself.  You are a little bit older, chiseled with a few more of life’s experiences so perhaps you see things, embrace things and experience things just that bit differently. However the essence of what stirred you the first time remains, what joy and delight that brings!

The golden limestone cobbled streets of Uzès

wondering about all who have tread there before you,

as you walk those same cobbles again.

The shuttered buildings,

shutters thrust open and fastened tight each day.

The Fenestrelle Tower and Cathedral

The Château D'Uzès

Market day in Place aux Herbes

Filling my basket

from the delightful lady selling goat's cheese,

beautifully decorated morsels of deliciousness!!!

The nun still selling wine,

the sumptious fresh garlic,

and of course sunflowers!

The local pottery collection

and hand pressed olive oil and wine just outside of town.

Inside the shop at the Moulin D'Uzès

Next door, the vines heavy with a new vintage  at Aquaduc D' Uzès

Inside Le Domain d' Aquaduc d' Uzès

Romantic and heart string even at night, as we cross Place aux Herbes under a canopy of twinkling lights

and amble down our street on our last night, knowing that this will never be just a memory, for we will be back quite soon!

Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.

The post The essence of Provence ~ in Uzès appeared first on Shutters & Sunflowers.