I was first introduced to the idea of visiting Uzès by Jean-Marie of Our French Impressions.
He was born in the area and lived much of his life in the local region, and his family continue to live there.
At the time, I remember that I struggled repeatedly to even pronounce the name ‘Uzès’, or to find out much about the village online.
I wasn’t really sure about booking some time there in my itinerary. The accommodation was reasonably priced. Was this a good sign? Or, did it mean no-one wanted to go there? And frankly, the images on Google weren’t terribly awe-inspiring.
Nonetheless, I took the tip from a real local and booked a week in the village.
And I am sooo glad that I did! Uzès is undoubtably one of my all-time favourite destinations in France.
It has everything that I could want in a French destination. Character-filled streets, beautiful shops and galleries, wonderful restaurants, and marvellous historic buildings. Plus, it is still relatively unknown to the wider tourist community.
Beauty + space = perfection, in my eyes.
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The first thing you’ll realise about the layout of Uzès is that it is encircled by a one-way ring road fringed by beautiful plane trees.
This is typical of many Provincial towns and they cast a beautiful dappled light over the many cafés and bistros that line the street.
This works really well in diverting the traffic from the village centre. In fact, it’s a no-through zone for traffic, open only to residents and service vehicles.
The pace is surprisingly low-key, the drivers generally courteous, and the crossings into the centre ville infrequent. At the same time (as is typical on French roads), you are required to be confident - even at the crossings - otherwise you will wait all day for someone to stop.
As soon as you venture into the town centre, the pace slows even more ...
Vehicular access is limited to local traffic and delivery vehicles, so you’re free to wander slowly.
Delight in the perfectly -preserved architecture, delightful shops, plentiful galleries, and local restaurants.
The paving of the picturesque rues is the most beautiful I have ever seen, and is still in perfect condition. It is beautifully maintained by the locals + council, and carefully managed, even with the introduction of modern services.
I am a mad keen photographer with a passion for shutters and doors so I’m thrilled by the photo opportunities that this village offers. Most of the facades are in brilliant condition, even the archaic, crusty doorways inspire delight.
Check out my gallery for a smorgasbord of images to revel in.
Uzès Food and Brocante Markets.
As many of you know by now, I’m not much of a shopper, but even I was delighted by the variety of quality shops and galleries in this relatively small town. With a population of around 9000, clearly tourism has revived an economy which only a few short years ago was under threat. Beautiful homewares, gorgeous clothing, desirable arts and crafts, and gastronomic delights await the shoppers in this wonderful community.
Not to mention the markets! Every Saturday, the town square and surrounding ring road is covered with marketeers selling everything from the classic foodie treats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses crafted in the region, saucisson locale, fish, nougat, and endless other treats, but also a vast array of clothing, accessories, and homewares.
The market extends from the town square, out around the main streets and onto the ring road, so be prepared for a lengthy shopping experience if markets are your thing. There is also a Wednesday market which offers divine local foods without the robust clothing and homewares elements.
I like the quieter markets. I’m not much of a collector of things.
Uzès is also ideally located for day trips to visit places like Arles, St Remy de Provence, Avignon and a host of other Provincial villages.
I hesitated in publishing this post because I don’t really want to tell anyone …X
If you’ve been to Uzès and have some tips to share, restaurants to recommend, or places to visit, let us all know in the comments.
Comments 8
Chère Louise, I too found you in the video of your tiny home in NSW—I think. I have been a Francophile nearly all my life and love to listen to the language. I have been to France once for 16 days in 1985 and was so excited when I began speaking without as much translating in my brain—but it was just two days before I had to leave. Now I must go back!! I want to spend some time painting plein aire—the lavender, the poppies, the Roman ruins or any ruins, the architecture, the vignettes as in your beautiful photographs, the cottages with blue shutters . . .
Author
Bonjour Victoria, ca va? Yes, isn’t it wonderful to truly absorb the language until it feels almost like second nature. Oh, you will truly enjoy a return to France…it has been far too long, oui? Do let me know when you finally return XXX
Hello Louise,
I found your site after viewing the video of your tiny house. Lovely home.
I am delighted to see you’ve visited my birth place. I was born and raised in Uzès.
A spectacular little town built on a limestone rock. People have inhabited the area since prehistorical times. Over centuries layers of architecture have given it its glow and character.
What you may not know is that after WW2, the town was chosen by the newly created ministry of culture and patrimoine to be cleaned and restaured. It was the first such rehabilitation project, many followed and Uzès saw France’s most skilled trade people come and stay while doing their master work In the medieval tradition of the Compagnons du devoir. From Stone cutters to stainglass makers to carpenters, masters and apprentices lovingly beautified Uzes.
The very same artists – artisans currently at work on Notre Dame de Paris.
I thought you would appreciate this bit of French history. Take care. Francoise.
Author
Bonjour Francoise! I am so THRILLED that you have told me this story! I absolutley LOVE Uzès (as you know) and I’ve always wondered why it was soooo beautiful. I can’t wait to add this information to my Uzès blog and tell my friends on social media. Are you able to tell me any of the other rehabilitation towns which I could look up, or even visit? I would LOVE that. Merci beaucoup!
Looks beautiful! Lovely area around Arles. What other villages did you visit from Uzès?
Author
Chère Anne Margaret, it really is a lovely area. My friend and I went from Uzès to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for 8 days. Best decision ever. We hired a car. Plenty of parking, abundant restaurants. joyous views of rivers and waterwheels.
Although I am no longer a collector of things, the brocante is delicious. Outward-bound driving is easy, and spectacular villages abound. Lourmarin, Roussillion, Gordes, and Menerbes (and more), must not be missed.
Of course, St Remy and Carrières de Lumières. Incroyable!
Thanks for stopping by and especially for writing in.
Louise. XX
Love Isle sur la Sorgue. Great market. Love Provence but it’s expensive. Just bought a place of my own in SW France. Wonderful that you do trips for women. Can’t wait to use my shopping trolley in my new town and to hit the trails surrounding it.
Author
Oh Janet! You are soooo lucky to have a property in France. I have done a bit of travelling down in the SW region – it’s very pretty. Enjoy your shopping!