Originally established as a Gallo-Roman settlement, Uzes lies at the source of the Alzon River in Languedoc-Roussillon. Its streets are lined with medieval stone houses and watched over by a famous chateau, while it also hosts a weekly market selling fresh produce, artisan goods and locally made textiles.
Things to do in Uzès
Dominating the town is the Château Ducal, a medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century. Gaze up at its three towers before exploring the period-furnished interior while learning about the castle’s role in the European wars of religion. Sweeping views across Uzes are available from the top of the castle’s donjon.
A short walk from the Château Ducal is the Medieval Garden of Uzes, which is dominated by two towers dating from the 12th century. It’s home to more than 400 trees, shrubs and herbs that were used in the Middle Ages for medicinal, nutritional or symbolic purposes. Learn about the production of liquorice in the old jail cell exhibits, then climb the 100 stone steps that lead up the Tour du Roi.
Occupying the old bishop’s palace is the Musee Georges Borias, which houses a fascinating collection of art and artefacts that tell the rich history of Uzes. Get up close to archaeological findings and 18th-century painted cabinets, then admire the ceramics featured in the Jean-Paul Pichon collection. The museum also has a room devoted to the French author and Nobel laureate André Gide, whose family was originally from Uzes.
Getting around Uzès
Uzes is around 30 minutes’ drive from Nîmes and 45 minutes from Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses connect to Uzes from nearby towns and cities while the centre of Uzes can easily be explored on foot.