Located in the region of Languedoc-Rousillon, the small town of Uzes is situated almost in the middle of a triangle formed by the major tourist centres of Ales, Avignon and Nimes. Home to a picturesque medieval quarter, and packed with historical tales and legends, Uzes is a great destination for those who enjoy looking round monuments and churches, though you are only ever a few kilometres from some of the most beautiful scenery in southern France if you feel the need to explore more of the natural environment. The villages around Uzes have their own charms too, while it is only a short drive to the most popular tourist attraction in the entire region; the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard.
While many visitors will be happy just to wander the narrow streets of the medieval parts of Uzes, or perhaps spend some time browsing at the Saturday market, there are several buildings which stand out from the rest. Uzes was once home to a noble family, and the 17th century chapel built to house their remains is still standing today. It might seem macabre to visit a former tomb, but it is very tastefully done and the architecture and decoration is beautiful. Three towers that were once part of the town's fortifications still stand, though the walls themselves have long since disappeared. Uzes was at the centre of many conflicts over the centuries, meaning that important buildings like the cathedral have been destroyed and rebuilt several times over. The current cathedral was built in the 17th century, though parts of the original medieval structure remain, such as the famous 11th century Tour Fenestrelle, or window tower, known for its unusually decorative glass.
East of Uzes is the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by more than one million people every year. The three-level bridge is too fragile to be walked on, but you can climb up the banks to stand next to it or enjoy the view looking up from the riverside. In the summer, the beaches at this point on the River Gard are always busy, with many people actually swimming through the arches of the aqueduct.
Closer to Uzes there are several villages of interest, particularly Saint Quentin la Poterie, named for the huge pottery museum located there. Home to examples of ceramics from prehistoric times to Roman times and beyond, with examples from all over the world, the museum is a fascinating collection for anyone interested in art or history. The village itself is pretty enough, though it really comes to life during its annual ceramics festival. Head to La Capelle-Masmolene to visit a fascinating prehistoric site, while a short hike out of the town will take visitors to a Romanesque chapel isolated on the top of a hill.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Uzes? Then below is a selection of gites in Uzes and villas in Uzes that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
