13 must-see places in Uzès
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It's a little nugget. A jewel of 8,500 inhabitants nestled between the sea and the Cévennes. First duchy in French history in 1632, Uzès (Gard) boasts a unique and prestigious heritage.
Awarded the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" label in November 2008, the town is an open-air museum. Safeguarded and renovated under the Malraux law since the 1960s, Uzès is a city steeped in history, with many attractions for visitors.
Looking for must-see places to visit in Uzès? Castle, church, tower, cathedral, garden: there's something for everyone.
Where to start? Where can you wander around this seductive city, often compared to a Tuscan town? Take a look at our hand-picked list of places to visit, to make sure you don't miss a must-see.
Embark on a guided tour of Uzès, ranked 7th among the world's most welcoming cities.
1/ Park in Uzès
The Gard town of Uzès boasts a number of green spaces that are well known to locals. These include the Parc du Duché, a favorite with children. Numerous facilities dedicated to the little ones dot this green space. The park will also appeal to parents looking for a little rest in the shade. And sports enthusiasts too, with a street workout area. For the record, the park bears this name because it was owned by the Dukes of Uzès until 1966, when it was bought by the town council.
2/ Green Route
For lovers of the Little Queen. How about setting off from the ducal city for a bike ride through vineyards and garrigue? That's what the Voie Verte is all about, linking Uzès to Beaucaire over 31km, via the majestic Pont du Gard. You'll pass through atypical villages on a former railroad line, and even pass through a floodlit tunnel!
3/ Château d'Uzès
The Duché or Château des Ducs d'Uzès is a monument steeped in history, dating back to the 11th century. Don't miss this little gem. Of military origin, as evidenced by the presence of a keep (the Tour Bermonde), ramparts and corner towers, this monument boasts unique architecture. Enjoy the superb Renaissance facade, the view from the top of the keep and the almost thousand-year-old cellars. To enter here is to step into a piece of the city's history.
4/ Place aux Herbes
It's THE place to be. Located in the heart of the historic center of Uzès, the Place aux Herbes is a small open-air museum. Why stop off at the Place aux Herbes in Uzès? Firstly, to feast your eyes. Open them wide and contemplate the arcades, cobbled passageways and mansions. Afterwards, stop off on a terrace in the shade of the plane trees for a little refreshment. And before you leave, don't forget to stock up on mouth-watering local produce (olives, wine, asparagus, pélardons, strawberries, etc.). Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the square hosts a superb market to delight your senses and taste buds.
5/ Medieval garden
It's a peaceful, bucolic little corner of greenery right in the center of town. The Jardin médiéval d'Uzès is home to 450 varieties of plants and the Tours du Roi and de l'Evêque. Climb the hundred or so steps to the Tour du Roi and admire the panoramic view over the town and the Uzège valley. On the way back down, take time to stroll around. Smell and observe the various botanical species. At the end of the trail, enjoy a refreshing herbal tea.
Built in Romanesque style from 1090, Saint-Théodorit Cathedral was destroyed during the Wars of Religion, then rebuilt in the 17th century. With its famous Fenestrelle Tower, it has been listed as a Monument Historique since July 1963.
Inside, you'll appreciate its arches, stained glass windows and organ, one of the finest in the region. Outside, admire its famous bell tower.
7/ Saint-Théodorit cathedral and Fenestrelle tower
If you've ever been to Pisa, the Fenestrelle Tower will ring a bell. The steeple of Saint-Théodorit cathedral, this famous Romanesque tower captivates with its geminated windows and apparent imbalance. Built in the 11th century, its 42m height makes it an imposing sight. According to some sources, two storeys were added in the 17th century. This little marvel, which can only be admired (visits are not possible), has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1862.
The little extra? Contemplate it from the panoramic terrace of the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues, just a few steps away.
8/ Saint-Etienne Church
With its curvilinear facade, it stands out in the landscape and attracts the eye. Erected in 1767 to plans by architect Boudon, Saint-Etienne church was built on the ruins of an earlier church destroyed by Protestants. Built in the shape of a cross in the Jesuit style, the church features an attractive rectangular bell tower. The interior is characterized by stone-cut domes, vaults and cornices.
9/ Capuchin Chapel
Located on Place Albert 1er, once dedicated to the wheat market, the Capucins chapel was built in the 17th century. Its builders erected it on the presumed site of a Roman temple dedicated to Augustus. Until 1789, this former chapel was the burial place of the Dukes of Uzès. Today, it is the headquarters of the Uzès tourist office.
10/ Rue Jacques d'Uzès
Because tourism doesn't mean you can't shop, take a stroll down Rue Jacques d'Uzès. This lively shopping street is home to many boutiques selling ready-to-wear, home decoration and jewelry. On your way, take the opportunity to stop off at Place Dampmartin, where you'll find other shops with elegant, well-cared-for windows.
11/ Eure valley at the foot of Uzès
A relaxing green spot at the foot of Uzès, the Vallée de l'Eure is the starting point for several hiking trails. You can relax by the water's edge, sheltered from the heat by the shade of the trees. It's also a place steeped in history. The green lung of Uzès is home to the Eure spring, which supplied water to the city of Nîmes via the Pont-du-Gard in Roman times. There are also the remains of a Roman aqueduct leading to Nîmes.
12/ Uzès station
Opened in 1880, the station at Uzès (Gard) welcomed passengers until 1938. A freight service was operated until the 1990s. Disused since 2010, the station will be revitalized in 2020, with the launch of a section of the Voie Verte linking Vers-Pont-du-Gard to Uzès. On their way, cyclists and walkers can also pass by the former Pont-des-Charrettes station, along the old railway line.
13/ Parking
It's not a place to visit per se, but you'll certainly need it during your stay. To visit Uzès' many tourist attractions, you'll need to park first, if you're coming by car! And in summer, it's a bit of an obstacle course, given the influx of tourists. Fortunately, there are several parking lots (both free and paying). The Refuge parking lot at the entrance to Uzès, for example, offers 350 spaces. In the historic center, the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues is the only establishment with a covered, closed parking lot (on request). If you're a cycling enthusiast, we also offer the "Accueil Vélo" label to encourage soft mobility.
Our tips for visiting Uzès
Plan and anticipate your visit to Uzès
With over 110,000 visitors to its tourist office every year, Uzès is a popular destination for travelers. If you're planning to explore the town in summer and stay at least one night, book well in advance.
While the accommodation on offer remains substantial for a city of this size, establishments can quickly sell out months in advance.
You'll find a wide range of accommodation on offer: hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, bed and breakfasts and more.
In the heart of the historic center of Uzès, the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues, for example, offers an authentic and enchanting setting for discovering Uzès.
This former 15th-century mansion, for example, boasts a panoramic terrace overlooking the city's rooftops, and a breathtaking view of the famous Fenestrelle Tower.
Discover the Boutique Hôtel Entraigues in Uzès
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Attractions in the Uzès area
Would you like to visit Uzès? Don't forget to leave some time to visit a number of must-see sites in the surrounding area (Provence, Cévennes and Camargue). Here are seven not to be missed:
- Pont du Gard. This famous 3-storey Roman aqueduct-bridge was built over the Gardon river. Perfectly preserved, this masterpiece of ancient architecture is located in the commune of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. A place not to be missed;
- the Nîmes Arena. Discover the best-preserved amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, built around 100 AD. While you're there, pay a visit to the Musée de la Romanité, opposite the arena, and to the Tour Magne, built by the Romans on the city's heights;
- the Palace of the Popes in Avignon. The largest Gothic building of the Middle Ages, the palace was the residence of the Popes during the 14th century. Avignon, in Provence, is also famous for its ramparts and the Avignon Festival;
- la Bambouseraie. This exotic garden is located in the heart of the Cévennes Gardoises, in Générargues.
- Parc National des Cévennes, straddling 3 départements (Gard, Lozère, Hérault);
- Aigues-Mortes. Located in the Petite Camargue region, the town is famous for its ramparts.
- the wild beaches of the Camargue: L'Espiguette, les Salins-de-Giraud, Beauduc, les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Any questions about the must-see places around Uzès?
What to see in Uzès
The Gard town of Uzès offers a wide range of tourist attractions. Among them, we recommend the following for your visit (non-exhaustive list): the Château d'Uzès, the Place aux Herbes, the Jardin Médiéval, the Cathedral of Saint-Théodorit, the Tour Fenestrelle and the Vallée de l'Eure.
What to see in Uzès in a day
Uzès is a town on a human scale. Its historic center is easily explored on foot. It's possible to visit several places of interest (excluding museums) in one day. Here's a sample itinerary. Start your morning visit at the Place aux Herbes market (Wednesday or Saturday mornings), where you can have lunch. Continue with a visit to the Capucins chapel, followed by a tour of the Château des Ducs d'Uzès. In the afternoon, visit Saint-Théodorit Cathedral and its famous Fenestrelle Tower. To round off the day, relax in the shade of the Vallée de l'Eure park.
What are the villages to visit around Uzès?
There are many unusual villages to visit around Uzès. Among the most beautiful villages around Uzès, you'll find Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, self-proclaimed capital of ceramics. And don't forget Aiguèze, Blauzac, Montclus, La Roque-sur-Cèze and Lussan. The latter, a small open-air museum, has even been elected one of France's most beautiful villages. Or Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard, famous for its Romanesque church and the remains of the Nîmes aqueduct.
Is it possible to visit Uzès on foot?
Yes, you can visit Uzès on foot. Most of the must-see sites are concentrated in a small area around the historic center. You can also cycle around without any problem.
Family activities in Uzès
There are plenty of activities on offer. One of the most popular places for children of all ages is the Parc du Duché. It's home to a wide range of games and equipment. Depending on their age and interests, you can also offer your children cultural visits such as the Jardin médiéval. A little further afield, consider the Pont-du-Gard, just 15 kilometers from Uzès. Water activities (canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, etc.) are available along the Gardon river.
What's Uzès known for?
Uzès is best known for its architecture, heritage and history. The town was, for example, the first duchy of France.