Uzès medieval garden and towers
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Nestled in the charming Gard town of Uzès, the medieval garden and towers are an enchanting escape into history and nature. This preserved jewel offers visitors an immersive experience in the medieval art of living, with a historically-styled botanical garden, period buildings and a breathtaking view of the surrounding region.
A major tourist destination in the Occitanie region, the town of Uzès attracts many travelers every year. Just a stone's throw from the Place aux Herbes, after meeting up with friends in a café, it's time for an adventure that takes you back in time. Groups, opening times at weekends, guide by reservation, wheelchair-accessible garden, address... You'll know it all.
History and architecture of the medieval garden at Uzès
At the heart of the garden stand two imposing towers, remnants of the castle once owned by the lords of Uzès. The Tour de l'évêque (Bishop's Tower) and the adjoining chapel feature exceptional graffiti by prisoners, while the Tour du roi (King's Tower), with its 100 steps to climb, offers a magnificent panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. These buildings not only offer exceptional panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, but also bear witness to the military architecture of the period.
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One part of the château, including the Tour Rainon, known as the Tour de l'Horloge, was ceded to the bishops in the 13th century, while the other tower was exchanged with King Charles VIII of France in the 15th century. The two parts of the château then housed their respective courts and prisons.
These premises were used as a prison until 1926, when Uzès lost its status as a sub-prefecture. Thereafter, they were used alternately as storage space, municipal workshops and housing.
After being abandoned for several decades, these restored premises were given a new lease of life with the creation of a medieval-inspired garden in 1995. The garden is a veritable living herbarium. It houses 450 varieties of plants, illustrating the many uses to which they were put in the Middle Ages.
What to see at the medieval garden in Uzès
Strolling through the garden, visitors can discover a variety of plants and shrubs that were commonly cultivated in medieval times. Scattered information panels provide details of the different plant species, as well as their historical uses in cooking, medicine and crafts.
The tours offer a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore the remains of a medieval castle while admiring panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, which will make you want to explore the local hiking trails. Enthusiastic guides are on hand to help you discover this place in a different way.
Within this intimate, enclosed space, the In Situ association offers a setting conducive to hosting and organizing artistic events throughout the season: exhibitions, Land-Art installations, concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, readings and creative workshops.
Practical info
- Address: Jardin Médiéval, impasse Port Royal, 30700 Uzès, France
- Visiting time: 1h
- Prices : Garden tour, exhibitions + King's Tower €7. Reduced rate (unemployed, students, disabled): €4. Group rate (10 people or more): €6. Free for children under 12, wheelchair users (partial access) and schoolchildren from the Communauté de Commune de l'Uzège.
- Tours : Guided tours are available only in the mornings and by reservation, with the exception of July and August. Guided tours and small workshops are available for schools. Botanical outings are organized in spring and autumn.
- Opening hours: Open daily from April 1 to November 1 inclusive. In summer from 10am to 1pm, then from 2pm to 6pm.
The medieval garden at Uzès offers a unique experience for nature and culture lovers. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this preserved garden is a living testimony to the region's glorious past. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the colorful flower beds or an exploration of the medieval towers, a visit to this garden is an unforgettable experience for all holidaymakers. Don't forget to check out what else there is to visit in Uzès!