An Insider’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Uzès

Last Updated on 29th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Medieval, delightful, and boasting countless cobbled lanes: the city of Uzès is a must-see on any trip to Southern France. Famed for its Middle Ages Bell Tower and picture perfect market square, visitors can’t go wrong by dedicating at least a few hours to exploring the local area. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Uzès, as well as what to know before you go.

A history of Uzès

Uzès began life as a fortified Roman oppidum, i.e. town, and was founded as early as the 2nd Century BCE. Directly to the North of the town, there was another settlement by the name of Ucetia, which was all but lost and forgotten to the annals of time and was only rediscovered recently.

From the day 8th-century, town was a bishopric under the Archbishop of Narbonne. During the Middle Ages, the town’s strategic position meant that it was important in the trades of silk, liquorice, and linen. It was at this time that the town’s wealth grew and many medieval buildings can still be spied around Uzès to this day.

One particular curiosity of the town is that there has been a Duke since 1088, when there was the first attestation of f seigneur d’Uzès. There’s still a Duke of the town to this day and, when he is home, a flag is raised to full mast outside of his residence.

Where is Uzès?

The little town of Uzès, population 8500, is located in the department of Gard in Occitania. Located just West to the region of Provence, nearby towns of note include Nîmes (famed for its well-preserved Roman monuments) and Avignon (famed for its crumbling bridge that inspired a popular French nursery rhyme).

The settlement is also situated close to the Pont du Gard, a 1st-Century CE Roman aqueduct that is still almost perfectly preserved to this day. And while Uzès may not technically be in Provence, it retains the ambiance, shuttered houses, and buttery stone architecture that is all too common in the region.

How long do you need in Uzès

Since the historic centre of Uzès is pretty small and all of the attractions are grouped fairly close to one another, meaning that you can walk between each of them, you only really need an afternoon to discover everything around town.

We personally went for lunch and then spent a couple of others meandering the streets and admiring the historical attractions. I loved all of the little galleries scattered across town and even bought a small oil pastel of the lavender fields to bring home with me as a souvenir!

Best things to do in Uzès

Place aux Herbes

Truth be told, one of the simplest charms of Uzès is to sit in one of the many (albeit it a little touristic) cafés on the central square of Place aux Herbes and watch the world go by. We personally enjoyed a lunch at Les Terroirs – Restaurant Uzès and found that they had several vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

As well as a historic central fountain, several sides of the square are lined with covered arcades that provide a welcome respite from the hot summer sun. A market is held in the square every Wednesday morning and all day on Saturday.

There are several unique shops on the fringes of the central square, including a rather delightful bookshop by the name of Librairie de la place aux herbes.

Wander around the town

Like many towns in rural France, much of the city centre is pedestrianised and you can’t drive a car through the little cobbled lanes. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear and avoid high heels as they don’t mix well with cobblestones.

You can pick up a free map in the tourist office (16 Pl. Albert 1er, 30700 Uzès) which will give you a suggested walking route of the town. Otherwise, simply stroll around and soak up the architectural marvels that the town can reveal to you.

You won’t easily lose track of where you are as there is a large boulevard which loops its way around the historic city centre, making it impossible to easily get lost. Highlights you should be sure to watch out for when wandering around the town include the 18th-century town hall and the old mint (Ancien Hôtel des Monnaies).

Medieval Gardens

Hands down, the best thing to do in Uzès is to head to the medieval gardens, which are accessed via rue Port Royal. The medieval garden is located just below a Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 10th-century and the garden was actually only created in 2015.

As well as a beautiful garden which is laid out in a medieval style and is best-viewed in the early summer, the grounds are flanked by the 12th century Tour de l’Evèque and the 13th century Tour du Roi.

Tour de l’Evèque was actually used as a prison during the Middle Ages and visitors can still see centuries old grafitti from those who were once incarcerated within its walls. Visitors who climb to the very top of the Tour de Roi will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and beyond.

Duke’s Castle

Standing tall and proud over the rest of the city, the Duke’s Castle dates back to early medieval times and has been the seat of the Duke of Uzès since the 11th-century. Comprising of three towers and a Donjon, the interior has been decorated with period furniture. Today, the Duke’s castle can still be visited, though the entrance price is quite hefty.

Uzès Cathedral

Uzès principal place of worship can be found in the form of a Cathedral dedicated to Saint Théodorit. For many centuries, Uzès functioned as a Bishopric, under the care of another city. There has been a cathedral on site since 1090, though that which can be seen today was constructed during the 17th-century.

Pont du Gard

Though not actually located within the confines of Uzès itself, one particular nearby attraction of note mentions a merit in of itself. The Pont du Gard is located around a twenty minute drive from the city and is the top visited Roman monument in France.

Practical Information

The tourist office is housed against the backdrop of the chapel of Capucin Friars, which was built in 1635 on the former site of a Roman place of worship dedicated to Augustus. The best time to visit Uzès is from May until late September, when the weather is at its best and everything is actually open.

Where to stay in Uzès

Thanks to its laidback nature and beautiful ambiance, Uzès makes for a great place to stay for a couple of nights for those looking to soak up the good life in France. Here are some of the top places to stay in Uzès based on location and web-reviews:

Budget- Hôtel la Taverne: This no-frills hotel with a restaurant and annex offers low-cost accommodation right in the heart of the city. This establishment is also pet friendly. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- La Maison Rouge: Boasting a pool and breakfast included, this B&B is located on the fringes of town and is set against the backdrop of a building from the 19th-century. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury- La Maison D’Uzès: For the crème de la crème of a stat in Uzès, you need to look no further than this five-star accommodation. Highlights include a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as rooms and suites feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, iPads and minibars. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Uzès? Pin this article now, read it again later: