Wanderlust Guide to Charming Uzès: A Gastronomic Dream
Nestled in the heart of Provence, the charming and airy town of Uzes is a hidden gem, untainted by the tourism crowds that often flock to more famous destinations like Gordes or Avignon. Uzes offers a unique experience with its cozy ambiance, beautiful architecture, and rich culinary traditions. Uzes is a town that invites you to slow down, savor its rich history, and embrace the relaxed pace of life in the South of France. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Uzes offers a delightful experience for all types of travelers.Here's your ultimate guide to exploring this delightful town.
What to See Nearby Uzès
Place aux Herbes: The heart of Uzes, this town square is a bustling hub surrounded by restaurants and boutiques. Local tourists gather here to enjoy pale rosé and soak in the delightful atmosphere.
Limestone Streets: Explore Uzes by foot and lose yourself in the charming limestone streets, where you'll discover hidden gems around every corner.
Market Days: Uzes hosts vibrant markets on Saturdays and Sundays. Shop for lavender soaps, home scents, and indulge in local culinary delights such as cheese, cold cuts, and sweet oranges.
Day Trips: Use Uzes as a base to explore other cute towns like Saint Remy de Provence, which is just a short drive away.
Top tip: Make sure that you are in Uzès on a market day. On Wednesdays and Saturdays. Shop for provencal soap and sample local delicacies from oysters to goat cheese.
Where to Stay in Uzès
For a cozy stay in Uzes, you have a few charming accommodation options that will make your visit even more memorable. Here are some recommendations:
La Maison d'Uzes: This boutique hotel is situated in a beautifully restored 17th-century townhouse. It offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with stylish rooms and a lovely courtyard garden. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant for a taste of local cuisine.
La Taverne: Located in the heart of Uzes, La Taverne is a small and cozy hotel with individually decorated rooms. The building itself exudes charm and character. It's a perfect choice for a romantic getaway.
Le Clos des Pradines: This charming guesthouse is set in a peaceful location just outside Uzes. It features comfortable rooms, a garden, and a pool, creating a tranquil and cozy atmosphere for relaxation.
Hostellerie Provençale: This quaint hotel offers a warm and welcoming ambiance. With comfortable rooms and a convenient location in the center of Uzes, it's an excellent choice for those who want easy access to the town's attractions.
L'Ancien d'Uzes: This charming guesthouse provides a cozy and homey environment for your stay. It's decorated with a mix of modern and traditional elements, and the friendly hosts ensure a warm welcome.
La Maison d'Ulysse: Located just a short drive from Uzes, this boutique hotel is set in a beautiful countryside estate. It offers a cozy and rustic charm, with stylish rooms, a garden, and a pool.
Château d'Arpaillargues: For a unique and cozy experience, consider staying in this 17th-century castle just outside Uzes. The castle offers elegantly decorated rooms, a beautiful garden, and a relaxed, old-world charm.
Market Days in Uzès
Uzes' markets are a must-visit. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, the town comes alive with stalls offering a plethora of delights. Shop for unique souvenirs, savor fresh lavender ice cream, and indulge in local spices, cheese, and cold cuts. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant culinary culture of Uzes.
What to Eat in Uzès
Uzes is a gastronomic dream, and its culinary scene is a reflection of its rich heritage. Here are some dining recommendations:
La Parenthèse: Enjoy escargot soaked in a vibrant green parsley just at La Parenthèse, where you'll find some of the finest French cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant also offers a stunning sunset view from its top-floor terrace.This was one my favorite meals in Uzes.
Les Terroirs: Before dinner, grab antipasti at Les Terroirs, located on the town square. Indulge in rustic paté and a glass of red wine to whet your appetite.
A Côté: Stop for a vitello tonnato in A Côté and pair it with an afternoon rosé. We loved people watching here and it seemed like the square was a place where everyone gathered for an afternoon rosé.
Le Bec à Vin: Enjoy the cozy courtyard at Le Bec à Vin and don't miss trying either the boeuf or tuna tartar.
Other restaurant options include La Table d'Uzès, L'Artemise, and Ten, ensuring your taste buds are thoroughly satisfied during your stay.
Morning Ritual to go for in Uzès
Start your mornings in one of the many sidewalk cafes such as La Fougasse or Chez Cerise. Sip your coffee from antique cups and savor flaky croissants or French pastries. These salon-like pastry bars are perfect for people-watching and immersing yourself in the quintessential Provence moment.
Uzes is a town that lingers in your heart, where each pathway leads to a new and delightful discovery. So, embrace the warm ambiance, indulge in delectable cuisine, and explore the charming streets of this untamed Provencal gem. Your time in Uzes will be a treasured memory of your Provence road trip.
Here are some of the top things to do in Uzes:
Explore Place aux Herbes: Start your visit by exploring the central square, Place aux Herbes. This bustling town square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's an ideal place to soak in the local atmosphere, enjoy a meal, or simply people-watch.
Uzes Market: Visit the lively markets that take place on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. You can shop for fresh produce, local crafts, clothing, antiques, and more. The market is a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture.
Duché d'Uzès: The Uzes Duchy is a historic castle and a symbol of the town. You can tour the interior and enjoy panoramic views from the tower. The Renaissance-style architecture and the adjacent gardens are worth exploring.
Cathedral Saint-Théodorit: Visit this Romanesque-style cathedral located in the heart of Uzes. It's an architectural gem with a beautiful facade and stunning interior.
Fenestrelle Tower: This unique cylindrical tower is one of the town's landmarks. It's situated next to the cathedral and is a popular spot for photographs.
Haribo Museum: If you're traveling with kids or have a sweet tooth, the Haribo Museum is a fun stop. Learn about the history of this famous candy brand and enjoy some tastings.
Walk the Limestone Streets: Uzes is known for its picturesque, narrow streets with limestone facades. Strolling through these streets, you'll encounter charming boutiques, local artisans, and hidden courtyards.
Le Museon: This local museum offers insights into the history and culture of Uzes and the surrounding region. It's a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the town's heritage.
Pont du Gard: Just a short drive from Uzes, you can visit the iconic Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
Outdoor Activities: The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. You can explore the beautiful landscapes of the Gard region.
Wine Tasting: Uzes is situated in a region known for its wine production. Take a day trip to the nearby vineyards and enjoy wine tastings of local wines like Côtes du Rhône.
Attend Local Festivals: Check if there are any local festivals or events happening during your visit. Uzes hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating food, music, and art.
Uzes is a great base for exploring the beautiful towns and villages in the Occitanie region of southern France.
Here are some lovely places to visit near Uzes:
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: This charming Provençal town is known for its picturesque streets, art galleries, and the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, where Vincent van Gogh spent time. Don't miss the lively Wednesday market.
Pont du Gard: Just a short drive from Uzes, you can visit the iconic Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: This picturesque town is known for its canals and antique markets. It's a delightful place for a leisurely stroll along the water.
Roussillon: This village is famous for its stunning red and orange ochre cliffs. You can explore the natural wonders, visit art galleries, and enjoy the colorful scenery.
Gordes: A picturesque hilltop village in the Luberon region, Gordes is known for its stone buildings and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Lourmarin: This pretty village is located in the Luberon and is known for its château, lovely cafes, and artistic heritage.
Driving from Uzes to Gordes
Each of these towns and villages offers its own unique charm, from historic sites to beautiful landscapes, and they are all within easy reach of Uzes. You can explore the rich cultural and natural diversity of the Occitanie region while using Uzes as your cozy home base.
