Uzès – Highlights of the Old Town
There’s hardly any other place in our area that’s recommended to us as often as Uzès. This small ducal town, less than 40 minutes from our vacation home, is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in southern France, and anyone who’s ever strolled through the Place aux Herbes knows exactly why. What makes Uzès special is that you don’t need a whole day to explore it. Two or three hours are enough to get a first impression; a whole morning is enough to see everything, including the market and lunch.
Directions from the vacation home to Uzès
From Saint-Victor-de-Malcap, it's about 33 kilometers to Uzès, which takes about 40 minutes by car.
The route itself is a little taste of what's to come: rolling vineyards, holm oak forests, and the occasional village where you'd love to stop.
The best place to park is outside the Old Town at one of the signposted parking lots (e.g., Parking Foirail or Parking Mazuguet)—the narrow streets themselves are car-free, which is exactly why they're so pleasant.
What You Shouldn't Miss in Uzès
Place aux Herbes: The main square, with its arcades, plane trees, and fountains, is the heart of the city. It’s the perfect spot to sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of rosé and watch the world go by.
Duché d'Uzès: The Crussol family's ducal castle is considered the first duchy in France. From the Tour Bermonde, the old keep, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the entire region. On a clear day, the view extends all the way to the Cévennes.
Fenestrelle Tour: The 42-meter-high Romanesque bell tower from the 12th century is the only round tower of its kind in France and the landmark of Uzès. You can see it from a distance as you approach the town.
Jardin Médiéval: A small, hidden garden featuring about 450 plant species from the Middle Ages, located right next to the city wall. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet break away from the hustle and bustle, with a view over the rooftops.
Haras National d'Uzès: The national stud farm on the outskirts of town offers guided tours—a great activity if you like horses or are traveling with children.
The Market: The Real Highlight
The weekly market at Place aux Herbes takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting around 7:30 a.m. On Saturdays, it’s bigger and livelier; on Wednesdays, it has a more local, laid-back vibe. Ripe fruit, cheese, olives, Provençal fabrics, baskets, and ceramics. If you arrive early, you can experience the market before the tourist crowds arrive and browse at your leisure. Our tip: Put together a picnic for the afternoon and enjoy it later by the river or in the garden.
Our Restaurant Recommendation: Pollen
We have an insider tip for tonight: Pollen, a project by Lucas Botebol and Anne Cavalier centered around natural wine and regional products. This summer, Pollen is hosting events at the Galerie de l'Uzège on Plan Saint-Étienne, daily from 6 p.m. through September. They serve small plates featuring organic products from the region, such as Pélardon cheese, olive oil, einkorn bread, and lentil hummus. These are paired with natural wines that are hard to find anywhere else.
In addition, the Pont du Gard
If you’re already in Uzès, you can easily extend your trip: the Pont du Gard, the famous Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only about 15 minutes away. Together, this makes for a perfect day trip: spend the morning in Uzès at the market, and the afternoon at the Pont du Gard with a picnic by the river.
