Oozing with Provencal charm – Uzes, between Nimes and Avignon
By Catie Konrath – HH property consultant for the Gard
Uzès is a stunning Medieval city, in a region nestled between the Cévennes mountains, the beaches of the Mediterranean and the nature reserve of the Camargue.
Uzès is famous for its roman aqueducts, of which le Pont du Gard is the most remarkable part. It was in the 13th century that the Duchy of Uzès joined the French Kingdom. The same family has lived in the duchy, situated in the centre of town, for over a thousand years.
Rich in history and tradition, Uzès and its surrounding villages provide an unlimited array of interesting visits. Numerous ‘sentiers découvertes’ will help you discover the secrets of the garrigue : some castle ruins, an old capitelle, the source of a river, ponds, wells, fountains and bridges. Vineyards and olive trees everywhere, the smell of lavender, wild rosemary and thyme, the sound of the cicadas…
This contemporary stone property site above Uzes with amazing views of the surrounding countryside
The town of Uzès is full of charm. The provencal architecture with its different coloured shutters, the narrow streets, the stone walls, the main square with its traditional fountain, bordered by bars and restaurants under the arches or in the shade of the plane trees. The unmissable market where 200 artisans display their fresh local produce on the busy ‘Place aux Herbes’.
According to the season, you will find different culinary wonders: asparagus in spring, garlic (essential in Mediterranean cooking), melons, apricots, tomatoes, strawberries, cherries in the summer. Autumn will bring mushrooms, chestnuts, figs, truffle and snails. Honey, olives and olive oil, wine, biscuits and bread, herbs, flowers and plants, pottery, ceramic, jewelry…
This former hunting lodge is located just 10 minutes from central Uzes and is full of character.
The region has been an inspiration for many artists and the number of shows and exhibitions is constantly growing. From the dynamic equestrian shows, to classical music concerts or theatre plays, music shows from all over the world, dance festival, ceramic festival, the very popular ‘foire aux vins’ (wine festival) or the ‘mois de la truffe’ (the month of the truffle). The 1900 museum, the Haribo factory (sweet museum) or the Georges Boiras museum (history of Uzès), the Petite Expo (a different artist each week throughout summer) are just a few examples of the cultural events at your disposal.
The locals are good at sharing their know-how and you will find that many courses, conferences or training sessions are available in many fields in the area.
Beautifully renovated village house in Uzes, Provence
Sports enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice: cycling is very popular in the area, the best view of the Pont du Gard (2nd most visited site in France after the Eiffel Tower!) is from a canoe on the Gardon! Discover the National Park of the Camargue in a safari or on horseback, admire the beauty of the scenery from high up in a hot air balloon or paragliding.
Come and visit, come and live in Uzès! For more information about the area or to find out more about properties for sale in Uzes, find us on http://www.home-hunts.com
