AB Real Estate
Originally Ucetia, Uzès was a small Gallo-Roman oppidum, or administrative settlement. The town lies at the source of the river Eure, from where a Roman aqueduct was built in the first century BC, to supply water to the local city of Nîmes, 25km away. The most famous stretch of the aqueduct is the Pont du Gard, which carried fresh water over splendid arches across the river Gardon.
After the execution of the Duke of Montmorency in 1632 for rebellion, the Duke of Uzes inherited the title and prerogatives of the First Duke and Peer of France. Ever since, the town of Uzes proudly holds the title of "1st Duchy of France". The chateau has remained the residence of the ducal family for over a thousand years.
Uzès was known for its serges. Like many cloth-manufacturing centers, the city and the surrounding countryside became strongly Protestant during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century. Many of the city's churches were destroyed and today only two remain.
Uzès hosts one of the most famous and colorful Saturday markets in the south of France. Under the arcades of the Place aux Herbes and along the neighboring streets you will find a profusion of regional products. In late January there is a truffle market and the Place aux Herbes is transformed so that truffle hunting demonstrations can be carried out.
The climate and weather in Uzès due to its situation in the Mediterranean, offers one of the best and sunniest climates of the whole of France - there are more than 300 days of sunshine per year! Uzès and its region are attractive all year round.
Ideally situated in the very heart of this popular area, the Best Western Uzes Pont du Gard enjoys a complete set of services that will facilitate the success of your stay: a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court and the professionalism of an attentive and dynamic staff.
Other hotels in Uzès and nearby
MilleZime- 6 Boulevard Gambetta - 30700 UZES Tél. : 04 66 22 27 82
A restaurant and wine bar, the MilleZime offers local cuisine using fresh produce from the morning's market. Decorated in a quiet, contemporary style it has 50 covers inside, and 20 on the terrace.
Website
Pont du Gard
The famous Roman viaduct constructed to take fresh water from the river Eure in Uzès to Nîmes 25km away.
Market
One of the most famous Saturday markets in the South of France held in the Place aux Herbes and along the neighboring streets you will find a profusion of regional products. There are many cafés and restaurants around the square where you can sit outside for a tasty lunch or a drink on a sunny day.
The Medieval Garden
In the middle of Uzès sits a tranquil spot filled with an assortment of plants, stone walls from various eras, and a few surprises as well. From the top of Rue St-Théodorit, you enter the garden through an archway up to a beautifully painted wooden doorway. Three courtyards are filled with herbs, flowers, bushes and trees native to the region, planted in the style of the Middle Ages.
The Haribo Sweets Museum
In 1996, HARIBO opened the Musée du Bonbon in Uzès in France, which tells the story of the production of sweets, liquorice and fruit gums which is, of course, to a large extent the story of HARIBO itself to interested members of the public.
Buildings
The city has preserved much evidence of its rich Medieval past.
La Grotte de Trabuc
The Grottes de Trabuc are claimed to be the largest show cave in the Cevennes, situated on the edge of the National Parc. The cave was inhabited in Neolithic and Roman times, but it was not until the 1950's that a 40 m long artificial tunnel was dug, allowing visitors easy access into the cave. The section which is open to the public has been given special protection in order to preserve the rare diversity of colours and crystals. The colours in the cave appear to change every few meters owing to the many oxides which are present in the rock. The decor is magnificentand the cave is spectacularly lit and there are numerous waterfalls and lakes. The cave of Trabuc is famous for its '100,000 soldiers', these are small stalagmites with a maximum height of 10 cm that are unique in the caving world -their existence is still a mystery.
Things to do
Situated between the Camargue and the Cévennes, close to the cities of Nimes and Avignon and the Pont du Gard, this 9 hole, par 36 course sits on 27 hectares of gently undulating land richly covered with mediterranean plants, trees, olive and fruit orchards. The course has chambres d'hôtes accommodation, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and changing room, pitch and putting greens, coaching. Equipment can be hired.
Uzes Character 18th C. Stone village house, 190 m², 4 bedrooms, independent apartment, 17 m² roof terrace with views over village
Uzes Renovated 13th Century water mill, 11 bedrooms, pool, stream, 4.5ha of parkland, walking distance to all amenities, B&B potential
Uzes Authentic 17th century stone character house set in a picturesque hamlet, 250m², 5/6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, small garden, many original features & vaulted convertible cellars