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Wednesday, 9 December 2020

[FRANCE] What To See In Uzes



Uzes, City of Art and History, is a hidden gem which is located between Arles, Nimes and Avignon. Its charming medieval town is well preserved and a pleasure to explore. Uzes is the second town I visited after Nimes (25km to the southwest). 

What to see:


1) Saint Theodorit Cathedral

The cathedral dated from 11th century, is listed as a Historical Monument for its bell tower and Fenestrelle Tower.

2) Fenestrelle Tower

The round Fenestrelle Tower is the symbol of the town. It is the only remaining relic of the old cathedral of Saint Theodorit and is the only example of cylindrical bell tower in France.

3) Old streets of the town

My tour guide (lady in black dress) brought us to stroll around the old streets of Uzes while explaining the brief history of the town to us. Uzes was developed in the valley, around the Eure springs. These springs were first captured and channeled here via the Pont Du Gard aquaduct to Nimes. 



I wouldn't mind getting lost in these charming and narrow alleyways at all. 

4) Ducal Palace

This is the Ducal Palace which was built in the 5th century. The present Duke and Duchnes of Uzes still continues to restore the family castle. The Georges Borias Museum inside retraces the history of Uzes from prehistoric times to the present. You may buy a ticket to visit the palace.

There are three feudal towers in town: the King's Tower, Bishop's Tower and Bermonde Tower - part of the palace (from left to right). You can find the medieval garden at the foot of the King's Tower. It has a fine range of ancient vegetable varieties and medicinal plants.





We continued walking on narrow streets and passing by many beautiful arcade houses before reaching the most famous square in town, Place aux Herbes.

5) Place aux Herbes

The Place aux Herbes square is easily recognized by a round fountain in the middle shaded from the sun by trees around it. Every Saturday a Provencal market takes place here. On other days of the week, the square is still lively with its surrounding cafe terraces and restaurants.





We had some free time to explore the town on our own before moving on to the next destination:  Pont Du Gard.


Uzes Ducal Palace
Opening hours: Opens daily except 25 December
1 Sep - 30 Jun: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm
Jul & Aug: 10am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 6.30pm
Admission fees: Tower only - EUR 13, Tower & guided tour to Apartments & Cellars - EUR 20 (adult)


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