: Uzes

Uzès is a town in the Gard department, at the northern edge of the Nîmes region, famous for its ducal palace (the Duché d'Uzès) and its perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance centre. The town is built around the Place aux Herbes, a spectacular arcaded square that hosts one of the best markets in Provence. Uzès also calls itself the "first duchy of France".

Uzès does not have a railway station. The nearest TGV station is Nîmes (about 25 km). By car, the A9 motorway (exit at Nîmes or Remoulins). Regional buses connect Uzès to Nîmes and Avignon.

The historic centre, circled by boulevards, is compact and entirely walkable. The Place aux Herbes is the focal point. For the Gard countryside and Pont du Gard, a car is essential.

The Place aux Herbes — rectangular square shaded by plane trees and surrounded by elegant arcades. The Duché d'Uzès (ducal palace). The Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit with the Tour Fenestrelle (round bell tower). The Jardin de l'Évêché.

The Saturday market on Place aux Herbes is one of the great markets of Provence. Summer evening events (Les Nuits Musicales d'Uzès). Art galleries and antique shops. The Haribo candy factory museum.

Excellent restaurants around Place aux Herbes and side streets. Provençal cuisine: ratatouille, tapenade, bourride, grilled fish, lamb.

Côtes du Rhône — Lirac and Tavel appellations nearby for rosés. Pastis. Cafés on Place aux Herbes.

Fine selection of hotels in restored townhouses. Chambres d'hôtes within the old town. Gîtes in the Gard countryside.

The Saturday market: olives, tapenade, olive oil, cheeses, nougat, honey, herbs de Provence. Pottery, textiles, wrought iron, lavender products. Antiques.

The Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct, 15 km). Nîmes (25 km). Avignon (40 km). Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie (pottery centre). Côtes du Rhône wine route.