Uzès, France: A Gem of the Languedoc Region
This town in the heart of the Languedoc region in the South of France will charm you with its lovely streets, historical monuments, and its cuisine of outstanding quality. Uzés, the Provençal Uzès, the delightful Uzès, the Uzès of the popes, the Uzès with the truffle, the Uzès with the wool, Uzès, the Uzès! All you need to enjoy the best French culture offers: the heart of the Languedoc region in the South of France comes to Uzés. It and its history will charm you, its monuments will surprise you, its way of life will relax you. Come and taste the best French culture offers with the lovely streets, the stunning buildings, the history, and the typical cuisine of this beautiful little town.
A Brief History of Uzés
The history of Uzés is long and extensive. It dates back to the Roman period when the town was called Ucetia. The Roman colony had a tremendous military presence, and the Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, close by, is still there.
This made Uzés a significant market town and center of commerce in the Middle Ages, attracting wealthy merchants and noble families. Several grand homes and palaces were constructed in the city that are still in existence today, and one in particular is very famous. The so-called Duke’s Palace was built in the 16th century by one of the town's wealthiest residents, and today, it makes Uzés one of its most popular tourist attractions.
A Protestant redoubt under siege for much of the Wars of Religion that plagued France in the 16th and 17th centuries, Uzés was taken by Catholics in 1622, and its Protestant population, their religion deemed illegal, forcibly converted or driven out to die or convert elsewhere.
In the 19th century, the town was a hub of the silk industry, producing some of the best silk in France. This silk was used to create fashionable clothing and furnishings. The city is now renowned for its pottery, which local artisan artisans make.
Things to Do in Uzès
Uzés is a town to stroll and get lost in. Its old neighborhoods are full of little corners and nooks where you can have the sweet sensation of discovering its little secrets. So here they all are the top things to do and see in Uzés.
The Duke's Palace
The Duke’s palace, arguably the most recognizable sight in Uzés, is undoubtedly worth a visit. It was built in the 16th century by the Duke of Uzés, and a tour now allows visitors to stroll through the gardens, rooms, and artwork.
The Uzés Market
The Uzés food market is a foodie (and local culture) heaven. Held in the main square of the town every Saturday morning, the market consists of all the local produce you can imagine (cheeses, meats, olives, etc. – and wine, of course), as well as a cultural experience where you can have a try (and a chat) with the local inhabitants.
The Fenestrelle Tower
The Fenestrelle Tower. The view from the top is unforgettable. The most famous building in Uzés is the Fenestrelle Tower, which forms part of the cathedral. It’s the only Romanesque tower to have survived in France, and you can climb to the top for a great view of the local countryside.
The Haribo Museum
Haribo Museum, a museum if you want to call it that, offers a fun and curious visit appropriate for the entire family. It recounts the history of the French-based candy company Haribo, from its founder, Hans Riegel Sr., to his son, the inventor of the gummy bear, Hans Riegel Jr. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and, of course, plenty of samples.
The Pont du Gard
(Technically, of course, it is not in Uzés but a short drive away, but it is a must for any visitor!) A little off from Uzés and well worth a visit is the famous, magnificent Roman aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard, built in the 1st century AD to carry water from the Eure Spring to the city of Nîmes. It, too, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the bridge and the area around it, including a museum and lovely walks, can be explored. Read More
Local Wineries
Situated in a region known for excellent wine, especially in Languedoc, Uzés is an ideal location to visit local vineyards and taste some of the region's finest wines. Many of the region’s wineries offer tours and tastings, during which visitors learn how the wine is made and sample the area’s best wines.
Architecture in Uzés
Uzés is a place of beautiful architecture and historical monuments, which give us a fascinating insight into the town's history. Here are some of the most impressive buildings in Uzés.
The Duke's Palace
As noted earlier, the Duke’s Palace is the most famous Uzés building and a 16th-century gem of the French Renaissance. The outside of the palace is just as impressive as the inside. The exterior consists of a play of carvings and windows with a hint of nostalgia. The highly decorated ceilings, the main staircase, and the gardens are equally imposing.
The Cathedral of Saint Théodorit
A Gothic cathedral with splendid stained glass windows and an impressive altar dating to the 12th century. The bell tower is also worth climbing to get a view over the town and surrounding countryside.
The Tour de l'Horloge
The Tour de l'Horloge, a majestic clock tower in the city's center, is one of Uzés's prominent landmarks. This octagonal clock tower, dating from the 14th century, boasts a soaring height of 46 meters (150 Feet) and a breathtaking clock face. The viewing platform at the top offers a stunning vista of the town below.
The Place aux Herbes
The Place aux Herbes is the main square of Uzés. It is a fine example of French town planning. Three floors of arcades surround a courtyard, and cafés and a market stand are below.
Cuisine in Uzés
The culinary specialties of Uzés are unlike any other city in France, featuring a wide variety of local foods. Here’s a list of the best dishes and drinks in Uzés. By the way, Farmer’s Markets are available on Wednesdays (Professionals) and Saturday Mornings (Up to 1 pm)
La Brandade
La brandade is a traditional local salt cod, potatoes, and olive oil dish. It is served as a spread on bread or crackers and is a treat for seafood lovers.
Fougasse
Fougasse is a South of France bread eaten as an appetizer or snack and flavored with olives, cheese, or other spices.
Pissaladière
Pissaladière (pi-sal-ah-dyay) is a typical southern French onion tarte. But it’s a flat pastry with caramelized onions, anchovies, and black olives. It’s popular in restaurants and cafés in the South of France. Eaten warm, it makes a light meal or snack.
Tapenade
Tapenade is an olive spread made with olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil. It is popular regionally and is often enjoyed as an appetizer, usually served on bread or crackers.
Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional stew of fish, seafood, vegetables, and herbs from the Provencal port city of Marseille, just half an hour’s drive from Uzés. The dish is usually served with a spiced garlic and olive oil mayonnaise called rouille on the side.
Rosé Wine
Languedoc is renowned for its excellent rosés, and on sunny afternoons, vineyards are filled with locals sipping a glass or two. Languedoc rosés are dry, light, and fruity, generally based on Grenache, Syrah, or Cinsault.
Pastis
Pastis is a traditional French aperitif mainly drunk in the South of France. The drink is made from aniseed and has a highly distinctive, moreish taste, with a licorice taste. It becomes cloudy when water is added to it..
Key Points About Truffles in Uzès
Uzés is renowned for its truffles, particularly the black truffle, or Tuber melanosporum, because it has a light-marbled black husk and is also known as the ‘diamond of the kitchen.’ Its husk comprises mycelia (fungal hyphae) and spores (black dots). The region is ideal for growing truffles, with 300 days of sunshine a year, temperate winters and warm summers, and limestone subsoil.
Black Truffle Season
Black truffles in Uzès are harvested between November and March. Their prime season is January and February, when they are fully mature and full of aroma.
Truffle Markets
Uzès has an annual truffle market, traditionally in January, when the truffle hunters of the region (called les trailles or ‘trufficulteurs’) come to town to sell their catches. It’s an exciting place for anybody who cares about truffles to see the region’s truffle culture on parade, attracting chefs, food lovers, and tourists worldwide.
Truffle Hunting
Truffle hunting has long been a tradition in the Uzès region. Truffles are fungi that grow underground near the roots of other trees, often oak and hazel. To hunt truffles, humans usually use trained dogs or pigs, whose sensitive snouts can detect the aroma of the truffles. Some truffle farms in the area offer visitors guided tours, allowing them to learn more about truffle hunting and try their hand at it.
Culinary Uses
The black truffle – with its deep earthy aroma and complex palate – is the holy grail of French cuisine. In Uzès, you won’t find plain truffle oil on the menu; you’ll find truffles used in a simple dish of truffle omelet, or truffle risotto, or foie gras with truffles, or in a truffle-infused sauce.
Truffle Products
Not only fresh truffles but also much-hyped truffle oils, butter, salts, and even truffle-flavored honey extended the season, allowing you to enjoy the ‘magical black truffle’ all year round.
Truffle Festivals
The surrounding towns often commemorate the season with festivals and events, complete with truffle tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions for the best truffle dishes. These events are a veritable crash course in local culinary history.
Experience in Uzès
If you happen to be in the Uzès region during the truffle season, you should visit a truffle market, hunt for truffles, or at the very least have a meal in a local restaurant serving this precious ingredient. The local truffle culture is a characteristic part of local gastronomy, and a valuable cultural tradition passed on from generation to generation.
Final Thoughts
Uzés is a small city in the Languedoc region of southern France. It welcomes visitors worldwide with its long history, beautiful architecture, and delicious local food and wine. It doesn’t matter what you’re interested in; Uzés is the place for you. Are you interested in its long and storied past? Uzés has it. Do you want to relax and enjoy good food, wine, and beautiful scenery? Uzés has that, too. Come to Uzés and immerse yourself in all this lovely town has to offer.
More Information
Town of Uzés (French Only)
