One of the hardest parts about visiting a new place is knowing exactly when during the year you want to go and what you want to see when you get there.
An Unforgettable Day in Uzès
Now that the Barefoot Blogger calls Uzès“home,” here are some hints for a one day Uzés visit. On this trip you’ll have time to experience the rhythm of the town. That’s the best way to see it.
How to get to Uzes
There are a number of ways to get to Uzès by air and train. If you are arriving from the US, fly into Paris, London, or Barcelona. Check on the best fares. From each of these cities, I suggest you board a train to Nimes or Avignon, France. In fact, there’s a direct train from London to Avignon. If you prefer to fly, head for Marseilles, Nimes and Avignon, but schedules are often interrupted by airline strikes, so keep on guard for notices. (See “A Photo Guide to SNCF/TGV Trains at Paris’ CDG Airport-Updated”)
When you arrive in Nimes or Avignon, there is bus service to Uzès with regional buses that depart on a regular, reliable schedule. The bus station in Uzès is in the middle of town, number #6 on the map below, close to most destinations in the historic district.
“How to Get to Uzès” from other locations.
Tip #1
Visit on a Saturday or a Wednesday for a market day in Uzès.
Both the Saturday and Wednesday markets in Uzès are centered in the Place aux Herbes. It’s at #17 on the map below. Start out early in the morning on whichever market day you choose because the crowds start arriving around 10am. In the summer, you will be shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists by noon.
Map of Historic Uzès
Saturday Market – When I visited Saturday Market in Uzès for the first time, I fell in love with the town. In fact, Saturday’s one of my favorite days of the week living here. The market vendors are in the Place aux Herbes with fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and all the flavors and foods that make this part of France so wonderful. Throughout the plaza and along the main avenue that circles the historic part of town, more vendors line up side by side selling men and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats and more. Musicians are on almost every corner playing French, Spanish and even Dixieland sounds.
Musicians in Uzès
Musicians in Uzès
Claude the Cheese Man
“Cat” with beautiful leather bracelets, located on the main street of town.
Wednesday Market – The market on Wednesdays in a scaled-down version of the weekend event. Most of the vendors are selling food items that are local to the region. The market is mainly in the Plaza aux Herbes which gives visitors a chance to get a good look at the permanent shops located along the main streets and alleyways.
French Farmer
Tip #2
Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants along the boulevard or plazas.
For an unforgettable day in Uzès, take your choice of restaurants along the main avenue for lunch. Make yourself comfortable, like the French do, and take a long — sometimes two hour — break to eat, drink wine and relax. Most restaurants serve from noon to 2pm. If it’s a very busy day in town, scope out a place you want to stop for lunch before market, then make a reservation for “dejeuner”.
Map of Uzès historic area
Tip
Stroll through the historic area (map above).
There are so many things to enjoy seeing on an unforgettable day in Uzès … like the Medieval Garden, the Fenestrelle tower, and the Cathedral of Saint Théodorit with it’s classic French organ. Pull out your camera and capture some amazing photos that the people and town provide. Narrow, cobblestone streets lined with 12th century architecture are everywhere.
Tip #4
Visit a special hideaway frequented by Uzès insiders: Valle de l’Eure. It’s not easy to find but it’s worth the venture.
If you want to pick up a snack or a picnic for the park, Gaiffier’s Green Grocer is on the way. Ask there for directions to the entrance to Valle de l’Eure which is just down the road toward San Quentin la Poterie. There’s a stone archway on the righthand side of the road that leads into the parklike area. The public swimming pool and tennis courts are on the left. Follow the path that’s beside the tennis courts until it ends at the “stairway” shown below. It’s a long way down the steps, but as they say in France: “oh la,la!”
Gaiffier Green Grocer in Uzès
Tip #5
Make your way back to the center of all the action — Place aux Herbes — to enjoy the fountain, shop! and take in all the sights and sounds around you. On market days, the vendors are out of the way and the plaza is back in time for you to enjoy a glass of wine, a pastis or an aperitif before dinner.
Fountain at Place aux Herbes
Tip #6
Dinner at a restaurant with an outdoor patio.
If you can stay long enough for a lovely dinner under the skies, there are several nice restaurants with outdoor patio/gardens. If there’s a crowd in town, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance. They will welcome you anytime around 7pm, but not before. One of my favorite places is Les Comptoir Sept. The food is excellent and the service is superb.
Foie grae entree at Le Comptoir Sept
Scallops with risotto
Enjoy! Come Back Often!
For more information about these favorite spots, check out these posts for your unforgettable day in Uzès.
Saturday market: Virtually real time
Categories: Around France, Blog, Day Trip, Uzès, Village Scenes in Uzes
Oh Deborah, I’m so lucky to have visited Uzés 3 times now. It won’t be the last and what a wonderful way to rekindle the memories by following your blog. Thank You for the memories.
Isn’t Uzés the most special place? It’s hard not to fall in love with it. And want to come back! Enjoy!
What a great post about lovely Uzes.
Come back to visit!
So much love for Uzes. Can’t wait to get back. Thanks for the memories.
When are you returning?
Bonjour,
As I am planning to spend a day in Uzes next May, your article is very useful ! I am still trying to decide if I will base myself in Montpellier or Arles.
Not an easy decision because I would like to do some day trips and both cities offer many possibilities.
I have been to Arles before but not Montpellier. If you have been there, I would appreciate your input, if you have the time.
Merci and have a great time with your next tour.
Céline
That’s a tough one. Montpelier and Arles are so different. One is small, one is pretty large. Take a look at the map and try to decide which place has day trips you might enjoy. Check out some f the places in BFB to see if there are stories about them… or check Perfectly Provence for other posts from that area. Glad to help more..
Looks AMAZING!!! I also love French food!
I love it here! Thank for the note!
By a mile my favourite place in France. This year is the first we have not been to Uzes for 10 years (due to school holidays) and I feel bereft! Next year we’re planning 3 weeks and lunch in the Place will be top of the list… my eldest has a soft spot for the La Fabrique Givree ice cream!
I feel your pain! Any time I leave Uzes I return and know that it’s the best place I’ve been. You should see all the new ice cream places! But I totally understand your son’s love for La Fabrique Givree! Keep in touch for when you get back next year. Thanks for reading the blog, too!
You are living my dream! So excited to come across your blog. I’m returning to France for my 6th trip and will spend time exploring the Provence area for a monthly vacation rental Spring 2016.
So glad to hear from you, Kaye. I’m thinking after your sixth visit you might as well move here too! Hope you’ll stop by Uzes and say “hello” when you’re here next year. Where are you going in Provence?
Except for “Dress Nicely,” I think I’ve got the art of having a pleasant day covered. Your photos are beautiful ! I so look forward to the day we can talk face to face.
Just kidding on the “dress nicely.” Some days I’m a slob and still have a nice day! Thanks for the nice comments. So glad you’re reading the blog. Hope we can meet someday.
Brings back such fond memories of my visit last summer – on market day! Thanks Debby
Fond memories. Such a lovely town and market day is wonderful. Takes me back to my visit last summer which I will never forget. Thank you!
Loved having a chance to meet you, Kathy. Hope we’ll have more opportunities to visit together!
DEBORAH another great piece about Uzes and we can hardly wait–see you on the 19th.
Thanks Rich. We have lots to see and do when you and Paula get here!
My husband and I will be in the neighborhood during the Christmas holidays…I’ll be scouring your posts to see what winter may have on offer in Provence! Thanks so much for your most entertaining and inspiring blog!!!
Hope you will be here for Christmas market. For a preview search for last year’s post. So glad you’re enjoying the view of Uzes. Let me know when you’re here!
Dear Déborah,
Another great posting — including photos of spots on which I have never laid eyes (!) (I particularly liked the photo catching a road sign for Bagnols and St Quentin — the road to our house.)
I already know when next I will be in your neck of the woods: arriving by train around noon on October 21, and the vernissage will be at the Cavillargues mairie (perhaps worth a posting …) on the evening of the 23rd.
Bises et à bientôt
Andy
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I’ll be there! With guests, if that’s OK~