You would be forgiven for thinking that Paris is the best place to experience French food. However, surprisingly many would argue against such a claim. While it is at the forefront, and to some extent the gateway to French cuisine for the average traveler, there are many other wonderful food hubs across the country that rival Paris’s thriving restaurant scene.
Though, that doesn’t mean the city isn’t without its fair share of amazing restaurants. Chez Dumonet for one, helmed by Chef Jean-Christian Dumonet, was at one point dubbed by Fodor’s Travel as the best restaurant in Paris. Chez Dumonet is so well known now that this restaurant is on most foodies bucket lists when the visit the capital.
Getting to visit such a place gives travelers a real sense of the roots of French cuisine. In The Scene’s ‘Presents’ series, a video blog was published about ‘Honest French Food’, and Chez Dumonet’s classic French dishes were described as “masterfully assembled” which in turn has attracted lots of patrons from all corners of the world in recent years.
There are, happily, many other wonderful food hubs across the country that rival Paris’s thriving restaurant scene…like Uzes, way down in the south of France.
Uzes is a hidden gem. The NY Times Travel Magazine described the town as one of the “best preserved and most meticulously renovated towns in the South of France.”
A Food Lover’s Southern France Holiday
In Uzes the people have retained their identity in every aspect of daily living, from the architecture to cultural practices to the way they prepare food and their cooking traditions.You would be forgiven for thinking that Paris is the best place to experience French food. However,
Amazing foods, cafes and restaurants are everywhere. The food markets in Uzes are bustling with vendors that sell only the best and freshest, locally grown produce, meats, cheeses and breads. These markets were included by The Guardian amongst the best food markets around the world.
If you’d rather pass on checking out every stall and just fancy watching people make their way around in the morning, head to Terroirs within the Place aux Herbes. Simply sit down and sip your cup of coffee or tea while watching one of the finest markets within the whole southern region of France spring to life.
La Table 2 Julien at Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers serves sumptuous food at lunchtime that you can pair with a glass of your preferred wine.
Uzes has ‘natural wines’ which, according to Real Food Warrior are made only from sun-ripened grapes and free from any additives.
For special occasions there’s Le Comptoir du 7, one of my favorites.
The newly-renovated Hotel Entraigues is a rising star on the restaurant scene in Uzes with Chef Axel Grousset-Bachelard returning to his hometown, determined to outshine any competition. His “nothing is fixed’ menu” is short and imaginative, featuring market-day fresh, local products that “excite the tastebuds,”according to Chef Axel.
You can also have a bistro meal on the spot in cafes and restaurants scattered around the area. They are worthy additions to your culinary journey.
In case you’re wondering about food etiquette during your Southern France holiday, be sure to see Nancy’s McGee’s post about cutting cheese.
Do you have restaurants in Uzes, or nearby that you would like to add to the list? Let me know by leaving a comment!
Categories: Around France, Blog, Loving Food, Uzès, Village Scenes in Uzes
THANK YOU!
I just discovered the city and your article was very helpful to find the best places to eat – I’m 2 years late I know… I would add Cookn With Class, French cooking lessons by a French chef ! I’ve never eaten so well in my life… and I discovered a lot about the region too! If you have the occasion to go there, it is worth it.
So glad you found the blog … and Uzes. No one realizes just how special it is until they experience it. Yes, I’m a big fan of Cook’n with Class. Love Eric and Yetunde. Come back soon!
Join us, we’re opening in april 2017 a magnificent chambres d’hôtes deluxe at 10 min. from Uzès! Hope to see you.
Would love that! Send me a note at deborah@bfblogger.com Thank you!
Stop you are making me homesick!! Here’s to tomorrow in the USA and I can’t sleep!! Great job at selling Uzes and it is even better than described!!
Miss you guys!!!
So sorry we had had to cancel our reservation at La Table 2 Julien in September. Next trip, right?
Yes. It’s really special. Do you have your next trip planned? Keep me posted! Thanks for your touching base again.
I love “what to do when here” posts..especially if they are about food and/or shopping!
That’s the travel guru in you! I so appreciate your ideas about places to go, things to do. Just wish you could get over here!
My appetite for your blogs and the beautiful photos you post about food and Uzes makes me hungry to return to France sooner rather than later. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us
You are so welcomed, Sandra, and thanks for following. I love sharing this place and everything about it. Never, ever, a dull moment. I’m so blessed to be spending this time of my life here.
Oh, I so want to visit Uzes and sample their cuisine and joie de vivre! Loved this blog post, could you do one sometime about where to stay in Uzes for different budgets? I am just so captivated by this town!
That’s a great idea, Joan. I’ll work on a post about places to stay. People ask all the time. I have a couple of places on one of the tab pages, but I should do more and publicize it. Hope to see you here!
I remember eating in some fabulous places in Uzes when visiting the south of France. Now we live permanently in the South West, on the coast in the Charente Maritime, many say it is the home of the oyster, seafood is plentiful and we have some excellent restaurants.
I may have to let my stomach be my guide for where to go next. Sounds like Charente Maritime is a good choice. I’ll ask for those restaurant recommendations if I get there. Thank you!
Yes do, would gladly welcome you here