Uzes, South France is a very pretty town. We recently spent a weekend there and we had a great time. Together with Aix en Provence. St Remy. Aigues Mortes, Avignon, Sommieres and Pezenas; Uzes really ought to be up there on your list of places to visit if you are planning a tour of the South of France.

History of Uzes, South France

Uzes grew propserous in the 16th century as a centre for textiles. At one point the town employeed 2,000 people in various silk factories. The town retains many of the old merchant houses, which are now protected monuments. Uzes was also the town of the Duchy of Uzes (a family very loyal to the French monarchy - so loyal in fact, 21 Dukes died fighting various battles on behalf of the French Kings down the years!). Despite going into exile after the French revolution, the family got some of their property back under the Restauration and the family still owns the chateau with its colourful roof right smack bang in the middle of the town. During the Religious wars in France during the 16th century, Uzes was the 5th largest protestant town in France - not a great thing to advertise when you are living in Catholic France! Going further back, Uzes, France was the source of the water that the Romans used to irrigate Nimes and which led to the building of the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct. Uzes later claim to fame was as the location of the Zan liquorice factory, now part of the Haribo company.

Uzes tourism, South France

In the centre of Uzes, South France there are lots of narrow streets with little boutiques arranged around the old Duchy. In the centre you will find a big square (Place aux Herbes), laid out with fountains and plenty of decent restaurants. Whilst we were visiting, there was a big Arts Fair going on - which really sums up Uzes - it is a big art loving town. The Saturday market in Uzes takes over most of the town and it is supposed to be very good (as well as busy). Uzes and region have a bit of a reputation as a foodies paradise.

The other reason for coming to Uzes, France (especially if you have kids - or a sweet tooth) is to visit the Haribo sweet museum. I took my three little monkeys there and they absolutely loved. It was like Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory! There were plenty of free sweets, some boring exhibits of old sweet manufacture and more interesting intreactive displays about how they make the sweets today. The shop on the way out is something to behold. It cost me a small fortune.

Around Uzes, France.

I like the Gard. It is very picturesque. There are lots of tree lined country roads, vineyards and scenic hills covered in the famous Garrigue (stubbley bushes) and Olive tress. It makes driving through the area very pleasant. Near to Uzes you have Nimes, the Pont du Gard , Avignon, Anduze and to the north, the very picturesque Gorges d'Ardeche (with its famous site of Pont d'Arc).

Staying around Uzes, France

We actually stayed just outside Uzes, in the pretty village of St Maximim (in one of the Uzes gites listed on the site). St Maximim was perfect for us. The neighbours were very friendly and it had everything that we needed. Certainly, if you came here on holiday you would not be disappointed. Actually about 2 months ago an American couple landed up on our doorstep looking for a place to stay at short notice (they had been advised to see us by the local barman - these things happen in the South of France). Anyway we sent them up to Uzes to stay in Amanda's Uzes house rental. They loved it so much they booked it for a second week and invited friends down to stay with them.