Uzès is a medieval town in the Gard department (30700), Occitanie region, southern France. GPS: 44.0122°N, 4.4198°E. It lies 25 km north of Nîmes, 45 km from Avignon, and just 15 km from the Pont du Gard UNESCO site.

What is Uzès known for?

Uzès is known for three things: its title as the First Duchy of France (a noble title held by the same family for over 1,000 years), its spectacular Saturday morning market — one of the most beautiful in France — and its perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture around the Place aux Herbes.

How do I get to Uzès from Nîmes or Avignon?

From Nîmes (25 km): take the liO bus line E52, about 1 hour, ~€1.50. From Avignon (45 km): TGV to Nîmes, then bus E52. By car: A9 motorway, exit Remoulins or Nîmes-West, then D979. Uzès has no train station of its own.

How long should I spend in Uzès?

One day covers the highlights: Place aux Herbes, Tour Fenestrelle, the Duchy, Medieval Garden. Two days lets you add the Pont du Gard or the Gorges du Gardon. Three days or more lets you slow down, explore nearby villages, catch the Saturday market, and enjoy the local pace of life.

When is the Uzès market?

The famous Saturday market runs every week of the year, 7:30am–1:30pm, on and around the Place aux Herbes. Over 200 stalls: local producers, artisans, clothing, cheeses, olives, honey, truffles (in winter). A smaller producer market takes place Wednesday mornings.

Is the Pont du Gard near Uzès?

Yes — the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct (UNESCO World Heritage) is only 15 km from Uzès, a 20-minute drive. The two sites are historically linked: the 50 km aqueduct carried water from the Eure spring at the foot of Uzès all the way to Nîmes. A perfect half-day combination.

Travel guide · English

Visit Uzès

The First Duchy of France — a medieval gem in the South

Uzès is one of those rare places that has somehow stayed off the mass-tourism radar while being genuinely extraordinary. A compact, perfectly preserved medieval town in the Gard (Occitanie), it sits on a limestone plateau between the garrigue scrubland and the Gardon river gorges — an hour from Avignon, 25 minutes from Nîmes.

Its Saturday morning market is routinely voted one of the most beautiful in France. Its Duchy has been owned by the same family for over a thousand years — you can visit it. The Pont du Gard, one of the world's finest Roman monuments, is a 20-minute drive. And the stone is gold.

8,701

residents

~1,000 yrs

same ducal family

300 days

of sunshine/year

15 km

to Pont du Gard

Highlights

What to see & do

Place aux Herbes

The heart of Uzès. A shaded square surrounded by medieval arcades, plane trees and café terraces. On Saturday mornings (7:30am–1:30pm) it transforms into one of the most vibrant markets in southern France. Come early — the locals arrive before 9am.

Tour Fenestrelle

The symbol of Uzès: a 42-metre round Romanesque bell tower from the 12th century, unique in France for its cylindrical shape (inspired by Italian campaniles). It served as the bell tower of the Saint-Théodorit cathedral next door. Best photographed from the Place de l'Évêché.

The Duchy (Le Duché)

The Duchy of Uzès has been owned continuously by the same family (the de Crussols) for over a thousand years. It's still a private residence — and still open to visitors. The Bermonde Tower offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding garrigue. Allow 1.5 hours. Book in advance in summer.

Pont du Gard

Only 15 km from Uzès (20 min by car), this UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct bridge stands 49 metres high and was built in the 1st century AD to carry water from the Eure spring — right below Uzès — to Nîmes, 50 km away. In summer, swimming in the Gardon beneath the arches is spectacular.

Medieval Garden

A peaceful walled garden near the Duchy with medicinal plants, aromatic herbs and beautiful views over the Eure valley. Free entry. A perfect escape from the market crowds on a Saturday morning. Open daily.

Gorges du Gardon

15 km from Uzès, the Gardon river has carved spectacular gorges through the limestone. The Collias hiking trail (10 km, 3.5h) runs along the clifftops above turquoise water. Summer swimming, kayaking and canoeing available. One of the region's best kept secrets.

Practical info

Getting there & around

By train + bus

From Paris: TGV to Nîmes (2h30), then liO bus E52 to Uzès (1h)
From Avignon: TGV to Nîmes (30 min), then bus
Bus fare: ~€1.50, ~8 departures/day weekdays

By car

From Nîmes: 25 km, 35 min (D979)
From Avignon: 45 km, 45 min
From Montpellier: 75 km, 1h
Parking: Free lots surround the pedestrian centre

Best time to visit

Spring (Apr–Jun): Ideal — mild, garrigue in bloom, few crowds
Summer (Jul–Aug): Festivals, markets, hot (35°C+), busy
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden light, truffle season starts
Winter: Quiet, truffle market in January

Cette page est aussi disponible en français : Guide complet de visite d'Uzès →

Guide

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Browse the events calendar, find accommodation or check the interactive map of the town.

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Plan your trip to Uzès

Find accommodation, browse the events calendar or see the Saturday market guide.

Where to stay The Saturday Market