Weekend in Uzès
The perfect 2-day itinerary — market, medieval streets, Duchy & Pont du Gard
A weekend in Uzès is one of the best short breaks in the south of France. Arrive on Friday evening or early Saturday, spend a morning at the legendary market, explore the medieval centre, visit the Duchy, and on Sunday head 15 km east to the Pont du Gard. Two days, two extraordinary experiences.
Saturday — Market Day
The Saturday morning market
Arrive early to beat the crowds. The market runs from 7:30am to 1:30pm across three zones: local food producers around Place aux Herbes (cheese, olives, honey, charcuterie), artisan crafts in the surrounding medieval streets, and clothing along Boulevard Gambetta.
Coffee under the arcades
Around 9:30am, take a break at one of the terrace cafés under the medieval arcades of Place aux Herbes. This is the quintessential Uzès ritual: coffee, croissant, people-watching as the market buzzes around you. La Parenthèse and Café Ernest are well-regarded.
Visit the Duchy (Le Duché)
The Duchy of Uzès has been owned by the same family for over 1,000 years — and you can visit it. The guided tour takes 1–1.5 hours and covers the Renaissance façade, the Viscount's Tower, and the Bermonde Tower with its panoramic view over the town and garrigue. Book in advance in summer.
Lunch on the Place aux Herbes
Head back to the Place aux Herbes for lunch. By now the market is winding down and the terrace restaurants are in full swing. Les Terroirs (southern tapas), La Voûte (creative fine dining), and Le Café des Amis (homemade bistro) all have terraces directly on the square. Book ahead.
Afternoon stroll through the old town
Walk off lunch with a loop through Uzès' medieval streets. Key stops: Tour Fenestrelle (the unique cylindrical Romanesque bell tower, best seen from Place de l'Évêché), the Saint-Théodorit cathedral, and the Jardin Médiéval — a walled garden with medicinal plants and views over the Eure valley. Free and peaceful.
Dinner and night in Uzès
For a special Saturday dinner, book La Table d'Uzès (Michelin star, reserve weeks ahead) or La Parenthèse. For a more relaxed evening, The Family on Place aux Herbes is excellent for tapas and cocktails, or Le Pot de Vin for natural wines and sharing boards.
Sunday — Pont du Gard
A quiet Sunday morning in Uzès
Sunday morning in Uzès is unhurried. The town belongs to the locals. Have a slow breakfast, stroll the empty medieval streets, browse the Sunday brocante (antiques market, near the Esplanade). The town looks and feels completely different without the Saturday crowds.
Drive to the Pont du Gard (15 km)
Drive south-east from Uzès for about 20 minutes. The Pont du Gard needs no introduction: a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct bridge, 49 metres high, still standing in perfect condition. It carried water from the Eure spring at the foot of Uzès all the way to Nîmes — 50 km across the garrigue. The historical connection to Uzès makes the visit even more meaningful.
Swimming in the Gardon (summer)
In summer (June–September), the river Gardon beneath the Pont du Gard has a natural swimming area. Crystal-clear water, limestone cliffs, and the arches of the aqueduct above you — one of France's most spectacular swimming spots. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
Nearby villages: Castillon-du-Gard or Vers
If time allows, the hilltop village of Castillon-du-Gard (5 min from the Pont du Gard) is worth a 30-minute wander. Its medieval lanes and views over the garrigue are beautiful. The village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard is similarly charming and right on the river.
Practical tips
🚗 Getting to Uzès
- By car from Paris: A9 + N113, exit Nîmes-West or Remoulins. 750 km, ~6h.
- By train + bus: TGV to Nîmes (from Paris 2h40), then liO bus E52 to Uzès (~1h, ~€1.50). ~8 buses/day.
- From Avignon: TGV to Nîmes (20 min), then bus E52. Total ~1h30.
- No train station in Uzès — bus or car are the only options.
🏨 Where to stay
- Town centre: Walk to everything — market, restaurants, sights. Best for a market-focused weekend.
- Outside Uzès: A B&B or gîte in the garrigue for space, a pool, and local atmosphere.
- Near Pont du Gard: Camping La Sousta (4-star, pool) if you want to be on the river.
- Book early: Summer and market weekends fill up months in advance.
📅 When to go
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Best overall. Mild, garrigue in bloom, fewer tourists.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Lively, hot (35°C+), festivals, packed at weekends.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden light, harvests, truffle season beginning.
- Winter: Quiet and authentic. Truffle market in January.
💡 Booking tips
- Duchy: Pre-book online, especially in July–August.
- Pont du Gard: Book tickets online to avoid queues.
- La Table d'Uzès: Reserve 3–6 weeks ahead for weekend evenings.
- Bistros: Call 2–3 days ahead for a terrace table in peak season.
Frequently asked questions
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