Bonjour! Welcome to Uzes, one of the most picturesque towns in southern France. With its beautifully preserved medieval center, grand ducal palace, honey-colored stone houses, and one of the most charming market squares in the region, Uzès feels like a place straight out of a postcard. It’s elegant, atmospheric, and filled with small details that make you want to slow down and linger a little longer. Unlike some of its more touristy neighbors, Uzès has preserved its authentic charm and relaxed pace of life. This lovely town is sure to steal your heart! Ready to explore? Let us show you amazing things to do in Uzes, France.
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Uzes, France FAQ
Uzès is located in the Occitanie region in the Gard department in France. The town sits near Nimes and Avignon, and close to the iconic Pont du Gard aqueduct, making it an easy and rewarding stop while exploring Provence and southern France.
Absolutely! Uzes is definitely worth visiting and in our opinion, it’s one of the most underrated destinations in southern France. This beautifully preserved medieval town offers French charm without the overwhelming crowds you’ll find in nearby Provençal hotspots. The architecture is stunning, the markets are lively, and the atmosphere is just delightful. Without a doubt, Uzès deserves a spot on your France bucket list.
Uzes is best known for its beautiful medieval old town, the impressive Duchy of Uzès, and Place aux Herbes, one of the most iconic market squares in southern France. It’s also famous for its proximity to the Pont du Gard and its timeless southern French charm. Uzès also holds the prestigious title of France’s First Duchy, granted in 1632, which highlights its historical importance and noble heritage.
You can explore the main attractions in Uzes in just one day, as the town is compact and all its highlights are easy to reach on foot. However, if you want to soak up Uzes’ charm without rushing and also explore the surrounding region, we recommend staying 2-3 days. If you’re short on time, a day trip is still absolutely worthwhile.
Uzès history dates back to the 2nd century BCE when it was a Roman oppidum (fortified town) called Ucetia. During Roman rule, an advanced aqueduct system was built to supply water to nearby Nîmes. In the medieval period, it flourished as a center for silk, licorice, and linen trade. In 1632, the Duke of Uzès received the title of First Duke of France, making it France’s oldest and most prestigious ducal peerage.
Things to do in Uzes, France
Uzes Old Town Streets
One of the best things to do in Uzes is simply wandering through the charming medieval streets of the old town. The historic center is largely car-free, making it a pure joy to explore on foot. Most buildings are built from the same creamy limestone, creating a remarkable sense of harmony and timeless elegance. Just slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and don’t hesitate to explore every corner.
In Uzes Old Town, you’ll find points of interest like: Place aux Herbes, Duchy of Uzès, Saint-Etienne Church, Medieval Garden with viewing tower, Place Dampmartin, Saint-Théodorit Cathedral, Rue de la République, and Place Albert 1er. We’ll take a closer look at some of these landmarks soon.
As you wander through cobblestone streets, you’ll also discover elegant 17th and 18th-century townhouses, art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafés and inviting restaurants. With so many picturesque spots packed into a compact area, strolling through the historic centre is definitely one of the best things to do in Uzes. We were completely mesmerized by the atmosphere of this beautiful medieval town.
The Uzes Tourist Office is located on Place Albert 1er, located just a few steps from the Duchy of Uzès. It’s a great place to pick up maps and get helpful sightseeing tips.
Place aux Herbes
Place aux Herbes is without a doubt the beating heart of Uzès. This stunning square, surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings and shaded by tall plane trees, is where locals and visitors alike gather to soak in the atmosphere. The architecture here is a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, all built from that characteristic creamy limestone that gives Uzès its warm, golden glow.
The square features a lovely central fountain installed in 1855, and the arcades provide welcome shade during hot summer days. This is the perfect spot to settle into a café terrace and simply watch the world go by.
Travel tip. If you’re visiting Uzes on Saturday morning, don’t miss the weekly market that fills Place aux Herbes and spills out into surrounding streets. It’s the biggest market in Occitanie, with up to 200 vendors selling everything from local produce to crafts and textiles. A smaller Wednesday morning market focuses mainly on fresh food from regional producers.
Duchy of Uzes
The Duchy of Uzès is the crown jewel of the town and has been home to the Crussol family for over 1000 years. This impressive medieval fortress comprises three towers and a central donjon, with the most striking being the 11th-century Tour Bermonde. The castle has never been attacked or damaged, making it remarkably well-preserved. Exploring or just admiring this medieval fortress is definitely one of the best things to do in Uzes.
Inside, you can explore furnished apartments featuring period furniture, admire beautiful tapestries and paintings, and explore the wine cellars. The highlight? Climbing the 160+ steps to the top of Tour Bermonde for breathtaking panoramic views over Uzes’s tiled rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
Entrance to the Duchy of Uzes costs €24 for a normal ticket, €17 for children 12-16, €8 for children 7-11, and is free for children under 7. You can also visit only the tower for €15 (April 2026). Visits are by guided tour only, unfortunately only in French, though printed guides in other languages are available. For current prices and opening hours, visit the uzes.com website.
Medieval Garden & Viewing Tower
The Medieval Garden is one of our favorite spots in Uzès, a haven of peace just steps from the old town center. This beautifully designed garden features over 450 varieties of plants organized by their medieval uses – edible and culinary plants, ornamental flowers, and medicinal herbs.
But the real highlight here is climbing yet another centuries-old tower that offers absolutely breathtaking 360-degree views over the old town and its surroundings. You’ll climb about 100 steps, but trust us, every step is worth it.
The garden complex also includes the 12th-century Bishop’s Tower, once used as a prison during the Middle Ages. And inside, you can still see centuries-old graffiti left by former prisoners! At the end of your visit, you may even be offered a refreshing drink made with plants grown in the garden. Hands down, it’s one of the best things to do in Uzès.
Entrance to the Medieval Garden costs €8 for a normal ticket, and €4 for a reduced one (April 2026). Access is via Rue Port Royal. For current prices and opening hours, visit the jardinmedievaluzes.com website.
Saint-Théodorit Cathedral
The Saint-Théodorit Cathedral is Uzes’ main place of worship. The present building dates from the mid-17th century, though there has been a cathedral on this site since 1090. Unfortunately, the original was destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed again during the 16th-century Wars of Religion, and stripped during the French Revolution – talk about a turbulent history!
Inside, you can admire one of the oldest organ cases in France, dating from 1670. The cathedral also houses the relics of Saint-Firmin. The neo-Romanesque façade you see today was added in 1870. Entrance to the cathedral is free during opening hours.
Also, be sure not to miss the Fenestrelle Tower, rising majestically beside the cathedral. It’s the unique example of a round bell tower in France, with windows on each level. It’s the only surviving element of the original cathedral and one of the most distinctive landmarks in Uzes.
Haribo Candy Museum
Did you know that Uzès has deep roots in licorice production? The town’s licorice history dates back to 1862 when Henri Lefont opened a licorice factory here. His company later merged with Ricqlès and eventually was taken over by the German company Haribo, which maintains a factory and museum in Uzes to this day.
Visiting the Haribo Candy Museum is a fun stop and one of the coolest things to do in Uzes, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Inside, you’ll learn about the history of licorice production, see how popular sweets are made, and discover the story behind one of Europe’s best-known candy manufacturers. Of course, there are plenty of sweet samples to enjoy too!
Entrance to the Haribo Museum costs €12 for a normal ticket, €11 for a reduced one, and €10 for children 4-14 (April 2026). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the museeharibo.tickeasy.com website. The museum is located about 4km from Uzes Old Town.
Pont du Gard Aqueduct
While not in Uzes itself, the magnificent Pont du Gard is only about 15km away and makes a perfect half-day trip. This spectacular Roman aqueduct was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved structures of its kind in the world. The Pont du Gard is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three-tiered bridge stands 49 meters tall and spans the Gardon River. It was part of the aqueduct system that carried water from Uzes to Nimes, and seeing it in person is awe-inspiring. You can walk across the lower level, swim in the river, visit the museum, and even experience nighttime illuminations during summer months.
Uzes Surroundings
Although there are plenty of things to do in Uzes, the town also makes a great base for exploring nearby gems. Whether you’re after history, nature, or a glass of fine wine, there are many places to visit near Uzes that make every day an adventure.
In Uzes, you’re perfectly located to explore the Camargue – France’s largest wetland area and one of Europe’s most unique natural regions, known for its white horses, black bulls, and adorable pink flamingos.
Just a short drive or train ride away, you’ll find beautiful cities like Avignon, Arles, or Montpellier. And if you’re craving classic Provençal charm, don’t miss villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
How to get to Uzes, France?
Uzes is located about 25km from Nimes, 40km from Avignon, 55km from Arles, and 80km from Montpellier. The most convenient way to get to Uzes is by car or bus.
Airports near Uzes
The closest airport to Uzes is located in Nimes (30km away) but this is a small regional airport with limited connections, mainly serving flights to/from the UK and a few other European cities. The next closest airports are located in Avignon (50km away) and Montpellier (80km away).
From each airport, you can get to the town by public transportation. You can check connections that might interest you on rome2rio.com website. At each airport, you can also rent a car for a faster and more comfortable journey.
Parking in Uzes
In Uzes we recommend leaving a car in one of the city’s paid parking lots, like this Q-Park parking Uzes Cordeliers, located just a few steps from the old town. If you plan to stay longer in Uzes, we recommend booking a hotel or apartment with a designated parking space.
To Uzes by public transport
Unfortunately, Uzès doesn’t have a train station, so you’ll need to rely on buses and taxis to reach this beautiful town. The closest train stations are located in Nîmes and Avignon. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit sncf-connect.com website.
But you can fairly easily get to Uzes by bus. For example, the trip from Nimes will take around 40 minutes and 50 minutes from Avignon. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com or lio-occitanie.fr website.
Uzes Camping
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Aire Camping Car Domaine Saint-Firmin or Camping Le Vieux Verger might interest you. They are located in or close to Uzes.
Explore local attractions
Things to do in Uzes, France – Summing up
Now you know what makes Uzès such a special destination in southern France. From climbing ancient towers and wandering picturesque streets to exploring Roman ruins and enjoying coffee with a sweet treat on an elegant square, Uzès offers something to enchant every traveler.
Whether you’re stopping by for a day or planning a longer stay, Uzès is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. We hope this guide to the best things to do in Uzes helps you make the most of your visit. Enjoy your trip & bon voyage!
Our opinion about Uzès
For us, a visit to Uzes was a day trip from nearby Orgon, where we lived for a few weeks. We combined it with exploring the nearby Pont du Gard. We visited Uzes in early June and during that time the town felt pleasantly peaceful, with few tourists and mostly locals going about their lives. Exploring everything we wanted took us about 5 hours.
Uzes impressed us with its charming medieval streets, impressive landmarks, lively Saturday market, and relaxed southern French atmosphere. And Place aux Herbes quickly became one of our favorite town squares in all of France! The Medieval Garden and its viewing tower were an absolute highlight – the views from the top were stunning. Without a doubt, Uzès has earned a place on our list of favorite southern French towns, and we will definitely be back.
What we didn’t like? Nothing particular comes to mind. It was a nice day from start to finish, and we think Uzes is a memorable stop on any southern France itinerary. Don’t skip it – this destination deserves way more attention than it gets! It’s truly a stunning medieval gem that somehow still remains off many travelers’ radars.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Uzes?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Uzes:
