Located between the Rhône Valley, the Camargue and the Cévennes, the Gard Provence which includes Uzège (name of the Uzès region) is full of history, with landscapes characterised by woodland and shrubs, also known as ‘desert’, alternating with valleys growing vines, olive groves and lavender fields… Silkworm farming was also abundant in the area for several centuries; it has now disappeared, replaced by vineyards, olive groves, market gardening and, more recently, truffles. This is a region that has been able to protect the natural environment much appreciated by visitors and its truffles have made it famous.
The region’s history was strongly marked by the presence of Romans almost 2000 years ago, as shown by numerous vestiges, such as oppidums, amphitheatres, houses and porticos, and obviously the renowned Pont-du-Gard (pontdugard.fr), 10 km from Uzès (aqueduct crossing the Gardon River to supply Nîmes with the water collected at the foot of Uzès).
But Uzège is also revealed through the unbelievable architectural richness of Uzès, a town of art and history (pays-uzes-tourisme.com) and many surrounding villages, each with its own particularities and heritage, and well worth discovering.
In Uzès, go to the Mediaeval Garden (jardinmedievaluzes.com) where you can climb to the top of the King’s Tower and see a spectacular view over the town for a derisory price in comparison to its neighbour at the Duchy of Uzès (although the Renaissance façade there is definitely worth seeing). Then venture into the town’s alleyways and under the archways at the Place aux Herbes and let this extraordinary town enchant you. Next visit the cathedral (and its unique organs!), the Tour Fenestrelle and the Borias Museum in the old bishop’s palace, after which you will surely need a little rest before confronting the shrubbery on the Racine promenade.
