Discover Uzes
Category: > | 14th Mar, 2026
Discover Uzes: The First Duchy of France – and a Town You Can Enjoy Without a Car
If you’re dreaming of a French lifestyle where golden limestone buildings glow in the southern sun and your biggest daily decision is which café terrace to choose, Uzès might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Located in the Gard department of Occitanie, Uzès is a beautifully preserved historic town of around 8,500 residents. Known as the first Duchy of France, it offers aristocratic architecture, winding medieval streets, lively markets and a relaxed yet sophisticated way of life.
One of the town’s greatest charms? You can enjoy almost everything on foot.
Living in Uzès: A Walkable Lifestyle
Uzès is wonderfully compact and pedestrian-friendly. The historic centre is a maze of charming streets and small squares that inevitably lead back to the famous Place aux Herbes, the beating heart of the town.
Daily life is easy here. Bakeries, cafés, restaurants, artisan shops and galleries are all within walking distance, making it perfectly possible to live comfortably without needing a car for everyday errands.
While Uzès does not have its own train station, transport connections are straightforward. Regular regional buses connect Uzès to Nîmes (about 30 minutes) and Avignon (around 40 minutes), both of which offer high-speed TGV connections to Paris, Marseille and beyond.
For nature lovers, the nearby Eure Valley offers peaceful walking trails, while the spectacular Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct, is only a short bike ride or bus trip away.
Within about an hour’s drive you can reach the Mediterranean beaches near Montpellier, while the dramatic landscapes of the Cévennes mountains lie just to the north—giving residents easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery in southern France.
Lifestyle and Everyday Convenience
Life in Uzès revolves around its legendary Saturday market, widely considered one of the best in southern France. Every week the Place aux Herbes fills with stalls selling everything from fresh goat cheese and olives to lavender, local truffles, seasonal fruit and handmade crafts.
A smaller Wednesday morning market focuses mainly on food and is particularly popular with locals.
Uzès also has a thriving art and design scene. Throughout the town you’ll discover interior design boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and artisan workshops tucked into centuries-old buildings.
For everyday shopping, supermarkets such as Carrefour Market and Intermarché are located just outside the centre, while the town itself offers an excellent range of independent food shops, wine merchants, bakeries and delicatessens.
Healthcare is convenient and accessible, with several pharmacies, doctors and dental practices located in the town centre. For hospital services, the Centre Hospitalier d’Uzès provides local care, while the larger university hospitals in Nîmes are just a short drive away.
Uzès Mini Guide: Living Well Without a Car
Restaurants & Cafés
Les Terroirs – Perfectly located on Place aux Herbes, ideal for local platters and relaxed people-watching.
La Table d’Uzès – A Michelin-starred restaurant set in an elegant historic building.
TEN – A modern and lively spot serving creative seasonal dishes.
Café de France – A classic Uzès institution for coffee under the plane trees.
Shops & Markets
Supermarkets: Carrefour Market and Intermarché (short walk or local shuttle).
Local Food Shops: Excellent bakeries, delicatessens, wine merchants and chocolate shops.
Weekly Markets:
• Saturday – the famous full market drawing visitors from across the region
• Wednesday – a smaller market focused on fresh produce and local food
Art & Design: Numerous galleries, antiques shops and décor boutiques throughout the historic centre.
Health & Practical Services
Pharmacies: Several locations around Boulevard Gambetta.
Doctors & Dentists: Multiple practices located within the town centre.
Hospital: Centre Hospitalier d’Uzès, with major hospitals in Nîmes about 30 minutes away.
Getting Around
Walking: The historic centre is largely pedestrian or low-traffic.
Buses: The regional Lio Occitanie bus network connects Uzès to Nîmes, Avignon and surrounding towns.
Cycling: Beautiful cycling routes through vineyards, countryside lanes and towards the Pont du Gard.
Culture and History
Uzès is steeped in history and culture.
The impressive Duché d’Uzès, the residence of the Duke of Uzès, dominates the town skyline and can be visited by the public. Nearby, the Musée Georges Borias, located in the former Bishop’s Palace, explores the region’s history, art and traditions.
Throughout the year the town also hosts festivals, concerts, antique fairs and cultural events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Official and Practical Links
Town Hall (Mairie d’Uzès)
www.uzes.fr
Tourism Office – Pays d’Uzès
www.uzes-pontdugard.com
Gard Tourism
www.tourismegard.com
Regional Transport (Lio Occitanie)
www.lio.laregion.fr
Train Connections (via Nîmes or Avignon)
www.sncf-connect.com
Why People Fall in Love with Uzès
Uzès offers a rare combination of historic elegance, vibrant markets, excellent food culture and a relaxed southern lifestyle. Add its walkable centre, beautiful architecture and easy access to countryside, mountains and sea, and it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to make it home.
If you’re looking for a place where French charm meets everyday convenience, Uzès might just be the perfect destination—no parking space required.
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