Don't wait any longer to visit Uzès, city of Art and History, a must-see in the Destination Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard. 7th most welcoming city in the world, Uzès is located in gateway to the Cévènnes and Provence and dominates the Eure valley.
You can't miss it: its silhouette is recognizable at first glance, with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture... Uzès is a city steeped in history, by entering its city center you go back in time!
A saved sector
Uzès was completely renovated thanks to the Malraux law of 1962 establishing the saved sectors. The first restoration projects concerned the Place aux Herbes where two buildings had collapsed in 1960, making Uzétians aware of the dilapidation of the old center. This work made it possible to reveal the original facades of certain buildings, with classical or Renaissance decorations. The streets were paved and the networks made discreet.
With the creation of the saved sector in 1965, the city focused on a policy of renovation and rehabilitation of its old center and develops a quality tourism. Forty buildings are registered or classified as historic monuments. Since 2008, Uzès has been classified as a City of Art and History.
Discover Uzès and its must-see attractions
An emblematic market
In the heart of the city we discover the Place aux Herbes, its arcades and in its center its famous fountain. All around, every Wednesday and every Saturday, a market is held whose scents and colors make your head turn. This market is a essential to our destination : he is the largest in Occitania and one of the most famous in all of Provence! The charm of Place aux Herbes and the rmedieval streets make it one of the most beautiful, most typical and most colorful in the region.
Unmissable events all year round
Throughout the year, the town of Uzès is punctuated by cultural and gourmet events not to be missed!
Don't miss the sparkling programming of theOmbrière Pays d'Uzès, more than a performance hall, a real place to live!
Meeting in Uzès
The Truffle Festival
Uzès, a town steeped in history
Ancient origins in the Eure Valley
It is on the edge of Alzon and in the Eure Valley that we find the first vestiges of human works. At the beginning of our era, around the year 0 , the Romans founded the city of Ucetia at the location of the current city and benefit from the presence of the source of the Eure to capture abundant water and transport it through an aqueduct 50 km between Uzès and Nîmes, whose Pont du Gard is the most famous vestige.
Beyond being a place marked by the ancient origins of Uzès, the Eure Valley offers a natural break at the gates of Uzès. This oasis of shade and freshness attracts locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in a bucolic riverside landscape, shaded by large plane trees and poplars. It is a striking contrast to the surrounding scrubland. We like to get lost there, during a walk, a picnic, a fishing trip or even a relaxing break...
1st Duchy of France
Au Xth century, Languedoc, including town of Uzès, is integrated into the French royal domain. This period marks a turning point in the history of our territory because it thus becomes directly linked to the crown of France.
1565 in the King Charles IX names Count Antoine de Crussol, Duke of Uzès. This historic appointment made him the first Duke of France, thus conferring a prestigious status to the city.
Le Château Ducal, located in the heart of Uzès, then becomes the emblem of Uzès. Its imposing construction bears witness to its military history, notably with the presence of Bermonde Tower, its ramparts and its corner towers. The architecture of the Château Ducal reflects the evolution of France through the ages. Indeed, it is a true summary of the country's history, with characteristic elements of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Enlightenment and Modern Times. Each period has left its mark, offering visitors a journey through time and an immersion in the history of France.
Did you know ? The Duchy of Uzès was one of the rare duchies in France to be transmissible from father to son, which helped to consolidate the power of the ducal family. Today it is the oldest surviving French Duchy.
Uzès and the wars of religion
During religious wars who shook France in the 16th century, Uzès was the scene of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. This period of religious unrest had a profound impact on the city and its population. Uzès was a Catholic stronghold in a region where religious tensions were high. Protestants, who were mainly concentrated in neighboring regions, represented a threat to the established order. Clashes between the two camps were frequent, with raids and looting taking place throughout the region.
Uzès castle, symbol of the power of the Dukes of Uzès, was the center of numerous clashes. Protestants made several attempts to capture the town and its castle, but the strong defenses and the residents' loyalty to Catholicism generally prevented their success.
Uzès was also affected by the violence of this time. The fighting caused significant material damage to the city and its surroundings, and many families were torn apart by religious divisions.
La end of religious wars brought some relief to Uzès, but the scars of this tumultuous period lingered for years. The city continued to rebuild and grow.
Uzès and industry
Au Eighteenth century, Uzès is experiencing a period of economic development marked by the growth of industry in the region. This period is characterized by several significant developments that shaped the city's history.
Agriculture : a pillar of the economy of Uzès, with the cultivation of vines and olive trees.
Silk production : Uzès was known for its silkworm factories, where silkworms were raised and where silk was produced.high quality goose. This activity flourished throughout much of the 18th century, contributing to the wealth of the region.
Textile industry : the trade in wool, serge sheets and then stockings which were exported throughout the kingdom and abroad.
During this period, Uzès had around 6000 inhabitants. Many merchants made their fortune and became ennobled by purchasing administrative offices. Owners of a private mansion in town, they often own a farmhouse in the countryside, a source of considerable income.
At the end of the 18th century and until the 19th century the sericulture takes over the wool industry, numerous mills and spinning mills were set up throughout the city.
At the end of the 19th century the prosperity of the city is in decline and Uzès loses its sub-prefecture status acquired during the Revolution, the railway line put into service in 1830 was closed in 1938 and the population was around 4000 inhabitants…
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