The Duchy of Uzès

Nestled in the heart of the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard Destination, the Duchy of Uzès, witness to more than a thousand years of history, offers visitors an immersion in the past of the French nobility. The Château Ducal, with its imposing towers and enchanting gardens, dominates the town center of Uzès.

The first Duchy of France

11 kilometers from Pont du Gard, the Duchy of Uzès, a jewel of heritage, is a place steeped in history. Built in the heart of the town of Uzès, the Duchy proudly stands on the remains of an ancient “castrum”, a Roman camp whose traces date back to the first centuries AD. This strategic location became, during the first millennium, the official residence of the local governor, symbolizing its historical importance.

The Château Ducal, commonly called "the Duchy", embodies through its architecture a true summary of the history of France from different eras. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, through the Age of Enlightenment and Modern Times. Despite this stylistic diversity, the Château manages to maintain an impressive harmony that continues to amaze all those who visit it.

The French Revolution marked a particularly difficult period for the Duchy. Confiscated and sold as national property, the Castle was ransacked before being transformed into a college.
In 1824, the Duke of Uzès bought this historic residence and, in 1834, undertook major restoration work to restore it to its former splendor.

Today, the current Duke and Duchess of Uzès continue these restoration efforts, thus perpetuating the work begun by the Marquise de Crussol. Thanks to their dedication, a large part of the Château has been restored, and new furniture and objects regularly enrich the collections, offering visitors an always renewed and captivating experience. The Duchy is one of the rare examples of family castles benefiting from a complete restoration at the beginning of the 21st century.

Every year, this emblematic place hosts various cultural and festive events. Among them, the Nuits Musicales d'Uzès, with their enchanting concerts, attract many music lovers. The painted furniture show, film shoots and private receptions also help to liven up this historic place, breathing new life into its old stones.

These events, although limited in number in order to preserve the unique and intimate character of the Duchy, offer magical moments to those who are lucky enough to participate. The Duchy is not only a silent witness to the past, but a dynamic place where present and past meet and complement each other harmoniously.