Uzès is a small town between Nîmes and Avignon characterised by narrow medieval streets and gorgeous Renaissance architecture. The Ducal palace and medieval garden are lovely, but some may prefer the town’s Haribo museum.
Originally a Gallo-Roman hill fort, it is home to the spring that used to feed water to Nîmes (31 miles, 50 km away) through the 1st century Roman aquaduct made famous by the construction of the Pont du Gard.
Around 725 AD the town was the northernmost stronghold of Muslim Spain. By the 13th century it was had a small community of Jews and Cathars. During the 16th century Wars of Religion all but two churches in Uzès were destroyed.
The Duke of Uzès is to this day the First Duke of France and hereditary Champion of France, the highest nobility in the country after the royals. The layout of the medieval walls is retained in the town’s present-day boulevards.
Driving from Le Fort Pouzols-Minervois to Uzès takes just over 2 hours (112 miles, 181 km) along the A9 motorway. The huge Saturday market in the town is famous in the area. It is a good place to buy the textiles for which Uzès is renowned.
Although a bit further away, it is a great place to visit with its heritage, towers, fountains and sheer ambiance. For more information, visit www.destinationpupg.com. It can be combined with the Pont du Gard.