9 reasons to visit the South of France this Summer!
There are so many reasons to come out and see us in the south of France. Summer is hot but not as hot as some of the activities we have going on. Plenty of wine is poured, music is played and dancing is done, you’ll be asking yourself what took you so long to clue into what we’ve known for so long – La Vie en Rose lives in the South of France and not just because of the rosé.
Here’s just a taste of some of what’s been going on and is still to come this Summer in around le Pays d’Uzès.
1 – Les Jeudis de Nîmes
Every Thursday night since the month of June, the streets of Nîmes have been pulsating to the rhythms of salsa, tango, rock n roll & jazz. Live street music, a night market and more have filled these hot summer nights making Nîmes the place to be on Thursdays. There’s something for everyone including a playground for children big and small. Running from 5 July till 30 August.
Nîmes, by Yetunde Oshodi
2 – Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles
A photography festival running since 1970 throughout the city of Arles in its numerous heritage sites. featuring the works of both French and foreign photographers mainly of their unpublished works. From July to September. Purchase your ticket here.
Arles, by Yetunde Oshodi
3 – Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard lights up as night falls during the summer months. Arrive during the day and stay for the evening (check general entrance fees directly on their site). The nightly illuminations start in the month of July. For more information, visit their site.
“The beach” In July and August, cool off on the shores of the Gardon where they have set up cabanas where you can lounge or picnic. Take a dip in the river and cool off on a hot summer’s day. During this period of the year, the Pont du Gard offers safe, supervised swimming sessions on the banks of the Gardon river.
Pont du Gard, by Yetunde Oshodi
4 – Marché Nocturnes Pays d’Uzès
Ah, the night markets. What a way to discover the various villages of “le Pays d’Uzès”. Each night market is preceded by a guided tour for those interested in discovering these charming villages and the entertainment varies from village to village with live musical performances, food stands, arts and crafts and lots and lots of fun. Tables are set up for a community picnic al fresco. You’ll really feel part of village life in the south of France after one of these nights. The surrounding villages each have their dates from the Pays d’Uzès to the Pays du Pont du Gard covering almost the entire week with an event on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays each week in July and August.
July:
- Friday 8 : Fontarèches
- Wednesday 13 : Sanilhac-et-Sagriès
- Friday 15 : Collorgues
- Wednesday 20 : Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie
- Friday 22 : Aigaliers
- Wednesday 27 : Montaren-Saint-Médiers
- Friday 29 : Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie
August:
- Wednesday 3 : Saint-Siffret
- Friday 5 : Lussan
- Wednesday 10 : Saint-Maximin
- Friday 12 : La Capelle-et-Masmolène
- Wednesday 17 : Flaux
- Friday 19 : Arpaillargues-et-Aureilhac
- Wednesday 24 : Foissac
- Friday 26 : Vallabrix
In Uzès, you can catch the nightly markets every Tuesday starting in July.
Mardis Nocturnes d’Uzès around the Duché d’Uzès
Evening market by Yetunde Oshodi
5 – Uzès
With so many lovely restaurants, a vibrant market, lovely shops, and the Duché, what else could you ask for? Have a drink at Terroirs on the Place aux Herbes.
And who can resist the Wednesday producers’ market on the Place aux Herbes or the larger market that fills the streets of Uzès on Saturdays? Be ready for fresh produce, knick-knacks and souvenirs, and street music.
Marché d’Uzès, by Yetunde Oshodi
6 – Les Estivales de Sommières
Every Monday night starting in June from 6:30 PM till 11:00 PM a small entrance fee gives you two glasses of wine & 1 souvenir glass and full access to an evening of wine tasting with some of the renowned Languedoc winemakers.
7 – Les Estivales de Montpellier
Every Friday
The Estivales de Montpellier is a large open-air night market with many exhibitors, artisans, booksellers, and corners to taste wines and dine. Every Friday night in summer, from mid-July to mid-August, the Estivales de Montpellier is an opportunity to meet up for a good time with friends.
The atmosphere is great, with live music and friendly dining options. Sit at a large outdoor table with your plate of local products, enjoy your made-in Languedoc wine and meet new people! You may even go up to jiggy on the dance space, where tango and salsa initiations are organized. Introduction to enology.
A huge outdoor wine bar run by local winemakers is waiting. Learn directly from the producers about their wines and how best to enjoy them. You can even partake in a wine class provided by an oenologist of the Coteaux du Languedoc! (in the gardens of the tourist office, registration required)
Running Mid July to Mid August
Montpellier, by Paulina CHUDZIK
8 – Avignon 
Avignon alone is well worth the visit not just for the Pont d’Avignon and the Palais des Papes but also for its wonderful markets including Les Halles d’Avignon. Enjoy an evening market on Mondays from 5-7: 30 PM, from April to October.
As summer approaches, the City of Avignon proposes a new seasonal market which brings together twenty or so local growers from Barthelasse Island, Avignon, and the greater Avignon area. Because who doesn’t love fresh, seasonal produce. You’ll find fruits and vegetables, goat cheeses, bread and local products including organic produce. On the 3rd Monday of each month, there will be a drawing at the end of the market to win a basket of fresh food! Each grower will give one product to the basket. As you purchase from the different growers, they will provide you with a ticket to fill out and place in the urn to have your chance to win the drawing for the basket!
Avignon, by Yetunde Oshodi
9 – Les Baux de Provence
Cool off in the Carrieres de Lumieres, a sound a light presentation for the art lovers in the former limestone quarries. This unusual space has been transformed by numerous projection screens showing the works of great artists. Each year there is a different theme more delightful than the year before.
Les Carrières de Lumières, les Baux de Provence, by Paulina CHUDZIK
For more exciting adventures in Uzès come and discover our culinary holidays in Uzès. The Week in Uzès is for any and all food & wine lovers looking for a culinary experience in the company of professional chefs. A program created by chefs with home cooks in mind. Open to cooks of all levels. Discover a Week in Uzès.
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