Why Uzès is the Culinary Heart of Southern France
It is not difficult to understand why we and countless people before us love to visit Uzès, or why we continue to bring guests there. Uzès was once home, and while we no longer live there full-time, it still has our hearts – and many of our fondest memories. So if you’re wondering, is Uzès worth visiting fora food lover? Let us say it loud and clear: absolutely.
This charming city is one of our favorite destinations for a stress-free culinary vacation in Europe. With its laid-back rhythm, strong culinary identity, and warm, local connections, Uzès offers something special to travelers craving flavor, community vibes, and a little Provençal magic.
Bienvenue à Uzès!
Sunkissed Location
Uzes is a medieval city located in the south of France. While it is officially in Occitanie (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon), many locals call it the ”Gard Provencal” due to its proximity to Provence and the Rhône River. You are about an one hour from the Mediterranean sea the hills of the Cévennes mountains.With a climate similar to the Côte d’Azur, you feel forever kissed by the sun.
Visit Uzès for A Taste of History
Uzès dates back to the 5th century and was modeled after Roman city plans. The Uzès bishops minted coins and dispensed justice – privileges which reflected their great power. In 1229, the Languedoc region, of which Uzès was a part, was incorporated into the Kingdom of France. In 1632, the Duke of Uzès became the 1st duke of France (1er Duché de France).
Uzes was in the 16th century, famous for its great quality silk. Silkworms are fed with mulberry tree leaves, but when the trees were infected with a disease, the industry died.
Like many cloth-manufacturing centers, the city and the surrounding countryside were strongly Protestant during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century; a number of the city’s churches were trashed and burned by furious Protestants: only two remain today. One such church that was destroyed and rebuilt is église Saint-Étienne.
Let’s Talk about Food: Is Uzès Worth Visiting for Food Lovers?
Absolutely.
This is a town where food is not just nourishment but a way of life. Wander through the arcaded streets of La Place aux Herbes, where locals gather for wine, conversation, and the weekly markets. Come Wednesday and Saturday, the town bursts into flavor with produce, cheeses, olives, and seasonal treasures.
Want to know more? Our guests on theLet’s Eat The world: Let’s Eat Uzès culinary holiday get a front-row seat to it all: market days, cheese tastings, hands-on classes, and spontaneous glasses of rosé in the sun – all in the company of a French chef.
What to See and Savor
Uzes is a charming city, known for the arcade of stone that allows you to walk around the central square, protected from the sun or rain. The city center with small stone streets and the original shops and galleries, gives an authentic feel of the south of France.
- Climb the Fenestrelle Tower next to the Cathedral Saint-Théodorit and admire the views
- Stroll into the Vallée de l’Eure for a swan-spotting picnic
- Visit Pont du Gard, the majestic Roman aqueduct just 20 minutes away.
- La Place aux Herbes at the heart of the city is where everything happens, markets, book sales, and antique markets … is a busy area, with restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and a few other souvenir shops dotted throughout the surrounding streets and under the arcade.
Day Trips & Culture
- Nîmes: Explore the Arena, the parks with its Roman ruins, and the Musée de la Romanité
- Avignon: Palais des Papes is only 40 minutes away and definitely worth a day trip. The bridge is broken so be careful to not fall in the water 🙂
Visit Uzès for Wine & Terroir
Our Wine guide to Uzès is a great place to start on your exploration of the fuits of the vine. You can enjoy wine tastings with your friends at amazing wineries such as Deleuze et Rochetin or visit the Domaine de Malaigue for an unforgettable first-hand lesson in terroir.
Where to Dine
- TEN. A cocktail, a cappuccino, or oysters in the courtyard. Don’t miss it.
- La Table d’Uzès: Michelin-starred dining with seasonal flair
Fun Facts
- Cyrano de Bergerac was filmed here
- The Popes once ordered socks from Uzès silk makers
- Roman aqueducts once brought Uzès water to Nîmes
Why Uzès is the Culinary Heart of Southern France
We spent years living in Uzès, and it’s where we launched our first culinary holidays. Today Let’s Eat The World continues to bring small groups into our world of cooking, community, and connection. We believe the best kind of travel nourishes you body and soul.
And yes, there’s always a fabulous picnic.
For further reading on the region:
Merci beaucoup for this enthusiastic, well written article ! David Matier and I are looking forward to attending your “Week in Uzes” this September !
Thank you for your comment, just wait until you see Uzès for yourself, you will not be disappointed! 😉🍷☀️