Formerly known as Ucetia, a Celtic city, the Romans drew water from here in abundance, channelling it to Nîmes via a 50-kilometre-long aqueduct, of which the Pont du Gard is the most notable section.
Uzès, city of bishops, Uzès, the first duchy in France, Uzès, Huguenot
The Bishopric of Uzès was established in the 5th century AD, modelled on the Roman system. Until the Revolution, the bishops of Uzès minted their own coins and administered justice, a testament to their great power. In the 18th century, the Diocese of Uzès comprised 193 parishes, making it one of the largest in Languedoc.
Uzès was the largest diocese in Languedoc and the birthplace of a holy bishop, Saint Firmin, beloved by all for having stemmed the plague. Urban V, before becoming Pope, served alongside him. The relics of Saint Firmin rest at the heart of Saint-Théodorit Cathedral.
In 1229, the Languedoc, of which Uzès forms part, was annexed to the French Crown. In 1565, Charles IX elevated the Count of Crussol to the rank of duke in order to secure his loyalty to the crown. In 1632, the Duke of Uzès became the first Duke of France. The Duchy, situated in the heart of the town, still belongs to the ducal family, who have resided there for over 1,000 years.
In the 16th century, Uzès was the fifth-largest Protestant town in the kingdom. However, the church in Uzès was destroyed during the Wars of Religion. In 1685, Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes: the Protestants of Uzès then either converted or chose to emigrate across Europe.
Uzès, a ‘town of art and history’
On 5 January 1965, Uzès designated its town centre as a ‘conservation area’, with the support of André Malraux. Since then, numerous beautification projects have been undertaken: paving of the streets, concealment of overhead power lines, and the restoration of 12 hectares of buildings in 1965; today, 41 hectares of the town are listed under the provisions of the Malraux Act.
Designated a ‘town of art and history’ since November 2008, Uzès enjoys an international reputation.
And its rich heritage explains this reputation.
Must-see attractions here include the Ducal Castle, the Duchy Tower, its medieval garden and its 450 varieties of vegetable, herb, ornamental and medicinal plants – illustrating their ubiquity in everyday life during the Middle Ages – and the striking Fenestrelle Tower, modelled in particular on a Tuscan bell tower.
History enthusiasts can visit the Château and explore the Gothic chapel with its superb stained-glass windows, the wine cellar, and part of the apartments decorated with
You should also climb to the top of the Bermonde Tower, a primitive 11th-century keep, to enjoy a magnificent view of Uzès.
The Town Hall dates from the 18th century and has retained its original southern façade, adorned with pilasters, whilst the northern façade was rebuilt in 1900. The inner courtyard serves as a venue for summer concerts.
On Place de l’Evêché, the Neo-Romanesque façade of Saint-Théodorit Cathedral may come as a surprise; it was added in 1870 after the previous one had been deemed too modest. Inside, you’ll find the relics of Saint Firmin and a treasure: the organ case framed by painted wooden shutters, one of the oldest in the country, dating from 1670.
The prettiest tower in Uzès is the Tour Fenestrelle, the only example in France of a cylindrical bell tower. It is the sole remaining part of the former 12th-century Romanesque Saint-Théodorit Cathedral, destroyed in 1563 by the Protestants. A stroll along the esplanade offers a beautiful view of the region.
The former Episcopal Palace now houses the court and the Georges Borias Museum, whose collections trace the history of Uzès from prehistoric times to the present day.
The Haribo factory and the National Stud Farm are also worth a visit…
Finally, don’t miss the market at Place aux Herbes every Saturday, which has a well-established reputation.
Uzès Town Hall
1, Place du Duché or 1, Place Albert 1er
30700 Uzès
Tel.: 04 66 03 48 48
Pays d’Uzès Tourist Office
Chapelle des Capucins – Place Albert 1er –
30700 Uzès
Tel.: 04 66 22 68 88
