Winding streets of Uzès

Winding streets of Uzès 50 years after Christ died, to Nimes. In the Middle Ages, Uzès was prosperous and thrived. But after World War II, the population was in decline and the old buildings suffered from a lack of investment and preservation. You’d never know it today - it’s one of the most beautiful towns in France. What to see and do in Uzès In the centre of the inner old district stands an enormous feudal castle, Le Duché (Duchy) home of the Dukes of Uzès, who can trace their ancestry back to the Emperor Charlemagne (748-814). Their family resides here still, and the grandmother of the current Duke was instrumental in helping to achieve “protected area” status for Uzès in 1964 which led to its stunning restoration and preservation. Place Aux Herbes, Uzès Uzès The secret jewel in the crown of the Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon. Via roads that climb over stony hills and plateaus of wildflowers and herbs, past the gorges of the River Gardon, and across a quaint 13 th century bridge - the Pont St Nicholas, built by monks (who also built the Pont d’Avignon) you reach Uzès, a pickled in the past oasis says Janine Marsh as she falls head over heels for its charms. Sometimes I visit somewhere and have to ask myself, how is it that I have never been here before, that I didn’t know how stunning it is. Uzès is one of those places. A town where ancient mulberry trees grow in the cobbled streets and birds sing in plane trees, where medieval stone buildings are cared for with passion, and a love of art de vivre (the French art of living well), influences the way of life. The Romans founded Uzès (Uzes-pontdugard. com/en) when they came to channel the water from the nearby River Gard via a 50-kilometre-long aqueduct, which included the magnificent Pont du Gard built around The Duchy of Uzès - the flag flying indicates the Duke is home! 8 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 9