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Touring Uzès: A Captivating Town Near Avignon

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[a view of rooftops in Uzes Avignon seen during tour with many hotel uzes accommodation in south of france]

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Discover Medieval and Roman History - Tours in Uzès Near Avignon

Discover Uzès near Avignon, a charming medieval town nestled in “French Tuscany.” Explore its Roman roots evident in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site Pont du Gard, and its medieval charm showcased in the Place aux Herbes square. Whether you choose Uzès as your Provence base or visit for a day trip from Avignon, a variety of tours await.

Choose guided tours for local insights, self-guided exploration, or exhilarating e-bike adventures. Use the table of contents below to jump ahead or check out some frequently asked questions. Plan your perfect Uzès trip with our expert tips on reasons to visit, accommodations, and restaurants, and start discovering its magic!

Table of Contents

[an illustrated map for tourism in Uzès near Avignon provided by Tourism Office for self-guided tours]

Unveiling Uzès's History: A Guide to City Tours

To find tours within the city of Uzès, the Tourism Office online or in person is the best place to start. They provide printed versions of the map above.  They offer scheduled tours in English, German, Spanish, and Italian and can suggest private tour guides. 

I take advantage of the scheduled tours whenever I’m au mas, (staying at the stone house) as I learn something new each time. Below are some of my favorite tours in the city of Uzès.

[a collage of medieval streets and buildings to be seen in a guided tour in Uzès near Avignon]

#1 Duché d’Uzès – We’ve got an in-depth article on the history of the Duché in the works, so for now, know that the castle is open for tours. Find the details here.

#2 Guided Tours Of the Mansions of Uzès  – I’ve done this tour and was thrilled to learn about the hidden passageway under the city, created from mining the limestone used to build the buildings.  I recall one guide saying that the caves were used by le Maquis during the Resistance. I’ll fact-check that on my next visit. Dates vary so check with the Tourism Office.

#3 Architectural Treasure Hunt – An exhibition of photos of architectural details from around the city, and a map so you can find them afterward! Fun for families!

#4 Guided tours of the Georges Borias Museum – Without a guide, you may miss some of the significant treasures – like the pre-historic tools and pottery shards!

[an architectural drawing of an elaborate door for the Hotel D'uzes to be seen in tours to Uzès near Avignon]

More Tour Opportunities in Uzès near Avignon

#5 Find other guided tours of the historic center of town through the Tourism Office online or visit them directly upon your arrival. They can point out the schedule of tours in various languages, or arrange a tour with a private guide either in town or a guide and driver to show you one of the many areas in the region to discover.

#6  Visit the Pont Du Gard and arrange a guided tour in English. They also have audio guides, a visitor’s center with videos and pamphlets in all languages plus the website is pretty detailed. Transportation to the site is necessary, although I believe public transport by bus from Uzes is possible. If you’ve rented a car, there’s a large car park (paid).  Start making your plans. 

Video tour of Uzès - shows the charming streets and sites but a tour guide will fill in the history!

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Tours Departing From Uzes

While there’s much to discover in the town of Uzès, the area surrounding is full of history to be discovered.  Consider a self-guided ebike tour as a great way to discover the area and fun for you and your family! 

[a woman in a red top and a straw hat takes a selfie with a Roman built aqueduct in background. Tours to or from Uzès near Avignon include this stop]
Liz D., author of this blog, at Pont Du Gard near Uzès and Avignon.
[a woman on an bike rides beneath the arches of an aqueduct on a self guided tour Ebike rental Uzès France]
Self-guided tours of the Pont du Gard, the Roman engineering marvel. E-bike rental in Uzès.

E-Bike Tours Departing From Uzes

#7 Half-day E-Bike Ride Starting From Uzès – Child Seats Available 

Spend an afternoon (or morning) on an e-bike adventure with bikes from Sun-E-Bike Uzès!  Great for families. Departing from Uzes, the region has excellent bike trails leading to the Roman Aqueduct Pont du Gard.

Armed with a GPS app and a customized map, the half-day ride covers 33 kilometers (2 hours ride without breaks), letting you discover the region at a leisurely pace. 

After picking up bikes at Sun E-Bike, their friendly staff will provide all the information and tips to make your ride stress-free and enjoyable. The route winds through the captivating town of Uzès and its charming surrounding villages, culminating in a breathtaking stop at the iconic Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

 When booking, select a timeframe: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM or 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

#8- Full-day E-Bike Ride Starting from Uzes

Pick up your bikes at 9:00 am and spend an enjoyable day riding paved bike paths through the countryside to the Pont Du Gard stopping along the way.  Here’s one of the routes you might explore.

[people swimming on the banks of the Gardon river near the Pont du Gard]
Swimming is possible on the Gardon river in view of the Pont du Gard, but read all warning signs.

Insider tip: In summer it is possible to swim in the le Gardon, the river flowing underneath the Pont du Gard.  Check with the Tourism Office for any regulations first and make sure to rent a bike lock and bring a towel. Also, carefully read the signs.  It is free to access the park by walking or bicycles/ebikes. Parking is $9.

#9 Sun-E-Bike offers other self-guided e-bike tours leaving from Uzès including a winery tour!

Frequently Asked Questions About E-Bike Rentals from Uzès

According to Sun-E-Bikes, a child must be at least 12 years old or 150cm tall when accompanied by a parent. Non-motorized bikes are also available to rent. If you seek further clarity,  email them, they’ve been quick to respond to my emails. (I did use google translate to make it easy for them.) Or visit their shop in town (32 Av. Général Vincent, 30700 Uzès, France)

Yes. Suitable for children up to 3-5 years old or 22 kg.

At Sun-E-Bike they offer a child bike “follow me” system that attaches a non-electric bike to the adults’ e-bike.
[a promotional image of a child's bike attached to an adult back with a tandem mechanism]
This is what the "follow me" tandem hitch looks like.
[a map shows a bicycle route to Pont Du Gard from Uzès near Avignon tourism]
Bike routes map courtesy of Sun-E-bike website.

Best Tours to Uzès from Avignon: How to See Pont du Gard Without a Car

Staying in Avignon but you’d like to see the Roman ruins in the area? If you’d like to visit the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, the Pont Du Gard, and don’t want the hassle of renting a car or waiting on public transportation, a guided tour is just the ticket!  Here are some of our favorites.

#10 From Avignon – Half Day Tour – Pont du Gard, Uzès & Nimes (5 hours)

Your guide starts your half-day tour in Avignon with a small group (max 8 people) meeting at the appointed place.

First, explore Uzès, a charming medieval town with Roman ruins. See remnants of the Roman era alongside medieval architecture.

Next, marvel at the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Roman engineering marvel.

Finally, discover Nîmes, a historical city known for its Roman treasures. Explore the impressive Arena, a well-preserved amphitheater still in use today.

This tour books up quickly so confirm your dates here.

#11 – From Avignon – Full-Day Roman Sites and Historical Places (8 Hours)

Embark on a fascinating journey through time, exploring the captivating legacy of the Roman Empire on a day trip from Avignon. Starting in Nîmes you will delve into the city’s Roman past with an audio-guided tour of the Arenes: the impressive amphitheater, once a stage for gladiatorial combats and chariot races. Also visit the Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in existence.

Then on to the Pont du Gard: stand in awe of the engineering marvel, a majestic aqueduct bridge still standing as a testament to Roman ingenuity. (Museum entrance fee not included.)

Spend the afternoon wandering the charming medieval town of Uzès. Visit the Place aux Herbes square, the heart of the town, bustling with markets, cafes, high-end shops and other highlights.  

Finally, on to Orange, to see the best-preserved Roman theater in France, still used for performances today and the Triumphal Arch.

Tour includes:

  • Entrance fees to the Nîmes Amphitheater, Pont du Gard, and Orange Theater.
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus English-speaking driver/guide

With free cancellation possible, make your reservations now.

Check out this video of the World Heritage Site - Pont du Gard

The Pont Du Gard is the second tallest remaining Roman structure.

Start Planning Your Trip

Uzès, a captivating town nestled near Avignon in Provence, awaits your exploration. Steeped in history, its charming medieval streets whisper tales of Roman influence, evident in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pont du Gard. Whether you choose Uzès as your base with one of these great accommodation options, or embark on a day trip from Avignon, a variety of tours cater to different interests.

Beyond the suggested tours, Uzès offers a plethora of experiences. Explore charming boutiques, savor delectable Provençal cuisine, or wander through the bustling weekly market. With its unique blend of history, charm, and cultural richness, Uzès promises to leave a lasting impression.

Start planning your dream Uzès getaway and discover its magic for yourself!

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