Property For Sale In Uzes

The elegant mediaeval town of Uzes is one of France’s great hidden gems. From the historic centre of stone buildings lining narrow, winding lanes, to the spectacular rural landscapes that surround the town, property for sale in Uzes offers an opportunity to buy in a unique and spectacular location.

Located between Ales, Avignon and Nimes in the Gard department of Languedoc-Roussillon, Uzes boasts excellent road and rail links to nearby International airports such as Marseille, Lyon and Nice, as well as to the Cevennes Mountains and the beaches of the Mediterranean. Property for sale in Uzes provides an excellent base to explore the surrounding landscapes, which can be enjoyed year-round in the warm and sunny climate that is so typical of the south of France.

However, buying property for sale in Uzes is not just about the ideal location to make a new home in the sun, but also the truly fantastic property for sale in Uzes itself. The historic town centre is characterised by the beautiful mediaeval stone buildings that still survive, fronting onto the maze of narrow lanes that wind majestically between cobbled courtyards, shady squares and gardens.

Other older property for sale in Uzes often dates from the height of the textile manufacturing boom in the 16th century, and was built with immense care by skilled craftsmen. These majestic buildings are often characterised by ornate iron balustrades and carved stonework, making them a true wonder to behold. Even modern property for sale in Uzes is built with care, and often in sympathy with historic buildings. Outside the town, a great many properties can be found in the hillside villages, or traditional chateaux nestled amid the vineyards and olive groves that are so typical of the French rural landscapes.

Though today property for sale in Uzes is found in a small market town with a population of around 8,000, Uzes has almost unrivalled historical importance as the ‘premier Duchy of France’ and remains, to the present day, the seat of the Dukes of Uzes. While the role of ‘Champion of France’ brought great riches and status to the town and the ducal family, the obligations to defend the honour of the female royals, and France itself in battle, led to the historic demise of a great many of the dukes.

The great wealth of the dukedom can still be seen in the architecture of the town, and often property for sale in Uzes is found in the shadow of the dramatic towers that dominate the skyline. The King’s, Bishop’s and Ducal Towers still tell of the historic power struggles within the area, while the smaller Fenestrelle Tower is regarded as being the most beautiful, and iconic of the town. The cylindrical steeple launching skyward with its arched windows was once part of the original Romanesque cathedral Saint-Theodorit, which was destroyed in 1563 when conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the town reached epic proportions during the Reformation.

While the historical significance of the town cannot be overstated, property for sale in Uzes is found within a vibrant and charismatic town in its own right. At the heart of the town is the Saturday Farmer’s market, located within the spectacular arcades of the Place aux Herbes, and famed for the very best local produce, including truffles, local wines of the Duché d'Uzès, olives and abundant market garden produce.

The pedestrianised medieval centre, listed as a conservation area, contains an abundance of boutique and craft shops, restaurants and pavement cafes, all adding to Uzes’ unique character. The bustling town centre, along with the many festivals and exhibitions held throughout the year, ensure that property for sale in Uzes provides access to a lively and exciting town with year-round entertainment and facilities.

Property can be found not only in the town, but also in the surrounding countryside. The rural landscapes are typically French, and characterised by vineyards, fruit orchards, almond and olive groves, with pretty stone-built villages perched on the hillsides overlooking the town. Property for sale in Uzes, or in the countryside, is within easy reach of a great variety of outdoor activities, including golf courses, horse riding, tennis, swimming, and, of course, simply enjoying the landscapes on foot or by bike. The cave system at nearby Cocaliere is one of France’s most dramatic, boasting spectacular natural rock ‘sculptures’ and evidence of the prehistoric habitation of the area.

It also provides access to a wide range of museums and entertainment venues, such as the water park at Bouscarasse, and further afield, but within easy reach, are the Cevennes Mountains, the Gorges of the Ardeche, and the beaches of the Camargue and the Mediterranean.