Charming Uzes, the foodie town
Written by xoamys
‘Charming cozy town of Uzes is a gastronomic dream’
In all of Provence, I had my favourite escargot in La Parenthése that were soaked in a vibrant green parsley jus and the best morning market experience. I love the ambiance in Uzes, it is cozy and untainted by tourism that much divert to famous places like Gordes or bigger cities like Avignon. You can listen to the beautiful french language as local tourists enjoy their pale rosé, much whom have gathered to Place aux Herbes, the town square. The town revolves around the main square that spills with restaurants and little boutiques all beautifully surrounded by oversized 100 year-old trees. The fountain in the centre not only is tranquil for the eye and a pigeons bathing spot, but also restaurant owners golden retriever, likes to take an occasional dip there.
The streets are calm in the morning, pastel coloured shutters begin to thrust open after a night of being fastened and the smell of coffee invites us to a cafe. Despite it being warm and hot during the day, we see a few leaves making their way down to the ground embracing the first signs of fall. Just having arrived from Southern Italy that showed no autumnal signs, Provence is slowly bringing out down jackets and knitwear and harvest is nearby. Pumpkins are out and porcini is much used on the menu and figs are at their best. Gingerbread-like doors open up to darling boutiques, locals carry baguette in hand and Uzes begins another beautiful day for us to explore. These photographs allow me to look back and soak up the ambiance of the town, remember the smells of regional food, see the architecture & history and all too quickly the faded experience becomes a warm memory of our Provence road trip.
Love Start your morning in one of the many side walk cafes, such as La Fougasse or chez cerise sipping coffee from antique cups and breakfasting over flaky croissants or french pastries. The salon-like pastry bars, much like you will find in Paris are buzzing with locals conversing over marmalade pastries and black coffee. And don’t worry, you are able to find some savory options too, if you are like us and can’t handle all the sweetness in the morning! Uzes is great for people watching and just enjoying the quintessential Provence moment, that can easily keep your eyes wandering for hours. Wicker basket at hand and panama hat on, love all the tiny pathways of the town that lead you to the cutest shops.
Enjoy the food. The town has plenty of Michelin star restaurants despite being small as the town, so this place will feed your taste buds to its full potential. I guess Uzes (although a bit bigger) reminds me a little bit of Montefalco, in Umbria as both are full of restaurants and have a certain respect for food.
If you have had lunch in another town, make sure to grab antipasti before dinner in Les Terroirs (town square) to make most of the local food. Share a rustic paté and a glass of red wine to work up your appetite. It you are staying for lunch, stop for a vitello tonatto in A coté over an afternoon rosé and make reservations for dinner on the top floor terrace of La Parenthése, a Michelin star restaurant overlooking the sunset. We stayed in Uzes for 3 days and another spectacular restaurant is Le Bec a vin. We were seated in their cozy courtyard and make sure to try either the boeuf or tuna tartar.
Other restaurant options: La Table d´Uzés, L´Artemise &Ten
Wander Explore Uzes by foot and get lost in the limestone streets. Stay during the weekend because of the markets on saturday and sunday. Shop for lavender soaps, home scents other than Fragonard and try some lavender ice cream as you walk down the winding streets. On market day, by spices and sample on the cheese and cold cuts and refresh the palette with the sweetest oranges. Uzes makes a great base to explore other cute towns like Saint Remy de Provence.
Stay Spend your nights in La Bella la Vie, the white luxurious provincial home overlooking the Place aux Herbes. Parking is free in the large parking lot that is just on the outskirts of the town, all in walking distance.
Read more about the morning markets here.
We craved for oranges and all things lavender and linen, so we had to shop them all!
perfect lunch spot and fountain view of the entire square
Above: rustic paté and rosé before dinner at Les Terroirs
Don’t be fooled by the entrance of La Parenthése the restaurant, the cozy and small roof terrace is a magical hideaway for a fantastic dinner and you’ll quickly understand why they have a star!
Amazing little sweet shops
