What better way to welcome in summer? It’s music time in Uzès!
In Uzès, summer doesn’t just tiptoe in—it bursts through the streets with guitars, drums, and dancing. It’s music time in Uzès — the Fête de la Musique — France’s nationwide music celebration — and this little town does it beautifully.
Music on Every Corner of Town
One evening each June, Uzès turns into one big stage. Musicians set up on the streets, in plazas, and under the arches of the Place aux Herbes. Everywhere you go, a different sound pulls you in—flamenco guitar, folk songs, jazz, even rock and roll. Crowds wander from one spot to another, stopping to listen, dancing in the streets, or just soaking in music time in Uzès, under the summer sky.
It’s the kind of evening where strangers become friends, and everyone feels part of the celebration.
Dinner With a View
This year, I planted myself right in front of the flamenco stage. New friends from Pittsburgh—readers of the Barefoot Blogger—had invited me to dinner at Ma Cantine. The café, popular with locals, was well-positioned for dinner-and-a-show.
Thierry, the owner, made sure every last table and chair was put to use. The young server, who could have doubled for Liv Tyler, darted between the crowd, delivering drinks to diners and passersby alike. The menu was perfect for the night, simple and reasonably priced. But the music was the main course.
Following the Sound
After dinner, we wandered down to the Place aux Herbes, where more bands were playing. One corner had folk music, another rock, and laughter echoed through the square. The stone buildings of the historic center seemed to play with the music, amplifying each sound, making every note feel more alive.
The cafés were overflowing, chairs pulled every which way to make room for more people. Families sat with ice cream cones, perched on the fountain, and couples leaned against the arches holding hands. Each little side street had its own surprise—a violinist here, a drummer there—so just turning a corner felt like stepping into a new party. That’s the magic of the Fête de la Musique in Uzès—you simply wander, and the night unfolds around you.
Dressing for the Occasion
Of course, a night out like this calls for a little fun. I pulled out a blue polka-dot dress, fluffed up a petticoat, and slipped into red shoes with bows. Why not? Music, wine, friends, and warm summer air—what better excuse than music time in Uzès to dress up and join the party?
Summer Begins in Uzès
By the end of the night, the streets were still buzzing, and the sky above Uzès was amazingly blue. Standing there, I couldn’t help but smile. This is summer in the South of France—music in the streets, food and wine, and joy spilling out of every square.
The Fête de la Musique began in 1982 when France’s Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, and Maurice Fleuret, Director of Music and Dance, dreamed up a way to bring music out of concert halls and into everyday life. Their vision was simple: on the longest day of the year, music should be everywhere and free for all. What began as a French idea is now celebrated in over 120 countries.
If you’re ever in town in June, don’t miss it. The festival turns Uzès into pure magic—and reminds you why life here feels so unforgettable.
