This summer, France is having a party—the Paris 2024 Olympics. Uzès is preparing for Olympic-sized crowds to filter down from Paris.
Olympic Games Bring Crowds to Uzès
The Paris Olympic Games of 2024 will take place from July 26 to August 11. Millions of spectators will flood into Paris, where iconic landmarks are transformed into sporting arenas. The last Olympics in Paris was held in 1924 with 625,000 visitors attending.
Over 6.8 million tickets have been sold for the 2024 Paris Olympics (May, 2024.) As millions of spectators flood into Paris, they’ll witness a transformation of the city with iconic landmarks morphed into sporting arenas.
France is taking the Olympics beyond Paris, too. Competitions are scheduled for Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and beyond. The country will showcase 35 existing sports venues — a truly unique and dynamic Olympic experience.
All Roads Lead to Uzés
Marseille will host the Olympic sailing events and 10 matches of the Olympic football tournament from July 28 to August 8. Nice will host more football matches and the Olympic Torch Relay, the final stage of the celebrations on the Côte d’Azur.
That means a lot of traffic through and over this part of France... and that means crowds in Uzès.
A Renaissance in the Heart of Uzès
There’s no secret that Uzès is getting ready for the onslaught of tourists. Take one step into the heart of Uzès and you’ll see that a transformation is underway. The plaza surrounding the iconic Château du Duché in the center of town is filled with demolition and earth-moving machinery. A budding landscape of new shade trees and a courtyard of meticulously laid stones is breathing new life into the surroundings of the Château.
Château du Duché: A Symbol of Nobility
The majestic Château du Duché, a symbol of power and prestige that towers over Uzès, was built by the feudal lords of the Crussol family in the 12th century. The Château was a formidable fortress that has witnessed French history since the Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a reminder of Uzès’ noble heritage and an inspiration for all fortunate to view it.
From Parking Lot to Pedestrian Paradise
Around the Château is the Place du Duché. Once a nondescript parking lot, it will be a vibrant public space known as the Place Marquise de Crussol. Gone are the days of asphalt and traffic. As the seasons change, the plaza will overflow with festival activities, musical and art events, and popular nighttime markets.
Residential Gems and Historic Landmarks
Surrounding Place Marquise de Crussol is a lineup of architectural gems: the Hôtel de Ville (Uzès town hall), residential buildings, shops, and offices. Every attention has been paid to preserving these historic relics, ensuring the charm and character of Uzès remains intact. The ruins of a watchtower serve as a reminder of Uzès’ medieval roots, standing guard over the town and the legacy of previous generations.
Enhancing the Place aux Herbes
In the “New Renaissance” design of Uzès, stone-paved walkways lead from the Place du Duché to town’s most beloved landmark: Place aux Herbes. The pedestrian-friendly route invites visitors to stroll from the Duchè to the shops, cafes, restaurants and fountain at Place aux Herbes, savoring the best sights and sounds of the town.
Preserving the Past: The Legacy of Uzès’ Ring Road
The revitalization project in Uzès encompasses a range of tasks throughout the city, including road grading, network replacements, and repairs, facade enhancements, lighting upgrades, and the addition of a fountain and public restrooms at Place Marquise de Crussol. Uzès’ historic “ring road”- a reminder of the town’s medieval fortifications—is having its fair share of renovation. The road’s improvements improve access to local businesses.
A New Chapter Unfolds
A new chapter in Uzès’ history is beginning to unfold. With each stone laid and each step taken, the town embraces its heritage while embracing the future.
13 Responses
Thank you for this very informative article and for all that you do to spread awareness of wonderful Uzès .
My wife and I have lived here for the past fifteen years and have loved every minute of it. When we first arrived there were many old buildings in need of love and attention but these simply added to the magical atmosphere. Over the years it would seem that each and almost every one of them has had the makeover that they richly deserved and this beautiful and unique town has become ever more stunning.
Whether the Olympic crowds will presage a time to be far away for a couple of weeks or to stay and join in the fun, for us the jury is still out! But either way thank you again as to be forewarned is to be forearmed!
Thank you, Paul. It’s pretty obvious I love this place. You have an even longer time frame to have seen the changes. They’ve been pretty subtle up until now, but what a difference no parking lot at the Duchè will make (good for some, not so good for others, but a change!) I really appreciate your taking the time to comment. Bests!
They have also upgraded the little courtyard between Oustal and La Fountain on Place aux Herbes. There is a new fountain, benches, and stone replacement. The Archiologists were there for awhile but I don’t know if they found anything. It happened relatively quickly.
Thanks, Paula! It’s going to be a beautiful place — if it can get any better!
Thanks for the update. Look forward to seeing all the improvements. We’ll have to get together before the 26th! Look forward to seeing you. Jim will be there too.
We’ll make a plan to visit, for sure. You’ll be amazed how lovely this renovation is making the center of town. Thanks for the note. See you soon.
Thanks, Deborah (and Paula too) so much for this information. My husband and I will be back in Uzes in April and are looking forward to seeing these improvements! Making an already beautiful place even more beautiful. Jane & Jack (from California).
Thanks for your note. You’ll be here before I’m back from my States visit, so hope you’re here until late April. It’s going to be amazing when all the dust settles!
We will. Look forward to seeing you. And thanks again for the wonderful news about Uzes.
We loved Le Place des Herbs and visited it many times when we stayed in the area for 3 months in a home in Arpaillargues . WE ENJOYED LE DEJEUNER a le Terroirs and the lovely gifts and local wines sold there. What has happened to this special cafe? The owners and staff were very hospitable and gave us some local information regarding Uzes and the surrounding area. I hope they are still there!
Yes, happily Terroirs is still here. Talk about an institution! Uzès would not be the same without them. A blessing! Looking forward to your return. Thanks for keeping in touch!
Merci Deborah pour toutes ces belles informations sur notre uzes tres belle photos bisous Rosy
Merci Rosy. J’adore t’avoir comme ami toutes ces années. Bisous