Uzès Preps for Olympic-Sized Crowds

­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.

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