Pretty town named Europe’s best ‘hidden gem’ that should be on your bucket list

Uzès has been desrcibed as a “hidden gem” by France expert at independent travel agency Simpson Travel Justin Ashby, making it a dream holiday destination in Europe. 

The town, located in Southern France, boasts a beautiful arcaded central square, multiple historic monuments, historic streets, and a sprawling countryside.

“Uzès certainly punches above its weight thanks to its beautiful streets and central square lined with restaurants”, Justin Ashby, France expert at independent travel agency Simpson Travel, told Mail Online.

The narrow medieval streets of the old town are centuries old.

Noteworthy buildings also include 17th century houses, many with ornate iron balustrades, reminsicent of the town’s wealthy textile background.

A major monument to see in the centre of Uzès is the Duke’s Castle, dating from the early medieval period, with three towers and donjon.

The garden is also remarkable, with an opportunity to climb the King’s Tower for an amazing view of the town and surrounding countryside.

The Cathedral of Saint Theodorit, dating from the 11th century but rebuilt in the 17th, also stands as a historical monument. Its window tower nearby, an Italian style round stone tower with several pairs of arched windows, stands 42 metres high. 

Uzès is also located near the famous Pont du Gard bridge, an ancient Roman aqueduct remarkably well preserved. It is the highest of its kind still in existence today, making it a significant historical landmark.

For visitors looking to shop around and taste the local cuisine, the Rue Gambetta offers many resturants, cafes, and retailers, surrounding the town’s medievla centre.

Uzès is a sunny destination, with temperatures reaching a daily average of 27C during the hot season sapnning from 13 June to 6 September.

July is recorded as the hottest month, with an average high of 31C and low of 18C.