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Day trip to Uzez or Aix?

Wondering which day trip would be better from Avignon--Uzes or Aix en Provence? I believe they are similar in that there are no major sights to see, but worthy for the "feel" of each and a pleasant way to have a relaxing day. We do NOT have a car. I just checked www.Lio.LaRegion.fr for the bus schedule to Uzes (Bus #115) but they are not posting times for September yet. We are going to Nimes on another day (from where you can also take the bus to Uzes) but I wouldn't want to coordinate doing both in one day--too rushed I would think.

I've investigated getting to Aix by bus as well (rather than by TGV--less hassle by bus overall and more efficient for our preferred timetable). It's about 15 minutes longer by bus to Aix than it is toUzes, but I'm fine with that.

Both towns look very appealing--I know nothing about Uzes and what specifically is the draw to go there, but I could be talked into choosing it over Aix if it would really be a miss to not see it. Thanks for any input!

Posted by
10635 posts

We've been to Aix many times since we lived close by and one of our sons was at the university there. We also stayed in Uzès for five months during the pandemic.
As you said, neither has a major site/sight such as a Roman arena, but both towns do have a lot to see. Aix is a much more typical flat town with pretty builldings from various periods, plazas, markets, and of course the fountains. Uzès is more unique because it's a town that time forgot until the Duchess of Uzès (it's still a Duchy) convinced the then Minister of Culture to restore Uzés. Work began in the 1960s and is still going on.

I've been to a lot of towns in Provence (Uzès is officially in Occitanie but has a lot of Provencal characteristics) but have never seen anthing quite like Uzès. If you go to Uzès, be sure to wear good walking shoes because every street in the old section has been restored with a variety of stones. It took me two weeks to move effortlessly on those stones. If you have walking or balance problems, bring walking sticks, or it may be easier to stroll in Aix.

You'll find a market in Aix everyday (except Monday if I remember), but in Uzès you'll see a good market on Wednesdays but an enormous market that sells everything from live fish and oilve oil to beds on Saturdays. Restaurants are equivalent but be sure to reserve if you go on a market day.

Since bus service isn't as frequent as it should be, you may want to look at BlablaCar rideshare, too. I've used it and would use it again. https://www.blablacar.fr/ This is being promoted by the government, as you can see by the cash offer to drivers after they complete their third drive.

Posted by
208 posts

Thank for this input! I may have to see just what the bus situation is as it gets closer to the time we’re going—the bus would have to work both going and returning at reasonable times. Uzes does sound lovely but Aix is too—I appreciate your thoughts on this!