Duché d'Uzès
Explore a historic ducal castle, still inhabited by its noble family, offering centuries of art, architecture, and stunning tower views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Half-price admission
Duché d'Uzès
Best Time
Half-price admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic ducal castle, still inhabited by its noble family, offering centuries of art, architecture, and stunning tower views.
"One of the most beautifully kept castles I've ever seen in Europe."
🎯 Check Tour Times
Website info can be vague. Arrive early for timed, French-guided tours; English handbooks available .
💰 Saturday Discount
Visit on a Saturday for half-price admission – a great way to save on this historical gem .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ducal Castle
Uzès
Explore a historic castle still inhabited by the ducal family, showcasing centuries of art and history.
Tower Views
Castle Tower
Climb the ancient tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Uzès and the surrounding Gard countryside.
Art and Architecture
Castle Interiors
Admire a rich collection of paintings and well-preserved historical furnishings spanning generations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guided Tours & Timing
Language & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Times
Website info can be vague. Arrive early for timed, French-guided tours; English handbooks available.
💰 Saturday Discount
Visit on a Saturday for half-price admission – a great way to save on this historical gem.
✨ Nocturnal Markets
Experience vibrant evening markets held near the Duché during summer months.
🍷 Local Wine Tasting
Explore the Duché d'Uzès wine region with tastings and vineyard visits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Times
Website info can be vague. Arrive early for timed, French-guided tours; English handbooks available.
💰 Saturday Discount
Visit on a Saturday for half-price admission – a great way to save on this historical gem.
✨ Nocturnal Markets
Experience vibrant evening markets held near the Duché during summer months.
🍷 Local Wine Tasting
Explore the Duché d'Uzès wine region with tastings and vineyard visits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Duché d'Uzès a very interesting and beautifully kept family castle, offering a glimpse into centuries of history with impressive art and architecture. The tower views are a highlight, and the staff are noted for their kindness. However, some find the guided tours too brief, the guides disengaged, and the website information inaccurate regarding tour times and accessibility.
"Very interesting family castle. However, the first thing to note is that their website is not very accurate. You can only go round the castle on a guided 1 hour tour but they don't put up any signs by the main gate saying that (or even anything suggesting that the castle is actually open), nor that you need to be there waiting outside the gates before each timed tour (times as shown on the website and on a sheet of A4 paper stuck to a high up window).
Around 10 minutes before the appropriate start time one of the gates will be opened and you'll be let in. As others have noted, it's half-price on Saturdays so don't waste your money during the week as it's not worth 22 Euros!
On the day of my visit, there was just the tour guide on her own, who wasn't particularly friendly or inviting and so didn't really give a good impression of being pleased to deal with the public!
The tour is only in French but you can ask for an English handbook which on 5-6 pages gives a mainly accurate abbreviated description of what the tour guide refers to as you go around.
The actual rooms you get led through are well decorated with a range of paintings of furniture covering several hundred years of the family owners.
It's optional to climb the 125 steps up the tower, but worth it for the views across the town & surrounding countryside (although if it's just a view you want, you can climb the almost as high tower in the Medieval Garden for less money).
Overall, there aren't many of the rooms you can get to see, but on a Saturday, it's an interesting way to spend an hour or so and absorb some local history."
Adam Bell
"We were lucky to see the flag raised as the duke was at home. The castle is very interesting as it’s still habitable but you can see the hundreds years of the family history. Lots of details and breathtaking view on the roof top of the ancient tower.
However we had a guide who was a bit disengaged and it smashed a bit the perception. Still a must visit place in the city to understand the history of the region."
Kirill Maksimkin
"Wow! One of the most beautifully kept castles I've ever seen in Europe. We climbed the tower and at first didn't think there was much else to see. The staff here was very kind and patient with the language barrier. They provided guides in English, and showed us a private tour.
I do not know if you normally need a reservation for this, but the tour should not be missed! We came on a quiet Friday afternoon and had the place to ourselves."
Savannah Rahimi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Duché d'Uzès is located in the heart of Uzès. If you're driving, there are parking options available in the town. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules is recommended if you're not arriving by car. The town itself is very walkable, making it easy to reach the Duché once you're there.
Yes, Uzès is often recommended for a more relaxing feel compared to larger cities like Paris. Its charming medieval streets and slower pace make it an ideal destination for a more laid-back French experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Duché d'Uzès operates on timed guided tours. While the website provides some information, it's best to arrive a bit before the scheduled tour times. Signs at the main gate might not always be clear, so be prepared to wait outside before the gates open.
Admission prices can vary. A significant tip is that Saturdays offer a half-price discount, making it a more economical choice compared to weekday visits. Check the official website for the most current pricing.
While not always explicitly stated, it's advisable to check the official website for any booking requirements, especially during peak season. For timed tours, arriving a little early is recommended to secure your spot.
Yes, the Duché d'Uzès offers a half-price admission on Saturdays, which is a significant saving and a popular tip among visitors. Keep an eye out for any other potential seasonal offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tours at the Duché d'Uzès typically last for about one hour. This allows for a comprehensive overview of the castle's history and key areas without being overly long.
The guided tours are conducted in French. However, English-speaking visitors can request an English handbook that provides a detailed description of the tour content, allowing you to follow along.
No, access to the Duché d'Uzès is exclusively through guided tours. This ensures that visitors receive historical context and information directly from a knowledgeable guide.
Climbing the tower is optional but highly recommended. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Uzès and the picturesque surrounding countryside. It's a highlight for many visitors.
Yes, the Duché d'Uzès can be an interesting experience for families. The historical aspect and the climb to the tower can be engaging for children. However, the guided tour format might require keeping younger children entertained.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Duché d'Uzès, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions in certain rooms or areas. Capturing the art, architecture, and views from the tower is highly encouraged.
The views from the top of the tower are spectacular and offer fantastic photo opportunities. The well-decorated rooms with historical furnishings and paintings also make for beautiful shots. Don't miss capturing the exterior of the castle as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
+4 Seek out local wine salons or visit vineyards directly for tastings. This offers a chance to discover unique French wines and understand the terroir that shapes them, adding a flavorful dimension to your visit.🚶♀️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Duché d'Uzès
The castle itself reflects this long lineage, with parts dating back to the 11th century and subsequent expansions and renovations over hundreds of years. It remains a habitable residence for the ducal family, offering a unique glimpse into aristocratic life that has endured through centuries of French history. The art and furnishings within the Duché showcase this continuity, with collections spanning several hundred years of family ownership.
Visitors can experience this rich history firsthand through guided tours that highlight the family's legacy and the castle's architectural evolution. The optional climb to the tower provides not only stunning views but also a tangible connection to the strategic importance of the stronghold throughout the ages. It's a place where history isn't just read about, but felt and seen.
Exploring the Duché d'Uzès Wine Region
+4 Many local domains are dedicated to producing authentic and often organic wines, reflecting the terroir of the Rhône Valley and Cévennes foothills.+2Visitors can explore this viticultural landscape through various means. Wine enthusiasts can visit local vineyards and wineries for tastings, learning about the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Duché d'Uzès wines. Social media content frequently highlights specific estates like La Tour de Gâtigne and Domaine Deleuze Rochetin, showcasing their cuvées and inviting followers to discover the appellation.
+3 Events like wine salons, such as the one organized by Trésors des Vignes in the Jardins du Duché d'Uzès, offer excellent opportunities to sample a variety of local wines and meet the producers.Beyond formal tastings, the wine region offers a scenic backdrop for exploration. The vineyards contribute to the picturesque landscape of the Gard, making it an enjoyable area for leisurely drives or cycling tours. Engaging with local wine culture provides a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage and its connection to the land, offering a delightful complement to a visit to the historic Duché itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit