Uzes

Much of Uzes looks like it was caught in a time warp.  Some of the buildings date to the 12th century.  Others date from the 17th or 18th century and many were rebuilt after various wars.  A lot of national resources have been spent to preserve the historic look of Uzes.  It was a thriving city of Protestant merchants that dealt in cloth and silk stockings before they were forced out.  Today, it has a very prosperous look and feel.

This morning, was market day in the Place aux herbs, in the center of the old city.  Both the vendors and patrons look quite different from market day in Arles.  Less enthic diversity in Uzes: fewer north-Africans, fewer Gypsies, fewer Spaniards.  The trucks and vans that haul all the goods to/from market are parked someplace else.  That gives the market a cleaner look than in Arles.

The old buildings are really a treat to see.  Last year, I didn't see the bell tower, so I made finding it a priority today.  La Tour Fenestrelle is a Romanesque cathedral bell tower that dates from the 12th century.

The bell tower, from the south

La Cathedrale Saint Theodorit (17th century), with the bell tower behind it

Some of the streets through the old town are mostly for pedestrians and are quite pretty.

The duchy (the residence of the dukes) is in the center of the old city, and it has an imposing presence.  It was built on the site of a Roman fortress.  Buildings date to the 12th century.