Uzes - explore the streets
Activities Places to Visit
Locally
The closest village is St Quentin la Poterie (3km). It is a delightful Provençale village and home to some 35 potters and other craftsmen who hold fairs throughout the summer months. Local facilities include a small supermarket (Shoppi), a butcher, two boulangeries, a chemist, post office, hairdresser, doctors, dentists and Tourist Office as well as a number of restaurants, a café/bar and an excellent Friday Market.
Uzes (4km) is one of the most lively and sophisticated small towns in France. Home to the oldest and premier Duchy in France - the family still live in their Chateau and have done so since the 12th Century. Discover the antique shops, the Medieval Gardens, the Cathedral, the Castle and the 12th Century Fenestrelle Tower and visit the National Horse Stud. There are a number of museums and art fairs, as well as a series of musical evenings in July. There are also garlic, truffle and wine fairs. Markets are on Wednesday and Saturday. The latter is amongst the best in France. Uzes is truly a lovely town-there is a glorious ambience of years gone by and the pace of life is delightfully languid.
Montaren (4km) is a medieval circular village of great charm and character. It has a boulangerie, a Tabac and a hairdresser. Just over a km from Montaren in the direction of Uzes is a small retail centre containing a large super market (Intermarche), a BricoMarche and a variety of other enterprises.
Activities around La Truffe
Wine-tasting –Surrounded by vineyards, one is quite simply spoilt for choice between the superb wines of the Rhône Valley and the increasing quality of the Languedoc/Roussillon wines. Local vignerons produce some superb wines and within a short drive are the vineyards of Gigandas and Chateauneuf du Pape, to mention only two of the great vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
Walking - La Truffe is ideally located for excursions into the Cevennes or through the Camargues to watch the multitude of Flamingos and Sea Birds. (The Mediterranean coast is little over an hour’s drive).
Kayaking/canoeing - Either in the Gardon (water levels allowing), which passes under the Pont du Gard or in the Ardeche Gorge (1 hrs drive).
Cycling - Bicycles can be rented in St Quentin La Poterie. The lanes and by-roads, gentle hills and beautiful scenery are immediately at hand for an enjoyable, peaceful day in the saddle.
Golf - At the Uzes course (9 holes) 15minutes from La Truffe. In addition there are excellent courses in Nimes, Montpellier and Marseilles.
Hot air Ballooning - View the area from above in the early morning before the rest of the countryside is up and about
Places to visit
For those who wish to see something of the area, there is so much to see and experience. We provide some guide books and maps of the major centers of attraction, to help guide you through the colourful and historic towns and cities of Ales, Arles, Avignon, Montpellier, Nimes, Orange, Pont-du-Gard and perhaps above all Uzes.
Avignon - Le Pont
Avignon - One of France's great artistic and cultural cities (with a month-long culture festival in July/August). Visit the Papal Palace within the walled city (using the English audio guide). Also view the half-finished bridge that gave rise to the song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon...'
GlanumLes Baux de Provence: One of France’s best historical sites, with an ancient hill top chateau. It gets very crowded, so leave early but it is worth the journey and whilst there visit the Cathedrale d’ Images which in 2009 displays the life and work of Picasso. Then make a full day of it by visiting the ancient Greek/Roman settlements at Glanum .
Chateau de Barbentane. Open Easter to 1 Nov. 45 min guided tour (English translation available) of the current home of the Marguis de Barbentane. The Chateau is furnished and has some interesting Italian influences and style. Add to your visit with lunch at the Abbeye St Michel de Fricolet, a short drive from Barbentane
Beaucaire – Troglodyticchapel, cellars and necropolis dug by monks in the 5th century and a reconstruction of caves and wine making in gallo-roman times. A pretty town along a canal, with many a café and bar.
Le Aigles de Beaucaire: Daily (Mar- Nov) display of birds of prey in free flight.
Flamingos in The CanarguesThe Camargues - Discover, observe and photograph a wide variety of sea birds including Flamingos. Tours on horseback and views of the Camargue by boat are available.
Gorges d’Ardeche - One of France's 'Big 3' gorges, this spectacular series of canyons offers beautiful spots for river-swimming, some sensational viewpoints and fantastic kayaking and canoeing.
Goudargues - The 'Venice of the Gard' with its canals and cafés/restaurants lining their banks.
Isle-sur-Sorgue - Visit the famous market and all manner of restaurants and antiques shops.
Pont du Gard
Nimes –A city with a long history, much of it very early Roman. Visit the Maison Carre to get an overview of the history and times of Nimes and then visit the Arena, the gardens and the outflow of the viaduct from Uzes of which the Pont du Gard was part.
Orange - visit the Roman arena at the centre of this beautiful ancient town.
