Uzes - Commendable Rentals

Your Guide to the Best Provence Products

03/09/2019 by alexadams

The South of France is a beautiful place to visit. Between its scenic landscapes, romantic riviera, and incredible history, it’s a dream come true for travelers. The most wonderful thing about Provence is the vast selection of products it offers. Picture juicy fruits and vegetables, tasty pastries, succulent oils, wines, cheeses, and traditional lavender creations. The list goes on and on, so keep reading to discover some of our favorites and get ready to come home with a suitcase full of goodies!

What Do You Need to Know About Provence Products?

Where to Find Fresh Local Products?

One of our favorite places to find delicious Provence products is the Uzès Market. Not only is it one of the most beautiful markets in France, but it’s also a prime spot to find delicious products and mingle with the locals. Picture yourself with a basket in hand and a baguette under your arm, strolling through the market and smelling the fresh foods. It’s a wonderful shopping adventure where you can choose from a wide range of Provence products and find unique gifts to bring home with you.

What Are the Most Iconic Provence Products?

Savon de Marseille

One of the most iconic products (and the easiest to bring back home!) is the savon de Marseille. Provence’s handcrafted soaps are famous for their quality and gentle cleansing. They have been a staple since the 9th century! The original recipe (that is still in use today) came about in 1688. We recommend buying lavender soaps –after all, it’s Provence’s authentic scent!

Rosé Wine

You can’t visit France and not indulge in some serious wine tasting. Provence offers great options for red and white wines, but its specialty is rosé. There’s nothing better than sipping this delicious beverage after a long, hot day. Look for the Duché d’Uzès wines on the market and taste some of their best rosés! You’ll love the fruity freshness. Get a bottle to bring home and pair it with a delicious olive tapenade toast and grilled sardines!

Olive Oil

Are you ready to taste the best olive oil you’ve ever tried in your life? With its shining sun and warm weather, Provence is a prime spot for harvesting olive oil. This product is more than a staple; it’s a whole culture! You can find a wide range of olive oils in Provence, all boasting lovely local names: Grossane, picholine, salonenque, aglandau, cayon, broutigan, cayanne, and more! Pair it with a delicious fougasse or baguette and you have yourself the perfect apéritif!

Goat Cheese

Another thing you want to indulge in as much as you can while in France is cheese! Did you know Provence is home to some of the best goat cheeses in the world? Alpine goats are abundant in the region and produce some of the freshest, most delicious milk. Provence’s goat cheese is usually fresh, spreads easily, and pairs perfectly with dried fruits, nuts, or herbes de Provence. If you’re in Uzès, head over to Fromagerie Albert to sample some of them!

Calissons d’Aix

If you have a sweet tooth and wish to taste a unique treat, then the calissons d’Aix are made for you! These delicious little sweets are indigenous to Provence. They are made of a smooth, pale yellow melon-candied paste and topped with a layer of hard almond icing. They’re exquisite –an absolute must-try! They are also great souvenirs, since you can tuck them in your checked bag.

Truffles

Last but not least, try one of our all-time favorites: The truffe de Provence! These rare, underground mushrooms are a renowned product all around the world, and Provence is full of them. You can find three species there: The black truffle (also known as the black diamond), brumal truffle, and white truffle.

It’s such an iconic product that the town of Uzès even has a truffle festival (when they’re in season in January and February)! During that “Semaine de la truffe” (Truffle Week), all the local restaurants feature truffle specialties and dishes. You can even attend demonstrations on la Place aux Herbes, where pigs show off their truffle-finding skills.

Our “Chez Vous” Villa Is Perfect for Your Provence Getaway

Chez Vous means “at your place” in French, and that’s precisely why it’s the ideal base camp for you and your loved ones. Make your trip to the South of France the best it can be with this beautiful 2-bedroom home. You’ll love its elegant and cozy decor—not to mention its proximity to the market on la Place aux Herbes! You can sip on an espresso in the morning out in the garden, go for a swim after lunch in your private swimming pool, and sleep under the gorgeous wooden beam ceiling every night. The master bedroom features a comfortable queen-sized bed, fine linens, and antique furnishings. The double-glazed windows and exterior shutters even keep the room cool during the afternoon sun.

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What Can You See at the Uzès Market?

07/06/2019 by alexadams

Are you traveling to the south of France? You can probably already picture yourself roaming the cobblestone streets, visiting ancient sites, meeting locals, and sipping espresso on the terrace of a cafe. You’re going to have the time of your life! But, if you want to experience the local culture at its best, you need to visit the Uzès Market. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the famous market. Get ready to plan the ultimate trip to Provence with your family!

How to Make the Most Out of Your Visit to the Uzès Market

Get Familiar With Regional Products

Did you know that the Uzès Market is one of the most beautiful markets in France? When you visit, you’ll understand why. It’s held in the center of town on the Place aux Herbes and is full of history. The market is surrounded by medieval buildings, picturesque scenery, and beautiful, 100-year-old plane trees. It’s more than a market; it’s a celebration of Southern French life!

At the market, you’ll be able to discover unique products like clothing and flowers, as well as foods like charcuterie, cheese, vegetables and fruit, spices, honey, bread, and, most importantly, the region’s famous olive oil. (No trip to Provence is complete without tasting shiny olive oil on a baguette!) We also recommend that you try the local paella and bring home some Carpentras strawberries and Tarascon apricots for a mouthwatering fruit salad.

Note: The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Indulge in a Delicious Lunch

Once you’ve finished your tour of the market, it’s time to sit down and enjoy lunch under the shade of the trees. One of our favorite restaurants on the market square is La Famille. You’ll love its quaint location and friendly atmosphere! The menu showcases fresh ingredients in dishes like salads and charcuterie boards. Locals also love the bruschetta and home fries, marinated calamari, and tarte tatin dessert. It pairs really well with a cappuccino!

Take a French Cooking Class

With regular visits to the market, you’ll be an expert in local products in no time. So, why not take a French cooking class during your vacation to perfect your skills? You’ll learn how to recreate classic Provence flavors like herb-sweetened lamb and can try delicious cheese, local honey, fragrant olive oil, juicy fruit, and tasty bread. Uzès offers a few options when it comes to cooking classes, and you can be sure we’ll find the right one for you!

Stay Near the Uzès Market With Commendable Rentals

Wouldn’t it be magical if you could walk to the market in the morning and come home with a baguette, to be savoured with the artisan jams and honeys that you have tasted and selected? Well, we have just the home to make that dream come true! Our splendid Chez Vous in Uzès property is a match made in heaven for visitors to Provence. It’s only steps away from La Place aux Herbes and offers the comfort and charm you seek for your vacation!

Enjoy antique furnishings, fine linens, queen-size beds in two bedrooms, and the fully equipped kitchen. Chez Vous also features a heated pool and garden. It’s the perfect house for families looking to have the ultimate French experience!

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Here’s Why the Pont du Gard Is a Historical Landmark You Need to Visit

25/05/2019 by alexadams

Are you ready for the impressive historical landmarks in the South of France? If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a history buff planning a trip to the marvelous region of Provence. If there’s one site you cannot miss during your stay, it’s the Pont du Gard! This spectacular, ancient bridge—one of the most magnificent remains of the Roman empire—will dazzle you beyond belief. Read on to learn all you need to know about this famous UNESCO site and start planning your visit today!

The Pont du Gard Is a Must-See When Visiting the South of France!

What Is the Pont du Gard?

The Pont du Gard is by far one of the most impressive ancient sites from the Roman Empire in France. The 50-kilometer long, towering aqueduct was built during the 1st century A.D. to supply the city of Nimes (then known as Nemausus) with water. The bridge rises three stories high, or approximately 50 meters above the ground. It is made of yellow limestone blocks and features 25-meter arch gaps. It’s impossible not to marvel at the magnificence of the building, and at its well-designed architecture that still stands today, several centuries after its creation.

Prepare For Your Visit

Now that you know more about the Pont du Gard, it’s time to prepare for your visit! The site is accessible seven days a week all year round, but its hours vary depending on the season. Here are the hours for each time of year:

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in January, February, March, November, and December
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in April and October
9 a.m. to 9 a.m. in May
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in June and September
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in July and August.

An adult ticket costs 9.50 euros and is free for children under 18. You can book your tickets online in advance here!

There are several ways to see the bridge. You can either walk there yourself and sit in the shade of the olive trees as you marvel the structure, or you can hop on a guided tour. The best part? You can be your own guide! Download the app and follow the instructions as you pass points of interest and learn more about the history behind them.

After visiting the grounds and seeing the impressive bridge, make sure you stop by the museum. Contrary to the bridge, the museum is modern and interactive. Just a hint: avoid wearing white or you’ll glow like a neon! Go on a lively journey back in time through the Roman era—view reconstructions, learn the day-to-day life of the Gallo-Roman towns, and watch the bridge being built in front of your eyes as you advance through the galleries! Don’t forget to stop by the shop on your way out and buy some calissons. These famous, local treats are made out of a smooth paste of candied melons and oranges, with a thin layer of royal icing on top, and they’re extremely delicious!

Stay Near the Pont du Gard in the Lovely Town of Uzès

After your visit of the Pont du Gard, come back to the comfort of your home in Uzès at the Gigi House! This quaint townhouse has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and can sleep up to six people. You’ll love its location at the heart of the town—only 15 minutes away from the Pont du Gard! You’ll get to enjoy morning walks to the market on the Place aux Herbes to buy your daily baguette and fresh fruits!

Set up the table in the outside courtyard with butter, jams, your freshly baked bread, and sip on a hot cup of coffee while enjoying the sound of chiming church bells and chirping birds. At night, you can either walk back to the Place aux Herbes to have dinner, or cook yourself a meal at home in your fully equipped kitchen. Then, dream the night away on comfy mattresses, and start all over again the next day!

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Amazing Provence

05/10/2018 by florealexandre

Last week we sketched an attractive yet very short portrait of Provence (to read what a family reunion can be in Provence, click here). It is one of our favorite regions of France and holiday destinations, and as we are currently in the area (Chez Vous Uzès) we would love to talk to you a little more about it! Provence is a diverse region that extends from Bouches-du-Rhône to Hautes-Alpes, passing through various territories such as the Vaucluse, the Drôme, the Var, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes. In Provence you can lie in the sun on a fine sandy beach, ride white horses in the surf, go hiking, climb hills and mountains, feast on the sun-filled cuisine based on olives and olive oil, superbly fresh vegetables, fish from the sea accompanied by lovely rosé wine. You can visit amazing towns and monuments from early Roman, Medieval and Renaissance through incredible contemporary structures signed by Frank Gehry (Château La Coste), Norman Foster (L’Ombrière), and more. Then mark your calendar to enjoy the many art, music, design, and local culture festivals: all is possible. The only drawback is to first admit you won’t be able to see it all at once!

Today we explore the massif of the Alpilles, an authentic nature reserve just an hour away from Uzès and the well-known cities of Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. There, nestled in the golden triangle between Les-Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence and Eygaliéres, you will be able to enjoy most of the region’s authenticity and traditions in style and refinement, without having to drive far.

Les-Baux-de-Provence offers you incomparable panoramic views over the Alpilles mountain range, and the 400 souls who live within its walls jealously protect a patiently restored and unparalleled heritage from more than one million visitors coming here each year. We strongly recommend a visit to the ruins and vestiges of the Castle of Les Baux, a 11th century fortress that you can visit in open air, discovering with every step what the castle looked like originally with the secular and religious remains, siege engines -that are sometimes operated in front of you! -, the military remains and of course the Baux outcrop & the valley. Many events bring the fortress back to life: the “Médiévales des Baux” from late March to the end of August, “Secrets d’Artisans” every weekend in September and the “Automnales” in October (Les Automnales). The narrow, history-filled cobblestone streets of the old village will lead you to architectural masterpieces, art galleries, crafts workshops, boutiques and museums, and gourmet restaurants. Take you time to really let the peace and calm of this marvellous environment sink in: why not enjoy a lavender ice-cream while you stroll through the village! For a lovely and unusual stay in this exceptional setting, we recommend Le Dernier Château: Le Dernier Château, an extraordinary troglodyte villa set into the stunning rock hillside of the village.

If you’re inspired by Le Dernier Château’s setting, you should not miss the Carrières de Lumières: the former quarries dug out by the hands of man since the Roman and used to build Les Baux and its citadel offer today to the visitor a magical world of images and music. The program currently includes a never-seen-before multimedia event devoted to Picasso and the Spanish masters.

A mere 20min drive will take you from Les-Baux to Saint-Remy, another remarkably preserved village of the Alpilles which was and is a great source of inspiration for many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, who stayed as a patient at the Saint Paul de Mausolé monastery where he painted no less than 150 of his most well-known works, including the famous Self Portrait and The Starry Night.

Coming from Les-Baux, just before entering the city, you will find the archaeological site of Glanum: over a century of excavation on the site has revealed an outstanding collection of architectural antic relics. But Saint-Rémy is also in the heart of a land of gastronomy: renowned olive oils and AOC (PDO) Baux de Provence wines, as well as the famous Herbes de Provence, lavender and honey can be found in abundance every Wednesday morning at the colorful and busy weekly market in the centre. The town has indeed preserved its traditions and its personality. Festive events add flavor to the town life throughout the year: the Route des Artistes, a contemporary art fair (the next event will occur on October 7th), the bullfights and the Transhumance festival in the summer, concerts, plays and exhibitions. And where to rest from all this if not in our Bastide de la Lavande, where you can enjoy its glorious garden full of lavender and roses, olive trees, and vine-coved corners.

From there, you can reach Eygalières in less than 20min and discover the most beautiful village of the Alpilles. A visit on Friday mornings will show you how lively the village can become with its great Provençal market.

Read on about Provence:
Commendable activities in Provence Part 1 & 2
Magnificence in Provence
Local Tips
Family reunions!

Commendable Activities around Provence (Part 1)

15/07/2017 by susan

As part-time residents in one of the most beautiful towns in the South of France, and with many years’ experience in leading friends and visitors on international adventures, we love to share with others all the things we have experienced and appreciate about our travels. There are so many choices of things to see and do when planning a trip to Provence! We recently compiled a list of recommended activities for close friends that were coming to visit, and thought it was a great list to share with those who may one day visit the region.Please enjoy these commendable activities around Provence from the base of our home, Chez Vous in Uzès.

*We’ve decided to split this post into multiple posts, starting from Uzès and moving outwards. Enjoy!

Uzès Markets

The Uzès outdoor market is famed all over France. The larger and more diverse Provencal market is every Saturday morning, and sprawls throughout the town from the Place aux Herbes (Uzès’ main square), through alleys and neighboring streets. Don’t miss it for the best of French local produce, homemade jams, charcuterie, local tapenades, spices, cheeses, as well as a variety of goods, clothing, soaps, housewares, and much more. On Wednesdays, the market is more focused on produce and regional foods, with an array of colorful and fragrant fresh flowers. There is also a Sunday antique market which is exceptional.

Tip: The town tends to be crowded on market days, so allow extra time if you are driving out of the town on those days. For those staying at Chez Vous, it is a few minutes walk, which is great for buying fresh groceries or dropping off the treasures you’ll find.

Duchy of Uzes

Duchy of Uzès

In the center of Uzès is one of the best preserved buildings in the town center, with much history attached spanning from the Feudal days. With traces left of various periods in which the castle was built, the Middle-Ages, Renaissance, 17th century, and modern times can be seen in the architecture. The family of the current Duke of Uzès has owned this impressive property for a thousand years, and parts of it can be visited with a guide, including the Tower, where you will have magnificent views over Uzès and the countryside.

Tip: Estimate half an hour to an hour for the whole tour, with time to take photos. Every year in July, there is a music festival in Uzès, with some of the concerts held at night in the courtyard of the Duchy.

Hiking in the Valley of the Eure

A cool respite for warmer days, head down into the valley from Uzès town center, for a splendid hike among shaded trails and along the river. The river takes you to the source of drinking water in Uzès, as well as the spring once used by ancient Romans to deliver water to Nîmes via the Pont du Gard aqueduct. An incredible hike, you will come across the remnants of the Roman aqueduct, abandoned buildings, and enjoy the pleasant natural surroundings with many wildlife throughout.

Tip: Estimate an hour for the circuit. There are many trails you can hike through the park and valley

Pont du Gard

An obvious follow-up to the Valley of the Eure, and one of the most visited monuments in France, is the Pont du Gard, 15 minutes from Uzès by car. A must-see, the Pont du Gard is the famed intact portion of a 2000 year old Roman aqueduct that once brought water from Uzès to the city of Nîmes, a distance of over 50 kilometers and over the River Gard. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and displays great genius by the ancient Romans.

Tip: Enhance your visit to this grand site by cycling through the countryside or renting a kayak or canoe for an exciting trip down the river!

St. Siffret

St. Siffret is a tiny and charming hill-side hamlet a few kilometres from Uzès. Many of the homes have been beautifully preserved, and carefully restored. There are a few small shops, a cafe, a bar, and a restaurant. It is a pleasure to stroll its historic streets and walk to its neighbouring villages. 10-15 minutes from Uzès by car.

St. Quentin La Poterie

As can be derived from its name, St. Quentin La Poterie has a heritage of pottery and craftsmen. With narrow streets and colorful Provencal homes and medieval doors, the village also has several workshops and stores catered to its crafts. 10-15 minutes northeast from Uzès by car.

To be continued..