How Easy is it to get to Provence? Because it's Not Just About the Beaches in the South of France

How easy is it to get to Provence? 

Well, it is now super easy and fast!  The British holiday-makers' unrelenting passion for France, particularly Provence has attributed to the decision by Eurostar to extend the direct six-hour summer service from Ashford to Avignon by two weeks (28 June -13 September), with a permanent service from 2015. This region is becoming ever more easily accessible with flights available to Nimes, Avignon, Marseille and Montpellier.

Fenestrelle Tower and Uzès

What are the best things to see in Provence?  

Just west of Avignon, and only 13 kilometers from the UNESCO certified Pont du Gard, Uzès is a real gem. The Wednesday and Saturday markets on Place aux Herbes will awaken your senses with colour, and perfume. You will enjoy sitting at one of the outdoor cafés, sipping a glass of local rosé, watching the world go by and taking in the quintessential French experience. You will know you are in Provence! 

Uzès Saturday Market, Place aux Herbes

What are some of the best Provencal towns to visit? 

Steeped in 1500 years of history, Uzès has a fascinating blend of medieval architecture and Roman ruins and Uzès won the title “City of Art and History” in 2008. You can buy a pass from Tourist Office for €10 giving you access to 4 museums and historical sites.

What are the gastronomic specialities in Provence?Local gastronomic specialities include Truffles, Olives and of course, wine!

Where to rent a Holiday Home in Provence?

You can enjoy all of this when you rent one of our fabulous villas nearby. Here is a selection of our properties close to Uzès:

Perfect for 2 families or a large group, the beautiful stone-built Bastide de la Soie (ref GR014A), is 24 kilometers from Uzès and has 2 swimming pools, 6 bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 people.

Or how about this large, 220m2, Provençal style villa, Villa Camelia (Ref: VU028A). Only 12 kilometers from Uzès. With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, it can sleep up to 8 people. With a pool, ample garden and surrounding countryside providing plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the fragrant Provencal air and perfect for a poolside apéro!

Or, if you prefer a more modern style, take a look at Villa Chrysantha (Ref: VU029A), 30 kilometers from Uzès in the historic village of Rochefort-du-Gard. This contemporary villa has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a large garden complete with pool. There is a cool wrap-around terrace where you can relax and take in the magnificent view towards Pic St. Loup.

Want to rent a house for a large group in Provence? If you are part of a large group wishing to book together, this property can be booked with Villa Anise (Ref: VU026A), which also sleeps 8 people, the two properties are next door.

Villa Chrysantha (VU029A) A Stunning 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Contemporary Holiday Villa to Rent, Rochfort-du-Gard.

If you would like to know more about any of our properties, or would like to book, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can email us on: info@southfrancevillas.com.

Our website where you can find photos and information on all our properties in the South of France, Corsica and Morocco is South France Villas.

See also our Provence Regional Guide for more useful information on this area.

NIMES - The Old and the New

Home to the greatest wealth of ancient buildings in France, travellers have long flocked to this historic city. Nimes was established as a Roman colony around 28 BC and became one of the most important towns in France, positioned on the route between Italy and Spain. Its prosperity during this period can be witnessed by the many remains of many Roman buildings which can still be visited today. One of the most impressive of the Roman buildings is the elliptical Roman amphitheatre, which looks just like the one in Rome. It was built sometime around the 1st century AD and it is the most well-preserved Roman arena in the country. Back in the days of the Romans, the amphitheatre seated 20,000 blood-thirsty spectators for gladiatorial combats. It is still in use today as an arena for bull fighting and concerts. The UNESCO World Heritage listed 'Pont du Gard' is also a highlight. The bridge has three levels with an aqueduct on the top level. Incredibly, the precise construction of the bridge eliminated the need for the use of mortar at all. The stones were cut to fit together perfectly, despite the fact that some of them weighed up to 6 tons! And you can't miss the Maison Carrée (AKA 'Square House'), which is the best-preserved Roman temple anywhere in the world.

Yet it's not all ruins and Romans. Whilst preserving its historic splendour, Nimes has become a vibrant and modern city. Friendly competition between nearby Montpellier has sparked a wealth of innovation in Nimes. It hopes to be recognised the most dynamic and energetic city in the Languedoc. By enlisting architects such as Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck, Nimes is well on its way to overtaking Montpellier!

If you get an overdose of visiting the monuments and ruins, wandering the streets of the old town in a pleasant pursuit in itself. Stop and have a leisurely coffee at one of the many cafes during your explorations. With 300 days of sunshine, take a seat outside the cafe to bask in the warm sun and people-watch as the pedestrians pass by. The Jardins de la Fontaine ('Gardens of the Fountain') is lovely, too. It is built around the Roman thermal ruins and features fountains, trees, grottoes and a lovely view from the Roman tower. Nimes also has many museums, which you could peruse in the unlikely event of rain!



Apart from the Roman ruins, Nimes also has another large claim to fame - it is the home of Denim! Get it - Denim... De Nimes? The fabric was originally named 'Serge de Nimes', and at some point the 'Serge' was dropped and the name became Anglicised into today's word, 'Denim'. During the 1849 Californian gold rush, Levi Strauss was engaged in the profitable business of manufacturing trousers for miners. In search of a sturdy fabric which would withstand the tough conditions in the mines, he stumbled upon 'Serge de Nimes'. He began to import it and it became incredibly popular - as I'm sure you're aware of!




Villas

Looking for a nice place to stay near to Nimes? Consider a beautiful villa for your holiday in Southern France!

GR009A Mas Sevenne

Sleeps 8-10
A very spacious hill top village house in the foothills of the Cevennes, near St Hippolyte du Fort, in the Gard. Large private garden with swimming pool. A blend of old stone and contemporary. All rooms and terraces have stunning views.

GR008A Villa Nadege

GR008A Villa Nadege
Sleeps 12.

Villa Nadege is an exceptional and quite luxurious country house which has been finished and decorated to an extremely high standard with a large attractive garden, a huge summer kitchen, and a private heated pool measuring 12mx6m.


It is situated on a hill in a picturesque Mediterranean village, in an area of great natural beauty with great views; an intimate landscape of small hills with limestone scarps and 
hardy Garrigue woodland.

GR010A Domaine Fontaine du Mas

GR010A Domaine Fontaine du Mas

A huge stone-built farm in the Cevennes foothills close to Uzes, sleeping up to 30. Private park with tennis court and pool. This large villa in the Languedoc is ideal for large groups as well as weddings, seminars, family reunions and celebrations.

For more of out properties check out our website www.southfrancevillas.com.

Contributions by Katarina Byrne