Provence road trip: A local's recommended hidden gem route
Provence road trip: I have a private route butler to explore the niche ancient city of Uzes and the World Heritage Site Pont du Gard!
When night falls, the medieval city of Uzes is particularly quiet.
🏠Standing in Place du Duché, looking at the Uzes Tower that has been standing there for 1,000 years, it is still "full of spirit."
⛪️The Roman-style vaults and stone carvings of the Church of Saint-Theodorit are eye-catching, but you must go inside to visit. The afternoon sun shines through the stained glass, and you can take a great photo with a snap.
🏚The nearby Hôtel de Ville in Albi shows the history and culture of the city.
🏃🏻♂️The intersection of the Veni Vici track and the ancient city
Every year, the Veni Vici long-distance running track passes through Uzes and the Pont du Gard, a 27-kilometer course. This year, I happened to arrive in Uzes on the first day of the race. In the evening, the car shuttled into the city, just before the city gate closed.
During this trip to Provence, I stayed at Soko Hotels - Pont du Gard, a boutique hotel next to the Pont du Gard, run by a couple, Guismo and Loreta. Loreta is a mixed-race of the Netherlands and Nigeria, full of temperament. The couple planned a travel route for each guest and shared the carefully prepared route with me via WhatsApp. They provide accurate Google Maps and mark free parking spots for each attraction, as well as fun internet celebrity check-in spots nearby.
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Uzes: Park in the public parking lot next to Place du Duché (free, location: [42.0010°N, 4.4076°E]).
Pont du Gard: There are several free parking areas around the hotel, making it easy to park and walk to the Pont du Gard.
Luberon: Several small villages, such as Gordes and Roussillon, have paid parking lots, but if you know where to park in advance, you will have no worries.
Every night, Guismo recommends local Rhône Valley wines to pair with the dishes, which are rich in taste. After dinner, I often relax on the terrace of the hotel, looking at the autumn scenery of Provence, the golden vineyards, and olive trees make people feel peaceful. The hotel is simple but comfortable, with free parking, making travel more worry-free.
‼️Self-driving is a must for traveling in Provence
In Provence, public transport is almost unreliable. If you want to fully experience this area, self-driving is the only option. Whether you are going to the mountain villages of Luberon or driving along the Pont du Gard, renting a car allows you to explore each attraction more freely.