Uzes was an impromptu stopover on our way to the Pont du Gard, part of the 1st century Roman aqua-duct, built to supply water to Nimes. This lovely medieval village in the Languedoc province, lies at the source of the Fontaine d’Eure and is the starting point of the aqua-duct.
The first thing that catches your eye as you arrive, is the iconic symbol of Uzes, the Tour Fenestrelle, also referred to as the ‘Window Tower’ because of its unique paired windows. A free standing circular tower reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The 42 metre high Romanesque structure is the bell tower of the cathedral of St. Théodorit. The 11th century cathedral that houses the relics of the saint, was rebuilt in the 17th century and the tower is the sole remnant of the original structure.
And supposedly the only round bell tower in France! (Couldn’t find much conclusive evidence online to support that claim, except for the fact that round towers are uncommon in France.)
The Romanesque facade of the cathedral was added in the 19th century, but the 17th century organ is still in use and organ festivals are held here every summer.
Although we missed the famous Saturday market, the little lanes radiating from the charming central square – the Place aux Herbes – were enticing and we spent a very enjoyable few hours exploring them and browsing the little textile and craft shops.
Our enjoyment came at a price however. By the time we were ready to set off for our original destination – the Pont du Gard – we got caught in a sudden downpur, and were forced to abandon our plans and return to Avignon.
We never made it back to the Pont du Gard.
The Urge To Wander 
Thanks Madhu, I’ve enjoyed going back to your other Provence posts. It reminds me of how little I’ve seen of France – too busy with places that I find more exotic! My theory has been that I can go to Europe anytime when I’m really old, the adventures are best while I have enough energy 🙂
That is my theory regarding destinations closer to home, and the reason why I have covered so little of India and even South East Asia 🙂
So many places, so little time.
Constantly aware of the ticking clock Angeline 🙂
surprised to find “a free standing circular tower reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa…” in Uzes, France!
Yes, it is quite unusual for the area Frizz 🙂
Fascinating story and images!
Thank you 🙂
Schöne Kirche. Und wie ist es innen.
LG. Wolfgang
Thank you Wolfgang. We didn’t get a look in as the church was not open.
Friend thanks for the letter.
Also we wish all good.
Beautiful Sunday.
Wolfgang from Germany
The brick color of the tower is much more beautiful than the 19th century cathedral. Quel dommage! A stunning and authentic bell tower.
Visiting a local market is one of my favorite things when I’m on holiday. And I do hope one day you’ll make it to the Pond du Gar, Madhu 🙂
I prefer the older tower too!
We went to the Arles market on the Saturday we were there, so no regrets about missing the market, but yes we shall have to return for the Pont du Gard 🙂
Very well captured shots and an interesting area,
which I love to visit 1-2 times every year… 🙂
It isn’t easy reach visiting places like Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and India – and India itself are bigger than Europe – the issue is time, why isn’t there 48 hours every day and not only 24… ‘hahahaha’
But I have reached to visit every country in Europe also some of the former countries – but I’ve also using my business as “excuse” to look around a bit when I landed anyway… 🙂 😉
I wish that all the time Ledrake. And money growing on trees would help too 🙂
You are fortunate to be able to visit Europe so often.
Buildings like these always amaze me. Thank you for sharing the wonder with us, Madhu. Many blessings and much love to you. 🙂
Subhan Zein
Thank YOU for dropping by Subhan 🙂
I want to go there – NOW!
🙂
I want to return too Stuart, and spend a little longer in the area.
That’s a shame about the downpour. Travel always throws some type of obstacles and I find you just have to go with the flow.
Absolutely. Can’t do much about weather and elections! The presidential election in Buenos Aires messed up our plans a bit as well 🙂
Nice place. I was there when I was really small, although I really only remember the Pont du Gard.
Yes, we should have just gone straight there. Look what happens when you get distracted 🙂
Is there a place you haven’t been? Well, except for Croatia? 😀
Lots of places Paula….you will know if you see my bucket list 🙂
Never mind Avignon has a nice bridge too ;). Are there steps in Tour Fenestrelle? And if so, is it allowed to climb them?
It is, and there are guided tours of the church and tower. We didn’t do it because we had just stopped on impulse and our visit didn’t coincide with the opening hours or perhaps it was closed, I can’t remember clearly. I was happy to have seen the tower and we stopped to have coffee of course 🙂
I love seeing pictures of places that are off the tourist-map, if not completely off the map. I think there are a lot of amazing places that no one looks at, just because they are not where everyone goes and photographs. I often think for most extremely touristy places you can do what my grandmother said: “I don’t see why I should spend money on travelling. I can just see those on TV and peel potatoes at the same time.” But you won’t see little jewels like these on TV.
Uzes is less visited, but I don’t think it is that far off the tourist radar. There are so many beautiful little villages around Provence that I would love to get lost in!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Nathy 🙂
As my uncle would say – something to visit on the next trip.
I hope I can return someday 🙂
The window tower oddly matches the description I had made in my mind when I read Tennyson’s The Lady Of Shalott!
Excellent photos!
Strange how your mind conjures up images isn’t it? 🙂 Thanks Nabadip.
From below the tower is already grand and amazing. The view from the top in one of the windows must be breathtaking. Beautiful images with a rich history. Thanks. Have a blessed day.
It must. We didn’t climb up though, On hindsight, we should have just stayed on and spent a longer time here. A great day to you too 🙂
Stunning entry for this week theme my friend ,Thanks Madhu 🙂
Thanks Jake. Particularly loved your images this week 🙂
What lovely architecture! Love the round tower, Madhu. Do you speak French? Is it different in different regions? We are already thinking of going back….
Paris does that to you 🙂
No I don’t speak Fenchl. Have been meaning to learn, just haven’t found the time. We didn’t notice any marked difference between Provence and Paris or even the Cote d Azur.
As always thanks a lot for taking us to a different part of world. It’s sad that you could not make to Pont du Gard and you missed the Saturday market!
We got to see many other weekly markets, but the Pont was a disappointment. Thank YOU for dropping by Arindam 🙂
You had a nice visit to Uzes anyway! Your pictures are lovely and it sounds like you have good memories of being there… 🙂
Oh yes we do Meg. It was a lovely place by itself. if i ever return I will drive from one village to another and spend a night in each 🙂
It does resemble the leaning tower of Pisa. I d never heard of the Uzes, will try to keep that in mind when we plan a trip to France.
Just one of many beautiful villages in Provence Deepa. You will surely love it 🙂
Been in Languedoc a couple of times – never found the cathedral that beautiful and interesting as on your photos here – can see that you have a passion for churches and what they mean to history. Great job.
I do and normally i would have spent a considerable time nosing around the interiors, but R had had enough of monuments and just wanted to enjoy the village 🙂
Beautiful church, Madhu. Enjoyed reading the history! The Pont du Gard was truly majestic…
I am sure! You have been to so many places in France yourself Amy. Will have to read all those posts before i plan my return trip 🙂
I did not realize that round towers were uncommon in France. I will have to ask some of my French friends.
I tried Googling some, but didn’t unearth much. Would love to hear what your friends have to say 🙂
Yes, I will let you know.
What a very beautiful tower, in fact far more attractive than Pisa. I imagine that the organ recitals must be wondrous. Thanks so much for sharing again, Madhu. Sorry you got wet. 🙂
It looks completely different peaking over the cathedral than when you see it in isolation, Madhu.
What a cunning way to enter Jake’s Sunday Post. I almost missed that.
Gorgeous, Madhu. One to put on my list, i think!
I think shopping in Provence is the best ! Great diversion I think.
Great post Madhu. I love the architecture. -Max-
An absolutely stunning piece of architecture. Thanks for the wonderful history lesson as well.
At first sight…seemed to me like a straight Tower of Pisa (Italy)!! 😀
Lovely post Madhu!! xx
Thanks Tata. The resemblance surprised me too 🙂
By the way, I was having trouble downloading your posts earlier, the images wouldn’t open at all. You might want to look at re-sizing larger photos.
Oh! Thank you for letting me know M! I will try to have a look into it, as I’m a tiny useless with settings and all…cool, I’m gonna learn something new! 😉
You are welcome 🙂
Stunning architectural shots, Madhu! Tour Fenestrelle is beautiful! I like it more than Pisa! In fact, after standing there for a while, I have the urge to push it back into place! Hahaha!
Beautiful shots. I love how all of Europe is full of charming old buildings and towers, and unlike in India, so wonderfully preserved.
What a pretty structure. It does remind me of the Tower of Pisa. I love architecture like this.
You have some of the most fascinating historical posts and you are a great story teller! Thank you for all your wonderful photo tours!
Indeed that “window tower” shows such strong resemblance to the Leaning tower of Pisa. Except it is not leaning I guess.Tell me Madhu, is there some architectural link between this towers… and others? From my somewhat limited travels through Europe, I seem to recall other similar structures….
As always, I love the beautiful synergy you bring between your text and the shots. Thank you.
Shakti
What beautiful architecture! xoxoxo
This is truly lovely Madhu. I love it. 🙂
Perhaps you are meant to go back, no? 🙂
Love the circular tower.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
These are impressive photos, Madhu. I have never been to the south of France, but the summer before last my daughter Bea brought home pictures of herself and her friends swimming beneath the Pont du Guard. Another place I must add to my to-go list!
Nice photographs! I have just returned from France and loved being in Uzes