There are certainly a lot of nearer sites - at Remoulins, and several sites nearer to Uzes, Le Paillote, Domaine de la Moulin Neuf, and Camping Mas de Rey. I don't know what any of them are like (we did Remoulins once, but wouldn't go back), but personally I'd go a bit further afield into more interesting countryside, and just travel in for the market. Although it's busy, it's still possible to find a free parking spot. It's a real tourist honey-pot though, and you'll pay over the odds for almost everything (perhaps apart from a mattress!)!
The little town is lovely but there are nicer places, with more authentic markets.
We stayed 6 or 7 summers at Moulin Neuf in the 90s, when our boys were wee and we had a 1987 Sprite Alpine C. Very close to Uzes and a lovely friendly family run site. Made some good friends with other families who also returned again and again each year. When just the 2 of us, we flew to Beauvais, rented a car and returned to Moulin Neuf renting a little "Mazet" - a type of chalet of which there are several on site. You can probably guess we love the area and politely (and with some trepidation) disagree with the revered ValA about Uzes, its market and environs. We have subsequently tented at Mas de Rey in 2002 and thoroughly enjoyed that site too. Conscientious Dutch owners who have invested in major improvements since we stayed there. We last stayed in Uzes in a rented gite in 2009 and re-visited both sites to see how they had evolved. We were not disappointed. I would happily recommend both sites, though I would have to advise "anti-moustique" precautions at Moulin Neuf. We try to spend 3 months a year in France in the low seasons (CC and ACSI) but are considering going back to Mas de Rey for a short stay to take advantage of their retirement rates in 2012.
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Uzes is gorgeous, isn't it? We went there for the day from the Ardeche, it wasn't too hideous a drive actually, didn't take too long. We took the kids to the Haribo museum (and factory shop!) and then went on to Uzes itself. We definitely want to go back to explore it in more detail.
I don't disagree really - Uzes is just so overcrowded and there are equally lovely places where you can be almost the only person there. Not on market day, obviously.
I do think the market stalls (and a lot of the shops in Uzes) are directed purely at the tourist market, and hence prices are more expensive. The 'sausage man' (large man, white beard) has several price boards, and Uzes is the most expensive one!
As we've got older we prefer to keep away from crowded markets, particularly on hot days, and we find a quieter one elsewhere.
Thanks for all the info. I DO know what you mean Val but we've only been to the market once and we promised ourselves we'd go back. Maybe this visit will be enough !! Just love the atmosphere and simply mooching around markets, not necessary to buy anything really!!
Have you read Ann grigson's book on French Markets? It's packed with info,market days, how good she rated them etc etc . Always have it with us.
------------- bridie
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Thanks for all the info. I DO know what you mean Val but we've only been to the market once and we promised ourselves we'd go back. Maybe this visit will be enough !! Just love the atmosphere and simply mooching around markets, not necessary to buy anything really!!
Have you read Ann grigson's book on French Markets? It's packed with info,market days, how good she rated them etc etc . Always have it with us.
Have you any more details of the book please? I have tried a search on Amazon and Google but can't see it coming up anywhere. Thanks
I haven't see the book, but we have some great articles, clipped from copies of 'France' magazine, which list all the markets in any 'Department' of France. The link is to the website, but we've got the old-fashioned paper versions! This is very useful for finding the smaller markets, not just the bigger and more popular ones. We always enjoy markets when the majority of stalls are local growers, often with tiny tables, selling their own produce.................! And on those you don't tend to find the 'cheese scam'!
I did 'Google' books by Anne Grigson, but couldn't find anything.
Well...thsat'll be because the name is Anne Gregg...many apologies!
The book is called Tarragons and Truffles and covers markets great and small and she gives her Six of the Best for each departement with descriptions of town/city and alsoa section called Markets at a Glance, again for each departement with days of markets.We never go to France without it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Site near Uzes please
