Hotel Entraigues
Uzès, Southern France
By Mike Pickup, Mike writes about travel for numerous newspapers and magazines, both consumer and trade, and has over a hundred features published each year. He is also the Editor of Holiday Magazine and a professionally trained photographer. For more information click here
Situated in the historic and peaceful town of Uzès in Languedoc-Roussillon southern France, the Hotel Entraigues was originally two mansions dating back to the 15th Century. Modified two hundred years later it has now been expertly restored to its original and unique style by Pierre Charlot and his wife Jo. It opened its doors to its first guests on 17th July 2015. The hotel’s style is 'luxury without pomp' and it certainly delivers this in all areas.
Uzès was once a centre for silk production due to the many mulberry trees in the area. However, under pressure from cheap imports and diseased trees, the town went into decline. In 1965 the French government declared the centre a protected zone, one which has been considerably extended over the years. The result is a delightfully preserved, almost traffic-free town of 8000 inhabitants, easily explored on foot and peppered with labyrinths of light passageways. Buildings made from local creamy limestone add to its calming influence.
The Place aux Herbes is the spacious centre which, every Wednesday and Saturday, transforms itself into a bustling market selling everything from scented soaps to oysters. Don’t be surprised to hear English spoken, a few discerning Brits have established themselves here.
Uzès was once a centre for silk production due to the many mulberry trees in the area. However, under pressure from cheap imports and diseased trees, the town went into decline. In 1965 the French government declared the centre a protected zone, one which has been considerably extended over the years. The result is a delightfully preserved, almost traffic-free town of 8000 inhabitants, easily explored on foot and peppered with labyrinths of light passageways. Buildings made from local creamy limestone add to its calming influence.
The Place aux Herbes is the spacious centre which, every Wednesday and Saturday, transforms itself into a bustling market selling everything from scented soaps to oysters. Don’t be surprised to hear English spoken, a few discerning Brits have established themselves here.
Close by is the Ducal Palace – the Duke of Uzès is the primary Duke of France and was next in line to the throne after the Royal Family. Next door is the Medieval Garden containing 400 plants and herbs and showing how they were used in the Middle Ages.
In 1996 Haribo created the nearby Musée du Bonbon and 15 minutes away is the 2000 year old Pont du Gard, part of a stunning Roman Aqueduct that carried water from a spring in Uzès to Nîmes. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. Nîmes itself has some beautiful Roman buildings including the Amphitheatre. Still in use after two centuries, it was the setting for the film Gladiator,
The Hotel Entraigues sits in the protected area of Uzès opposite the cathedral; it is perfectly placed for visitors to enjoy the town itself and this lovely part of southern France. It has a number of fascinating works of art which are on display in the public areas and a delightful vaulted area that hosts a tranquil lounge with comfortable sofas, a bar and a 30-seater dining room. The hotel’s excellent chef, Axel Grousset-Bachelard, provides a memorable dining experience each evening (except Wednesdays and Sundays) with a relaxed bistro-style ambience. The menu, average price around €45 per person, offers a choice of three starters, three main courses (one for vegetarians) and three desserts, and uses local ingredients such as liquorice and truffles, for which Uzès is famous.
In 1996 Haribo created the nearby Musée du Bonbon and 15 minutes away is the 2000 year old Pont du Gard, part of a stunning Roman Aqueduct that carried water from a spring in Uzès to Nîmes. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. Nîmes itself has some beautiful Roman buildings including the Amphitheatre. Still in use after two centuries, it was the setting for the film Gladiator,
The Hotel Entraigues sits in the protected area of Uzès opposite the cathedral; it is perfectly placed for visitors to enjoy the town itself and this lovely part of southern France. It has a number of fascinating works of art which are on display in the public areas and a delightful vaulted area that hosts a tranquil lounge with comfortable sofas, a bar and a 30-seater dining room. The hotel’s excellent chef, Axel Grousset-Bachelard, provides a memorable dining experience each evening (except Wednesdays and Sundays) with a relaxed bistro-style ambience. The menu, average price around €45 per person, offers a choice of three starters, three main courses (one for vegetarians) and three desserts, and uses local ingredients such as liquorice and truffles, for which Uzès is famous.
The rooftop outdoor swimming pool, the only outdoor pool in Uzès, offers an amazing view of the Cathedral and the Fenestrelle tower. The panoramic terrace, with views across the town, is a daytime solarium and a delightful place to enjoy sunsets and warm evenings.
Guest accommodation is spacious, well designed and comprehensively equipped, it cleverly blends the historic hotel structure with modern facilities. The 16 rooms and three suites are light, spacious and cheerful and offer views over the town, the Cathedral or the Vallée de l'Eure. Top quality bedding and bathrooms help to ensure that guests are looked after in luxurious comfort. All rooms are also equipped with a safe, free high speed internet access and flat screen LED high-definition multi-channel TVs. Families needing more than one room can request connecting rooms. The suites add spacious lounges with convertible "Nomade" sofas, comfortable for 2 people, and are equipped with a 2nd large TV screen.
Guest accommodation is spacious, well designed and comprehensively equipped, it cleverly blends the historic hotel structure with modern facilities. The 16 rooms and three suites are light, spacious and cheerful and offer views over the town, the Cathedral or the Vallée de l'Eure. Top quality bedding and bathrooms help to ensure that guests are looked after in luxurious comfort. All rooms are also equipped with a safe, free high speed internet access and flat screen LED high-definition multi-channel TVs. Families needing more than one room can request connecting rooms. The suites add spacious lounges with convertible "Nomade" sofas, comfortable for 2 people, and are equipped with a 2nd large TV screen.
Luxurious accommodation, great food and wine and many fascinating places to explore. The Hotel Entraigues has so much to offer its guests. We certainly enjoyed our stay and look forward to going back.
For more information email [email protected], tel 0033 (0) 4 66 72 05 25 or visit www.hotel-entraigues.com
For more information email [email protected], tel 0033 (0) 4 66 72 05 25 or visit www.hotel-entraigues.com
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