Prepare yourself to discover a marvel of the French patrimony! Uzès, the ducal city of the Gard, baptized “ Stone beauty”- which says it all– harbors the most lovely little hotel, “La Maison d’Uzès”. A 17th century palace, which last spring, was transformed into a hotel of charm… An arty chic shock.
The first heart throb for this amazing home, it’s a Parisian, Christopher Spencer, wild about art and old stones who had it. After teaming up with a pro in the hotel business, Arnaud Morandi, they became associates and now manage this pearl, classified Historical Monument.
The magic touch of interior architect, Marie José Tavares did the rest. Around a splendid 17th staircase lit by golden spheres, nine rooms and suites, all different, share the space and are on the verge of excellent. We like the combo of pastel and warm overtones that play up to the sunrays and the names of rooms that stimulate the imagination…: La Dérobée, l’Ecrin, La Bourgeoise…( starting at 190 €)
We also like La Table d’Uzès. Its 24-year-old chef, Oscar Garcia, offers a cuisine qui that combines earthy Languedoc and the Camargue : Ginea fowl with crayfish and red rice risotto style, bull cooked in two sessions, Guardiane sauce, profiteroles, vacherin and other sweet treats (from 47 to 95 € the evening).
A small digestive fatigue? Quickly go to the Spa by (comfort zone), set up under the superb Greco-Roman vaults where skin and body treatments take you on a invigoration voyage around the world (110€
for 60 ‘). And we like this clever formula baptized Gastronomie & Terroir: 2 nights in a superior double room, breakfast, welcome cocktail, dinner for 2 at the gastronomical restaurant (drinks not included), wine tasting and cooking courses by the chef ( 692 €)
Where to find it?
26 kms from Nîmes on the TGV
Private transfer from the train station.
By Anne Lefèvre
