Uchaud is a town in Gard, in the Occitanie region, 15 km southwest of Nîmes.
Its territory of some 9 km² belongs to the agricultural plain of the Vistrenque, between scrubland and the Costières plateau, to the south. In addition to viticulture, which is very present, market gardening and arboricultural production have developed. Uchaud also remains marked by the culture and traditions of bullfighting linked to the proximity of the Camargue.
Its urbanization has followed in recent decades the rise of the agglomeration of Nîmes and there are now 4,300 inhabitants.
The history of a locality begins in Antiquity, since this territory was then crossed by the Domitian Way linking Italy to Spain via Beaucaire where it spanned the Rhône and Nîmes.
From this period has been preserved at Uchaud a milestone (we found all Roman miles, or every 1400 m).
Much later, the Tuchin revolt in 1384 was crushed at Uchaud by troops led by the Duke of Berry. This uprising also appeared in Auvergne and Gascony aimed at protesting against the looting of mercenaries but also tax taxes for the benefit of the kingdom.
The village then retained a rural vocation (vineyards, agriculture) before developing thanks to the proximity of Nîmes.
In terms of heritage, Uchaud has several sites of interest. Mention should therefore be made of its parish church, whose origin dates from the 12th century. It was remodeled in the 19th century, notably with the construction of a bell tower on the gable of the facade, supporting a wrought iron bell tower. In accordance with the tradition in the region where the Reformed religion was strongly anchored, to see next, a Protestant temple which was built during the first half of the XIXth century, and which presents a neoclassical style.
However, it is the well-preserved milestone, still positioned on its place of origin, along the old Domitian Way, which is the oldest part of the town's heritage. It dates from the second century BC, and bears the inscription "AD OCTAVUM LAPIDEM", that is to say "At the eighth stone" (after Nîmes). From Nîmes to Narbonne, there are 67 terminals such as this one, but it is the only one that is still in its initial location. Bearing a dedication to the name of Antoninus le Pieux, it can be observed precisely at the corner of the path coming from Bernis and the road connecting Nîmes to Narbonne. The terminal, much more monumental than the 20th century terminals, was classified as a historical monument in 1912.
The vast 19th century building built to house the town hall-school, the old washhouse and the mill of Aouro, in an area still surrounded by scrubland, are also other sites testifying to the history of the town.
With regard to cultural leisure activities, the library located on the first floor of the town hall regularly schedules events (meetings, readings, exhibitions). Information on +33 4 66 71 62 86. The Christian Eymard space also hosts shows and events. Information on +33 4 66 71 11 75.
As for sports and "nature" recreation, a football stadium and a rugby pitch are accessible and tennis courts can be booked with the local club on +33 6 16 97 02 98. Are also very active in the locality the association of hiking and mountain biking "Croc'Sentier" (information on +33 6 12 69 95 81) and the cycling-sports club (contact on +33 6 75 57 63 55). The rural and partly wooded environment (to the north) of the locality can also be the object of larger hikes including, for example, breaks in wine-growing areas and forays into the scrubland areas, the borders of the Petite Camargue or the agglomeration of Nîmes. Maps and information on +33 4 66 58 38 00.
July 13 in the evening, on the occasion of the national holiday, bull races, popular ball and fireworks.
In mid-August, over five days, votive festival with fairground attractions, traditional bullfighting and Camargue events, balls.
The second weekend of December, Christmas hike in the scrubland with the Croc'Sentier association with gourmet breaks...
