In the mid-16th century many citizens of Uzès were Calvinist and the town was the 5th largest Protestant town in the kingdom. Religious wars resulted in the destruction of all the churches and of the temple that Uzès had at the time. In 1685, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes caused many to leave for Protestant countries in Europe, or their colonies. The "newly-converted', isolated from employment in government service, grew rich through trade. In 1661-62, the writer Jean Racine stayed in Uzès and his 'Lettres d'Uzès', sent to his Parisian friends, are a precious record of town life at this time.
For fun
Would you know how to find the former Uzès churches? Today Uzès has 2 churches and a temple. In the past, there were 10: Saint Julien church has become the " quartier des Arts Saint Julien "; the 'Cordeliers' church is now the Temple; the Saint Laurent church is now apartments and the Capucin church is the Tourist Office. As for Notre Dame la Neuve, Saint Firmin, Saint Ferréol and Saint Roman, which were all partially destroyed, these remain very much a mystery to this day.
Heritage
In the mid-16th century many citizens of Uzès were Calvinist and the town was the 5th largest Protestant town in the kingdom. Religious wars resulted in the destruction of all the churches and of the temple that Uzès had at the time. In 1685, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes caused many to leave for Protestant countries in Europe, or their colonies. The "newly-converted', isolated from employment in government service, grew rich through trade. In 1661-62, the writer Jean Racine stayed in Uzès and his 'Lettres d'Uzès', sent to his Parisian friends, are a precious record of town life at this time.
