Saturday, February 12

Bienvenue a Uzes...

Last summer, I ran into Janice Forbes at the Foothills Farmers Market. She had heard we were leaving for the south of France with our children and suggested I check out the blog of a fellow Auburnite and local "superstar skier"...I won't mention his name, as I have not asked his permission. I visited the blog and was charmed by their adventure in Uzes, and could not wait to visit. Well, after five months, we finally made it and were so taken by the beauty of the region, we are considering a move there for the next school year.

Welcome to Uzes


Like all early civilizations and many of the early prosperous cities, water was an essential element of success and settlement.  Uzes is the source of the Eure and the inspiration and vision, in the first century before Christ, to the Romans. It is here they would begin the aqueduct that would supply the precious water to their city Nimes. The most famous stretch of the aqueduct is just ten minutes outside Uzes, Le Pont du Gard, the majestic archetechtural arches that span the Gard river. We hiked to a view point from a little medival city Castillon du Gard. Unfortunately, it was too overcast for a clear view...next time!
But please enjoy the images of the
 beautifully preserved medieval city Uzes.

Le Tour Fenestrelle
The "window tower"
Upon entering the city from the south, Le Tour Fenestrelle greets the visitors of Uzes.



Cathedrale St. Theodorit
Inside the Cathedral
The Relics of St. Firmin
A saint, venerated for miracles in regards to the epidemic of the plague during the middle ages.
...And a prayer for all those that visit the
cathedral and the city of Uzes. 


Notre Dame de la Merci
Chapel in the cathedral



Before and After images of the restored fresco paintings



FEUDAL TOWERS


 CHATEAU DU DUCHE
in the heart of the city is still inhabited by the Ducal family, but is open to the public for visits.
                        







       Through the quiet streets...
it is off season!    
Signs on many businesses read:
Fermeture Annuelle -Conges!
Annually closed for season
(Be back when the tourists arrive!)
                                       























                                  Seven doors in the City

Photographs of european doors is by no means original, yet one I could not resist to share the beauty and uniqueness of these humble masterpieces.







Promenade Racine
with a view of the surrounding environment





 Uzes is in the department Gard in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon.
The population in the off season is 8,300 and jumps to approx. 25,000 during the summer months.
The market place is held every saturday in the place aux Herbes with 200 commercants and on wednesday mornings for local producers with seasonal produce.
The area is surrounded by vineyards and nature...perfect for balades, bicycles, canoe & kayak, air ballon flights, golf, swimming, and horseback riding.  The city has a well developed artistic community with galeries, workshops, music and theater. Of course, gastronomy is a given...it's france after all! It is easily accessed from Avignon, Nimes, or Montpellier. 
Well worth a visit and don't forget a Foie Gras burger at Bistro Burger in the place sux Herbes. 

Uzes and Paris!!




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