Dr Jan’s Trip June July 2010  

French Instalment  4   - A Day in the Village of Uzes  

Wednesday is produce market in Uzes. We set out early expecting a “bunfight” but were pleasantly surprised to find the Place Des Herbes (the main square) only scattered with stalls and shoppers.

The Place is harboured by tall and old trees so one is protected from the sun. We ate a croissant (you could bring your own in a paper bag…don’t try that at home!) and had coffee at an outdoor cafe.

It was heart-warming to see the folks catching up and greeting with not 2 but 3 kisses on the cheek.

Sadly the cigarette smoke was invasive –even sitting outside. I think this is how French women stay thin – they smoke instead of eating. You sure do see some hot mummas with baby in pusher – mum wearing 4 inch heels!

You should have seen the olives stall server too – what a stunner – and as John says – when they say Bonjour in their sing-song dulcet tones – you just have to buy.

Johnny was delighted to be at a market and chose very carefully –duck breasts, mushrooms, snow peas and potatoes for our first meal at home in our spacious apartment. We have decided to be more adventurous about cheeses this trip and have now a soft cheese made from sheep’s milk to try.

We spent the morning on our computers –easy to do because our main living room has a wide and full -length window with an outlook on the fabulous park that our complex is in, so it feels like you are sitting outside.

A lunch on the balcony patio of cheese and terrine, black market olives and salad and a bottle of Bordeaux and we deserved a siesta indeed.

In the afternoon we took our computers up to the Place Albert by the fountain and hooked up with the free Wifi.  A coffee, perier and Rose kept us lubricated whilst we did our emails in-between looking at the folks around and passing by.

We meandered home whilst window-shopping through the Place des Herbes – lovely local gifts and clothes displayed with charm. A quick stop at the Shopi supermarket for more wine and the essential toilet and kitchen paper and home to plan our day In Nimes tomorrow and eat the terrific duck dinner which John produced with flair.

It doesn’t get dark till about 9.30 so we continued to enjoy the light in the park and enjoy our wine.