Sunday September 25, Tarascon

Pont du Gard

We have had a much better day today, slept well, but still feeling a bit tired. B….y Covid! But the sun was shining and very pleasant temperatures.

Arranged to meet Ian and Sue at the Pont du Gard about 25 mins drive from here. It was a very easy drive, crossed the Rhone and passed through some different country with very few vineyards. Our timing was perfect and they followed us into the parking area. The Pont du Gard is part of a 50 km aqueduct built by the Romans in 60AD, to move water from Uzes to Nimes. It is made entirely by stone blocks and no mortar was used. It is quite breathtaking when you realise how long it has been standing,  and of course Ian spent much time trying to work out how it was engineered!

Then it was a 20 minute drive to Uzes for lunch, a town I had heard about as the summer base for our NZ chef Peta Mathias who runs cooking classes from her home. Brother Ian (it gets difficult with 2 Ians in the family!) led the way and after parking in a building with the tightest spaces we have ever been in, we wandered into town. The streets are lined with plane trees and cafes with outdoor seating areas everywhere. We were able to sit at a table for 6 which left a space between us, making us feel more comfortable. It was a typical French long lunch and we enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere over a few hours…and a few wines. I am still struggling with very little taste, but it didn’t stop me enjoying my rabbit, the others all opted for the Beef Bourguignon. And of course we needed a wee dessert to finish.

Time to walk off our lunch and we meandered around the streets of this very pretty town. And it appears that being a Sunday with no shops open, there were second hand stalls everywhere….called Brocante in France. Such a great atmosphere, quite a lot of people, but not too busy and everyone seemed to be enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

We were feeling a bit weary so left Sue and Ian and headed home for a catch up snooze, and no need for dinner tonight, we eat so well today.  

An extremely ancient olive tree and from what
I could translate from the sign, it had been shifted
to near the bridge, but not sure where from.

The Gard River

 

Lunch...keeping our distance.

And a few street scenes from Uves.