Nuit Blanche Uzès: A Grand First Edition

This week Uzès celebrated its first Nuit Blanche , “White Night”.  By all accounts, the event that is an annual affair in Paris will be back in Uzes by popular demand.

Nuit Blanche was conceived as a nighttime event in October when art of all forms — natural and man-made — are highlighted by the community. The idea is to create art venues among historical architecture and places of beauty in the town or village.

For me, Nuit Blanche started off early in the day. Artful masterpieces appeared everywhere I ventured. The show began only a short walk away from where I live — on the way to the Valle d’Eur.

The Cathedral seemed more beautiful on this day of Nuit Blanche

… and so magestic

For some reason the walk which I take to the Valle d l’Eure was different this day. There were details of the Cathedral I never noticed before. Perhaps I had never really stopped to gaze up at the cathedral tower.

I would have pondered the beauty of the Cathedral longer but it was delaying my walk. With my head obviously still in a cloud, I took a first step forward — and tripped. Catching myself I said to me: “Pay attention! Look down before you walk.”

Fortunately the lesson prepared me for the stairs down to the Valle d.l’Eure —  treacherous.

Stairway to the Valle d l”eure

The Valle d ‘l Eure

The Valle d l’Eure has been in several previous blog posts. I love that place. On this day in addition to the scenery —  the truest form of art —  I ran into these most interesting creatures and objects.

Swans and more swans live peacefully along the stream that once fed the might Pont du Gard

A swinging bridge extends from one side of the valley to another. From the middle of the bridge onlookers stop to watch the swans that glide by at their own nonchalant pace. 

The swinging bridge stretches from the natural areas of the river bed to an athletic field on the other side

This day a  bride and groom were enjoying their special occasion in a most unique chapel.

Walking along the sides of the stream I discovered art of a most unusual kind. Donkeys, squirrels, fish and other clever sculptures sprang out of the ground — otherwise known as tree stumps. 

Blanche Nuit

After a vigorous walk and climb back up the stairs from the Valle d l’Eure, I was ready for a night on the town — Nuit Blanche
.

The Place aux Herbes

The Nuit Blanche symbol

Streets decorations set the tone for the evening

Street decorations included the Nuit Blanche symbol that was scattered on walkways and buildings where events were taking place.  Driveway posts were dusted with white powder giving the surroundings an even more ethereal look.

A hidden Roman well was the site of a subterranean art gallery.

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Some of my favorite galleries and places ….

The Mairie (Town Hall) joined in the theme with theatrical presentations and with floor art reminiscent of an ancient sundial. 

Oh that I could have stayed awake until midnight to enjoy it all.  

Next year!