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Inspiring Life & Travel in France

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Inspiring Life & Travel in France

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Nuit Blanche Uzès: A Grand First Edition

Nuit Blanche Uzès: A Grand First Edition

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

Nuit Blanche was conceived as a nighttime event in October when the art of all forms — natural and man-made — was 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 from where I live — on the way to the Valle d’Eur.

Cathedral in Uzes France
The Cathedral seemed more beautiful on this day of Nuit Blanche.

 

Cathedral in Uzes, France
… and so majestic

 

For some reason, my walk 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 myself: “Pay attention! Look down before you walk.”

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

 

Stairway to the Valle d'Eur Uzes France
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 most accurate form of art —  I ran into these most exciting creatures and objects.

 

Valle d'Eur stream that feeds Pont du Gard
Swans and more swans live peacefully along the stream that once fed the mighty Pont du Gard.

 

 

Swan at Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

 

Swan at Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

 

Swan at Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

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. 

 

Swan at Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

 

The swinging bridge at Valle d'Eur Uzes France
The swinging bridge stretches from the natural areas of the river bed to an athletic field on the other side.

 

 

On this day, a bride and groom enjoyed their special occasion in a unique chapel.

 

Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

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. 

Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

 

Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

Valle d'Eur Uzes France

 

Blanche Nuit

After a vigorous walk and climbing the stairs from the Valle d l’Eure, I was ready for a night on the town — Nuit Blanche.
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The Place des Herbes Uzes France
The Place aux Herbes

 

The Nuit Blanche symbol Uzes France
The Nuit Blanche symbol

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes France
Street decorations set the tone for the evening.

 

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

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes France

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

 

Roman subterrerean well Uzes France

 

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Some of my favorite galleries and places…

 

 

 

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes FranceThe Mairie (Town Hall) joined the theme with theatrical presentations and floor art reminiscent of an ancient sundial. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes France

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes France

 

 

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

Next year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuit Blanche Uzes France

 

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Day trip from Uzes to the Cevennes

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