The story of Ferdinand Cheval and his “Postman’s Palace” is one that few people outside France recognize. Yet, the monument he built to honor his love for his daughter draws an average of 300,000 visitors yearly. They come to the small town of Hauterives, southeast of Lyon, in […]
After spending three months with family and friends in the US, I’m back in Uzès. For the return trip to France, I came by the southerly route: Barcelona to Collioure. While sitting at the beach in Collioure, enjoying the views, the breeze, and an Aperol Spritz at a […]
After seven years of living in France, I’ve found a suitable companion. Now I’m learning about life in Uzès traveling with a pet. Meet Fanny. Fanny came into my life six weeks ago. Now, we’re inseparable. My friend Aileen brought Fanny from Sete. Aileen knows how much I […]
Now that I’ve dealt with the humbling experience of failing the French drivers’ code test not once, but six times, I’ll make this post short and sweet After the first disastrous French drivers’ code examination in Nimes — with a translator (read more here) I braved on to […]
Last I wrote about the stress of studying for the French drivers’ code test. It’s one of the most aggravating tasks I’ve encountered since living in France. Now I can attest to the agony of failing it. Yes, I failed the test, along with my two American friends […]
Snow in Uzès! Remember how excited you were as a child when you looked out your window, and there was snow on the ground? That’s how I felt when we had snow in Uzès. It was glorious! As you can imagine, it doesn’t often snow in the south […]
During the times I was away from my French home in the winter months, I wished I could see what I was missing. I longed for a December walk around Uzès. Now that I’m firmly planted here for a while, I’d like to share what I’m seeing. So […]
I’m inspired to know people who are staying productive and creative during COVID. While I was in the United States, there were artists in lockdown here in Uzès who created memorable art they are now sharing. British artist Gilly Beal, a resident of Uzès for the past two […]
After “lockdown” in the United States, I had the choice to stay in the US with my family or come back to my home in Uzès. It was a tough call. For the present, I believe I made the right choice. I am among the “vulnerable” for COVID […]
The gates are beginning to open to visitors and tourists in Uzès mid-COVID, welcoming travelers, particularly from Europe. It’s an anxious time for Uzetians who feel they have been somewhat “safe” in their medieval village
Marseille wasn’t high on my list of places to visit. A weekend spent there celebrating the birthday of a dear friend from Uzès totally changed my mind. On top of being an incredibly beautiful city with lovely, welcoming people, Marseille is for foodies like me. I’ve been to […]
Every August bulls run in the streets.
Looking back one of my first “Bastille Day” celebrations in France, not much has changed in the way we prep for July 14th in Uzès.
If you wonder about the heat wave in Uzès and how it’s affecting townfolk and tourists, let’s look at the places people always gather. Join me on a walk around town.
We’re having a heat wave in Uzès this week. It’s supposed to be close to 105° (41°C). The French call it “la canicule.” All I can say is “it’s cooler in Corsica.” Always a little cooler than the mainland of France, Corsica is a popular destination for those […]
Canal cruising is more than floating along slowly all day in a barge. Wine tasting and cruising was the perfect day on the Athos Canal du Midi cruise.
If visiting the south of France is in your future, an Athos Canal du Midi Cruise should be at the top of your “to-do” list.
Have you ever heard of “tree sports?” Neither had I. Now trees are where I’d love to hang out. Literally! Time to learn about tree sports in Uzès. Tree sports in Uzès One of my favorite places in Uzes is the Vallée de l’Eure. I’ve written about the […]
One of the most asked questions for this American expat in France is about healthcare. “What do you do about healthcare when moving to France?”
When the Barefoot Blogger decided to run off to France, I learned the hard way how to do some of the basics: rent a French apartment, open a bank account and obtain a visa. Here are some expat moving tips.