Indulgent, but we did share this ice-cream

Uzes (pronounced oozes) is a small town established in Roman times at the source of the River Alzon, from where water was conveyed by aquaduct to supply water to Nimes. The Pont du Gard is the most famous stretch of aquaduct, some miles away, which is three tiered and an engineering marvel. Having visited Nimes the day before yesterday, it was natural that we should go there next.

As seems to be the case these days, we tend to move very slowly in the mornings, leaving the house a around 11:30am and arriving in Uzes at around 12:30pm just in time for lunch! We parked in the grounds of Uzes Cathedral and although it was probably less than 10degC, being sunny, I left my coat in the car. We walked into the old city, which is mostly 3 - 4 storey sandstone buildings, through the narrow streets, until we came to a picturesque town square with abundant trees offering shade.

The buildings around the square are interesting because the ground floors are mainly alcoves, with recessed shops and restaurants. I have always thought that having buildings overhanging pavements like shophouses in Asia and open arcades in Europe is a smart concept because it gives shade in Summer and protection from rain for pedestrians. It is a pity that newer buildings are not designed to offer cover from the elements.

Seated in the square, we enjoyed a hamburger lunch with a slice of duck breast on the patty at a restaurant called Les Terroirs, which was doing a roaring business. The sun was beating down during lunch and I did not regret not bringing my coat until later on when we were walking in the shade, when it felt much chillier.

After lunch, we did some window shopping. There was a shop selling ceramic birds in vivid designs and colours, and we particularly liked a pea-hen, which became an immediate impulse purchase. Well, almost immediate as when we entered the shop, there was no one there to serve us until after 5 minutes, when the proprieter finally arrived, who Pauline had seen earlier in another store that she was minding.

Moving on, we took a spin in some clothes shops. It has become the custom that shops start selling clothes earlier and earlier for the coming season. So in August, the Autumn and Winter fashions are on display, when the year is arguably at its warmest and in January, the Summer fashion has displaced Winter cloths when the temperatures are arctic. I can never understand how anyone can get into the mood of buying clothes that are inappropriate for the season they are in. However, today, as it became chillier in the afternoon, the sight of jackets, pullovers, woolie hats, and scarves, but also the proximity of Christmas and Christmas presents, drew us into the many shops and boutiques. The owners were generally happy for Magnus to come in too as long as he behaved.  He did, impeccably, and was quite the star as shop assistants and customers would smile and pat him.

In one such shop, we chatted to a lady, who was showing us some woollens, who turned  out to be both British and the owner. Not having spoken to many people, who are fluent in English for nearly a month, it was a welcome change for us to converse with a British native speaker. Apparently, she has been living in this part of France for 20 years and amongst all of the interesting information and useful tips that only a 'local' knows, she mentioned that Uzes is a big draw for the Swiss, who can drive down in 3 hours and then spend week-ends here. Of course, the town is spotless!