Andre and Wendy: Uzes

Today we are off to Uzes for the day. A smaller medieval town that is on the same bus line as Pont de Gard that we visited the other day, about another 20 minutes further. Many people combine these 2 visits, but with very limited bus schedule and lots of time in Avignon we have decided to make them over 2 days. Being Easter Monday the buses are on a Sunday schedule, schools are out for the day so it won't be working as a school bus.

Arrive at the bus station and there is not one bus at the terminal. Also no one selling tickets. This is a bus line that you pay 2.00Euro each to travel to wherever you want on the line, and you have to pay the bus driver in cash for the ticket, at least we knew that much.

Arrive in Uzes and confirm that the pick up is at the same spot, we are off to find travel information. What a nice smaller town. Map in hand and we head off to the Medieval Gardens, it only opens at 10:30 so we explore a little more of old town. Lots of very beautiful small cobblestone streets. Shops are just starting to open. The main square of Place aux Herbes has a ceramic day, so lots of beautiful ceramics to look at, none will be making their way back to Canada. It is much cooler today, around 15 degrees when we started, winter jackets are out again for both of us. When you are in old towns there is very little sun to be found, even if it is a nice sunny day like today, the buildings are just so close and tall together you have to find squares to get in the sun.

Off we go to Jardin Medieval. The focus here is on plants that were used in the middle ages for medicinal and food purposes. Not too exciting, but the highlight is there are 2 towers and one of them you can climb. So of course we climb up the 199 steps to the top, I cannot imagine meeting someone going the opposite way, those steps were tiny! We were rewarded with fantastic views from the top.

We walked around the Dukes Palace, Duchy of Uzes, that is still in use by the family, they are been here for over 1000 years. They do offer tours, but at 22.00Euro each we decided not to partake in this tour. Plus our time was limited to 3 hours in town because of bus schedules, we had 2 choices to return, 3 hours or 8 hours, we figured 3 hours would be plenty.

Off to visit the Cathedral Saint Theodrit, this was very impressive. The cathedral is from 1652 and inside was really interesting. Little steps leading up to the second floor which we weren't able to access but all seemed to be surrounded by wrought iron. Also a beautiful organ from 1685 that was amazing.

Attached to the cathedral was bell tower Fenestrelle, the only circular bell tower in France. It reminded us of Italy, and the leaning tower of Pisa.

More exploring the little streets, then picked up a sandwich and back to the bus stop. We really liked this little town and are disappointed there weren't more options for us to spend another hour or 2 using the bus.

Back to Avignon and it is beautiful out so time for an outside drink in a square. Lots of places are not open because of the holiday so we end up at our go to behind the Popes Palace for a spritz and a blond beer. Lots of people out wandering around today.

Back for a rest and then out to see if the Monday market is really happening. We were skeptical because of the holiday, we were right, no vendors, but to our surprise so many people out and walking over the bridge. Then we realize there has been flooding. Not sure if it was just from all the rain but it is incredible. Lots of detours for cars, places that we have been walking are totally flooded. If you were here on a river boat cruise I am not sure how you would have made it into town, the water has totally cut off the docking spot, you are surrounded by water. Walked part way over the bridge for some more views, the amount of water and how fast the tide was going were incredible.

Back home for supper and a quiet night. Making plans for our final few days in Avignon.

Steps 18,000 or 11 km

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