Most of us have experienced that cloud of melancholy which sometimes descends after a wonderful trip. Seemingly endless days spent escaping, maybe relaxing by a sun drenched pool, listening to the sounds of local, traditional music, salivating at the smells of regional food, soaking in the ambience, the architecture, the history, then you return home, to reality. You momentarily remember tiny details as you flick through assorted photographs but all too quickly feelings and experiences fade to become a treasured memory, as the business of life re-consumes you.
For me, I was fortunate enough to actually to live in such a place, somewhere that most of us only visit on a trip, somewhere that spoke to my heart. Having been immersed in Provence for eighteen, glorious months, it felt as if the essence of this beautiful place had somehow flowed into my entire being, as if I had found the essence of life, a magical ‘je ne sais quois’ which I still find almost impossible to define and then after a year away I returned ………….
People say you can never go back, nothing will be the same but in fact more often than not it is just as you had remembered it. Like rediscovering a much-cherished teddy or book or outfit that somehow had become hidden within the folded layers of your wardrobe. You see it again and your emotions immediately sweep you down a well-remembered path of excitement and elation, simply put; feeling good!! Returning to a beloved place is really very similar, the only thing that has actually changed is yourself. You are a little bit older, chiseled with a few more of life’s experiences so perhaps you see things, embrace things and experience things just that bit differently. However the essence of what stirred you the first time remains, what joy and delight that brings!
The golden limestone cobbled streets of Uzès
wondering about all who have tread there before you,
as you walk those same cobbles again.
The shuttered buildings,
shutters thrust open and fastened tight each day.
The Fenestrelle Tower and Cathedral
The Château D’Uzès
Market day in Place aux Herbes
from the delightful lady selling goat’s cheese,
beautifully decorated morsels of deliciousness!!!
The nun still selling wine,
the sumptious fresh garlic,
and of course sunflowers!
The local pottery collection
and hand pressed olive oil and wine just outside of town.
Inside the shop at the Moulin D’Uzès
Next door, the vines heavy with a new vintage at Aquaduc D’ Uzès
Inside Le Domain d’ Aquaduc d’ Uzès
Romantic and heart string even at night, as we cross Place aux Herbes under a canopy of twinkling lights
and amble down our street on our last night, knowing that this will never be just a memory, for we will be back quite soon!
Download The Uzès, Travel Guide for Uzès and the surrounding regions of Languedoc Roussillon and Provence.
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