Like the sunrise, the day unfolds slowly. We begin with a steamy cup of cafè-crème – the first indulgence of the day, enjoyed sip-by-sip in a cozy chair on the terrace watching the early morning light wash over the flowers and vines. The air is still cool, but the sun promises to welcome a warm afternoon. Gone are the days when we would gulp down our coffee and hasten off to work. In fact we can’t fathom how we managed it! We drink in the luxury of time, knowing that when we are ready, we will wander to the local boulangerie for fresh baguette (tradition, s’il vous plaît) or an occasional pastry, then return home to savor our finds. Le petit déjeuner is one of life’s great pleasures for me and it is a sacred ceremony every morning. I choose pretty plates and napkins, and place the butter (demi-sel pour nous) and artisan jam on a tray, adding jambon, the lovely mayo/mustard blend my husband adores, yogurt and meusli. Pure bliss.
Having started our day properly we know the rest will flow smoothly. The world is our oyster as we plan the day’s agenda. Should we begin with a short hike while it is cool or hit a local market? (We have memorized the weekly schedule in our area). As we hate to miss the Saturday market in Uzès, it wins over the hike. Not only do we love to peruse each stall, but we know we will return with a fresh bounty for dinner.
The Uzès Market
We are in luck – our favorite parking lot has a space. We grab our woven market basket and wander to the first row of vendors. There is everything here: fruit, vegetables and cheese of course, but also clever little wooden baskets that fold up easily for storage, lovely linens, pottery and leather goods. My basket is quickly filling up! Occasionally I can’t resist ducking into a favorite shop, so I distract my husband with an olive vendor so I can take my time. Eventually our feet are tired and we are feeling the need for a cool drink.
Lunch spots are filling quickly, but we find a table at le Café des Amis and watch the market fade away for another week. For these artisans, t is a labor of love, packing and unpacking wares every week; talking with countless tourists and locals with vibrant energy all morning long. They always manage to brighten our day and leave us with a sense of connection and belonging.
Pont du Gard
Our basket and our bellies full, we return home to put away our newly found treasures. The days has indeed heated up, but a few clouds have drifted in so we decide a short hike might be just perfect. There are ample trails that connect our little town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard with the famous UNESCO Heritage Site of le Pont du Gard, and we choose one that meanders past an ancient olive tree and ends up with stunning views of this national treasure. It never gets old, and I begin to understand why impressionists wanted to paint the same landscapes in various light.
Joie de Vivre in Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Looping back home we decide we have now earned our apéro. A quick stop at the Domaine de Valsenière to pick up a few bottles of wine, and we find ourselves on the shaded terrace, overlooking the pool, which beckons a quick dip. Pourquoi pas? We have plenty of time before our reservations at Les Roses Blanches in Argilliers.
We end our day with the same simple pleasures: savoring excellent food in a charming setting. At times I want to pinch myself to see if this is just a dream. As a young professional, could I have imagined that life could have this gentle pace? That I could spend my days en joie? I am beyond grateful that my husband and I can enjoy all of the rich experiences that France has to offer.
