And finally to Uzès! (30 April 2014)

In the first hour of the drive from Genoa to Uzès we experienced torrential rain, which was quite concerning.  However, one thing we have noted is that Italians drive to conditions a lot better than Australians, often significantly exceeding the 130kph limit when conditions are good, but slowing well below the 110kph limit when conditions are poor.  On this day, with rain and sometimes hail hammering into our windscreen, we joined most cars in slowing to 60kph with hazard lights on, but noted several other drivers opting to pull right over to park and wait the rain out.  The rainy period was made more interesting by going in and out of many tunnels, leading to alternating quiet/dry and loud/wet experiences.

After about an hour, we left the rain clouds behind, and the remainder of the drive became very easy, as cloud density decreased and temperatures rose.  By the time we were driving in Provence, the cool and rainy Ligurian morning was a distant memory, being replaced by warm but very windy conditions.  The latter led to a high-stress point, when Andrew attempted to feed a 10 Euro note into a toll machine; holding on tightly with one hand, fearing it would be blown hundreds of metres away within seconds, while using the other hand to try and hold down the flapping leading edges into the slot.  With cars banking up behind, the process seemed to take more than 5 minutes, but was probably two to three (we were only honked once).

We arrived in Uzès around 6pm, drove around for 10 minutes to get some bearings, and then found a car park not too far from the central historic area, where our apartment is located.  As we were unpacking ourselves from the car, we were engaged by a local who, we gathered from our rudimentary French and her actions, had acquired an unrequired packet of nappies.  She had seen Xavier and surmised we could use them.  So our first transaction in Uzès was to receive a packet of nappies gratuit, and we immediately thought “the locals are friendly”.

After and quick and easy dinner at a crêperie, Elle and the kids walked into the historic centre to our apartment building door to meet our landlady’s agent, Madame Le Denic.  Andrew went back to the car so he could drive in to drop off our cases.  Those who have been to Uzès will know that the historic centre is not very car friendly, and so the only two times we expect to drive in will be to drop off and pick up our luggage.  Thirty minutes later, after several trips up the three flights of stairs with bags, we were safely in our apartment.  Madame Le Denic gave Elle (and, helpfully, Grace) a quick tour, in French, explaining where things were and how they worked.  After making the beds and showering, the kids went to bed around 10pm, with Andrew and Elle not long behind.

Our initial impressions of the apartment (étage 3, 2 Rue Pelisserie) were positive, and, fortunately, after two weeks here, we still like it!  It is very spacious, particularly the two principal rooms (living and kitchen/dining), is brilliantly positioned, has far better views than we expected, and all appliances work easily and well.  We are the only inhabitants on level 3, the top level in the building stairwell, and although most of the apartment is on this level, we also have two higher levels.  The bathroom and a small balcony are on level 4 and the second bedroom is on level 5.  On level 3, in addition to the living and kitchen/dining rooms, are the master bedroom, the toilet, and a large balcony.  Including the balconies, the floor area of the property would be close to what we have at home.

We have great views in all directions, from all three levels.  William and Grace get the best views from their top-floor bedroom, which has windows on three sides, giving 270 degree views.  Each of the four towers of Uzès (Bermond, Bishop’s, King’s and the leaning tower-like Tour Fenestrelle) are visible from at least one of their windows, and Andrew, Elle and Xavier can see all bar the latter from the master bedroom.

We expect the apartment could get quite cool in winter, with high ceilings and tiles throughout, and this is probably why our landlady charges tenants for gas, which is used for the hydronic heating system as well as hot water.  Although tempted on a few of our first evenings here, we are yet to turn on the heating.  During the day the apartment temperature is perfect, and we expect this to be the case for the remainder of our stay as the days and nights warm up.