UzEssentiel in English

FR - The need to refocus our diets on eating well, to give our bodies the ingredients they need to function properly and to maintain their vitality, means that living foods are increasingly taking a more important place on today's menus.

FR - Founded in 1989 by the economist and development specialist Maria Nowak, inspired by the microcredit scheme launched by professor and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, French association Adie - Association pour le droit à l'initiative économique (Association for the Right to Economic Initiative) - is increasingly becoming a professional partner that many people can count on when looking to revitalise their business or even set up their own business.

It is all about France with this a short selection of new releases that you may enjoy.

Open your eyes... Happy reading!

(FR) - Here's a delicious recipe shared by chef Enzo Savournin, from the Ode des sens restaurant in Saint-Siffret (our paper).

With its plunging view over the nearby valley, the Maison æterna's guest room is an invitation to enjoy south of France in a very pleasant way.

2nd part of our paper dedicated to Californian writer Jules Larimore (read the 1st part).

FR - Let's have a meeting in the heart of the Cévennes with the authors of Et elles sont parties book, published by Editions de la Fenestrelle.

FR - A few years ago, we had the chance to visit the patio of the castle of Blauzac during the village's annual flea market. It has since been bought out and now houses 3 flats for seasonal rental.

We thought we had to come back and see it in a different light and so made a date with the new owners end of January for our very own trip back in time...

Created in 2011, Radio Fuze is constantly renewing and diversifying its programming.

To mark the release in bookshops of Elly Conway Argylle's novel, adapted for the screen by Matthew Vaughn, UzEssentiel's editor had the pleasure to meet Sophie Bastide-Foltz, who translated the novel into French.

FR - After Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879) of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, A book of the Cevennes published in the early twenties of Anglican priest, antiquarian and novelist Sabine Baring Gould, Notes from the Cévennes (2018) of British poet and novelist Adam Thorpe, comes the turn of Jules Larimore…

Want to know more about her and her love for writing? You are on the right page!

FR - Situated between land and sea, Les délices du Scamandre is a living tribute to Camargue life and local product.

FR - Creating frames with pebbles, what a surprising idea! Discovered during our visit to the Séquence boutique in Uzès, Poésie de galets is a source of inspiration, giving their right place to these small, rounded, smooth fragments of rock.

The community café Le P'tit Moutas in Sagriès opened its doors in last November. Housed in an old agricultural shed restored by its owner, François Reboul of Domaine de Malaïgue, the place was designed to welcome members in a friendly atmosphere.

FR - Tested at Namaspamousse in Uzès, the cans of organic wine from Vignobles Bossier are bound to raise eyebrows. What kind of packaging is this for such a venerable product as wine?

Curious about the origins of such packaging, we ask Mélanie, owner of the Boissier vineyards, to find out more about their estate and their new range of wines, Uchronic.

It's decided, a lap or two around the Lédenon circuit is on the cards.

Warm up the engine, fasten your seatbelt, are you ready? 3...2...1... Go!

Around 50 kms from Uzès and just over 20 kms from Nîmes, the town is named after the itinerant Greek monk Gilles the Hermit (Aegidius), sanctified by the Benedictines in the 8th century.

Here we are, But you are in France Madame finally appeared in its audiobook version on Spotify.

Our meeting with Sandrine Skiller at the Lussan se livre book fair at the end of August provided the perfect subject for our 3rd and final portraits of French crime stories writers.

As we had a wide-ranging conversation about crime, while she was signing her novel Quand le Diable s'invite au Paradis (2019) and her thrillers Les Flammes de l'Enfer ne Suffiront pas (2021) and Tes Ténèbres bâtiront Mon Paradis (2023), we agreed to have a literary meeting with a focus on her writings...

Present at the flea market on Sundays' morning at the refuge stadium in Uzès and at the big unpacking event in September, Place aux Herbes, the "all for €1" bookseller has just opened his shop in Sauve.

Specialized in history and regional books, this enthusiast is no stranger to literature, as well as art, religion, well-being and a touch of children's books.

Plus que cuir (More than leather), the art of leather jewellery according to Victoria Garcia, in Poulx.

Ciguë is a most poetic shop.

Situed rue du 4 septembre in Uzès, it is specialized in dried flowers in bunches, soliflores, wreaths...

This delicious cottage cheese from the region of Lozère is just perfect, equally yummy for sweet or salted recipes.

Want to find out more? Follow the steps of this new UzEssentiel recipe.

For the past two years, the hamlet of Ribas, a stone's throw from Laudun-l'Ardoise, has been home to MAISON 1643, a guest house housed in a former silkworm farm.

To celebrate the fall season, Cynthia Sanchez, chef at Bistro Léone in Nîmes, is gently awakening our taste buds with a recipe featuring figs. Yummy!

The chocolate of Eric Comte is first, and foremost, a gourmet adventure with its roots in 2020. It's also a story of changing career, a professional adventure that we at UzEssentiel are passionate about.

Séquence, a newly based in Uzès boutique , promotes local craftsmanship. It's a trademark and a clear commitment to select designers from the south of France, but not only.

In Séquence, we can find names and skills such as Olivotte, Elsa Lenthal, Flor do Sertão, Poésie de galets, Lin Mandarine, Vannerie Vergan...

The blog editor pushed open the door of this Provencal jewel case, right in the heart of Uzès.

A new selection of readings for enjoying October leafing through pages...

Maison æterna with its 100% Occitan olive oils is a story of a professional retraining.

From a successful career in communications to olive-growing, it was only a matter of time before Sandrine took the leap after a whole host of training courses.

Want to find out more? Head for Salazac with us and the Maison æterna oil mill...
 

Frédéric Somon, a former gendarme specialised in criminal investigation, is now a deputy public prosecutor and a writer of dark, very dark, novels.

His 4th novel, Ichthus, just published by M+Editions, sends the reader right from the first pages into the disturbing depths of the human soul....

The Prieuré Saint-Nicolas has been reinvented as a multi-faceted place, elegantly combining guest rooms, art gallery, concert hall and even a temporary restaurant during the summertime...

Join owner Arnaud Le Bihan on a guided tour that combines French lifestyle and gourmet delights.

We have selected some books you might be interested in...

OCNI, the Unidentified Edible Objects factory, is a young French company set up in Méjannes-lès-Alès since 2014.

Its surprising and completely innovative concept? Cutting or grating seasonings that have won over gourmet palates with a great range of tastes.

At about 200km distance from Uzès, the Sigean African Reserve offers a safari experience in the heart of the Occitan region.

We have created and tested a delicious light recipe to start Septembre the best way possible.

Come on, it's easy !

It's fig season. Make the most of it with this refreshing recipe made in UzEssentiel!

Really passionate about cooking and well-being, Sophia Delacroix decided to share her passion for cooking, after ten years as a cook and chef in several restaurants, in a different way by becoming a freelance writer.

Her aim is quite simple: helping you to adopt a healthy and balanced diet without sacrificing pleasure and flavour.

Fancy to taste one of her recipe? Follow her step-by-step for delicious bite-sized dishes.

Let's set off to discover the archaeological site of Ambrussum, not far from the commune of Villetelle.

After our paper dedicated to the Domaine de Gressac's Spanish horse breeding farm, UzEssentiel editor is now delighted to welcome back its owner, Laurence Michelet, back to the pages of the blog in the Local product section this time, for the natural organic wines of the place.

At about 50 kms from Uzès and only 8 from Lunel, Gallargues-le-Montueux is a refreshing place in plain summer due the proximity of the Vidourle river.

Run nowadays by the second generation of growers, Isabelle and Gérard Combe, the family lavandin farm at Vilgoutrès, which has held the AB (Agriculture Biologique, organic agriculture) label since 2000, extends over some 10 hectares around Verfeuil.

Part of the French national order of veterinary, the animal osteopathy practice aims to prevent functional disorders of the animal's body.

Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret is a small village nestling around twenty kilometres from Uzès and only twelve from Bagnols-sur-Cèze.

Surrounded by vineyards, it lays under the gorgeous sunshine of the Gard.

Located around thirty kilometres from Uzès and just 17 from Bagnols-sur-Cèze, the village of Cornillon overlooks the Cèze valley from its promontory.

The castle of this medieval village and the old streets that surround it are the place to be to spend a charming afternoon in the heart of a truly historic atmosphere.

Love, fear and a return to France is the third book in Catherine Berry’s series celebrating her French-Australian life and published the 14th of July. Couldn't do it better right!

So, if you wanted some update about the author's life in France, well, here is your opportunity. 

Part 2 of our paper dedicated to the GARD'LE CAP 4L TROPHY project, crewed by drivers' team, Alexis Monier and Louanne Reboux.

Part 1 of our paper dedicated to the GARD'LE CAP 4L TROPHY solidarity project, whose young drivers team is taking part in the 27th edition of the 4L TROPHY raid, from held from 15 to 25 February 2024.

Have you noticed? The editorial team at the UzEssentiel blog is passionate about local produce.

So... it didn't take long to decide to have a chat with chef Petra Carter, who runs the Le Pistou cooking school, just a few steps from Place Albert 1er.

The Galerie de l'Uzège in Uzès regularly exhibits Paul Meznage, a painter who is a regular visitor to this confidential place.

The editorial team took the opportunity of his last exhibition to lead you on a journey along the artist's imaginary and sparkling routes, full of of colour and landscapes that will lead you into a very personal and colourful universe.

As her latest book Un été à Cameline has just been publised in the collection Terres de France of French editor Presses de la Cité, we had the idea to push the door of Aurélie Haderlé's writing room to discover the world of this young novelist born in Nîmes.

FR - As the strawberry season begins, take a look at its colorful history.

FR - Among the many caves in the Gard, the cave of Dions, known as the mushroom house, is perfect for those new to the discipline of caving.

FR - Chef Julien Lavandet of the restaurant Maison Lavandet, at the Domaine de Privadière, in Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, invites himself to your table.

FR - From his hometown Peterborough to Uzes, from London to Saskatoon, Canada, find out more about the many inspirations of British painter Oliver Bevan.

FR - Claire is a specialist in "baby cuteness" and is particularly inspired.

Decoration, clothing, bibs, games and so many other creations are to be discovered here below. Follow UzEssentiel guide!

Meeting Laura was a real pleasure. Sculptor, sometimes calligrapher... Let's talk about a little-known profession, where art and creation are the key words.

Local product of the Gard region, and more especifically from the Cévennes, the chesnut has everything to please you.

And if autumn allows us to find it on the markets, it is also the promise of good times in the kitchen.

FR - A very delicious and easy to make recipe to enjoy with your afternoon tea.

With its roots streching back to 1820, the Domaine Deleuze-Rochetin vinyard has been producing organic wines since 2009.

FR - Native of the Auvergne region, in France, David Vernede has undoubtedly drawn inspirationfrom this rustic and rural territory.

FR - The juice of reinette apples from Vigan... Hummm, it smells good!

(FR) - Here is the second part of our paper on mushroom picking.

The Mycological Society of Alès still helps us through our search to know better what to pick and the regulation on mushroom harvesting.

UK - Autumn is quite a good time to pick mushrooms.

Also known as the City of Stones, Montpellier-le-Vieux is a surprising mineral spot.

(FR) Let's go to Sauve, around 40 kms from Uzès, for our trekking!

FR - Did you know that Méjannes-le-Clap had beaches ?

From Biarritz in the Pays Basque to the château de la Rochepot, in Burgundy, from Giverny in Normandy to the small villages of Luberon, Carole takes us along her own private tour in France.

FR - A wine with medieval accents, the Hypocras d'Epices & Bon is the promise of a unique and fragrant taste.

FR - Born in the north of France, Charles Flahault would gain fame in the south, in Montpellier.

At the foot of the Cevennes mountains, Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort is a sleepy town laying under the sun, refreshed by the tramontane.

Several years ago, Australian-born author and French teacher Catherine Berry convinced her husband to leave their comfortable, suburban life in Melbourne to go and … live in France with their three young children.

Designed as a cabinet of curiosities, the House of the Gardon's canyon natural reserve completes the offer of the House of the Gardon, in Russan and the House of the Beaver inCollias.

On your way to Alès, why not make a short detour and visit the village of Deaux, a few kilometres from the Alès exhibition centre? Then head for Méjannes-lès-Alès, where the local Meduz brewery has recently opened.

One of the best way to prepare your trip around France, or just to learn more about the country, here is the publication of Les plus beaux villages de France in its English version.

"Discover the 164 most picturesque villages in France, selected for their authenticity, beauty, and cultural heritage by the accredited association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France".

From the Duperré School of Design and Arts and Crafts to an internship with master glassmaker Luc Benoît-Brouard, from the discovery of "traditional materials and techniques such as Tadelackt and Zellige, ancestral practices acquired from craftsman Abdella Bougrine" to modern mosaic in the Isara workshop, and then Roman mosaic alongside France Hogué", Flore Molinaro explores art and techniques.

American born author Keith Van Sickle first visited France, and more especially Provence, almost 30 years ago.

As he and his wife described this early France encounter, “ it was love at first sight ” !

But it was not until 2008 that the couple decided to make the final step : to start living a part-time French life, “ between Provence and California ” .

FR - Named after its founder, David Jamin, the gallery - and workshop Jamin is located, since 2013, in a historic house with centuries-old vaults in the centre of Uzès, rue Saint-Théodorit, a privileged setting for his shimmering colours paintings, with frank and dynamic brushstrokes.

Walking around La Capelle et Masmolène, we can see the small Saint-Pierre chapel.

Standing somewhat on the outskirts from the village, the chapel is located in the middle of Mediterranean trees. It is dominated by the Adélard tower, now in ruins, which belonged to the castle of a local lord, destroyed in large part in the 12th century (both were part of the ramparts of La Capelle).

Once a biochemical engineer, Françoise Escale Agnan became an artist in the early 2000s.

First stepping in the art world by engraving, she then discovered painting, which challenged her and offered her a freedom she had never imagined. Then came sculpture, the sublime.

Around Nîmes, on the Courbessac side, lays the Domaine d'Escattes.

A vast walk in the heart of the garrigue, the Domaine d'Escattes recalls the exploitation of the Mas which gives it its name.

FR - Asparagus from the Sands or Celestine from the Camargue ? Violet or wild ? Which of these asparagus do you prefer ?

As it is harvested from the beginning of March in the Camargue, then in Uzège and the lower Rhône valley, and as we find it on the market stalls until the beginning of summer, you can make your choice by testing its varieties.

FR - The village of Moussac is located on a small rocky peak approximately 20 kilometers from Uzès, overlooking the Gardon and its affluent, the Droude.
 

Residing in France since 1997, and more specially in Aix-en-Provence, Mary Lou Longworth left Santa Cruz, in California, where she had lived with her family for ten years, to live the French life.

FR - Agathe has been passionate about ceramics for a long time.

And, one day, she decided to make a rather drastic professional move and became a ceramist. 
 

FR - We had left the memory of Louis Perrier (1835/1912), whose name is inextricably linked to the famous French brand of sparkling mineral water, at Euzet-les-Bains.

We now discover Domessargues, his native village.

FR - Euzet-les-Bains is located halfway between Alès and Uzès and starts offering a nice view of the Cévennes.

FR - The ecopasture adventure in the Uzège began 5 years ago with the decision of some wine growers from the cooperative cellar Les Collines du Bourdic to allow herds of sheep to graze on their plots of land, first in Blauzac, then in Arpaillargues, demonstrating the wine professionals' growing concern for the environment.

FR - The horses of Przewaslki were reintroduced in the wild Causse Méjean region in the 1990s, thanks to the intervention of the Takh foundation, and now run freely in the exceptional site of the Cévennes Natural Park.

FR - "Les Âmes Sauvages" is a family business that specializes in organic cosmetics.

Founded in winter 2018 by soap artisans Noredine and Elodie in Pont de Rastel, 30 kilometers from Alès, Les Âmes Sauvages, using the ancestral method which is environmentally friendly, carefully selects its raw materials : 100 percent natural origins, with a focus on organic farming.

FR - Originally from the South of France, and a Uzétienne by adoption, the painter Mireille Feuillie-Casalis loves colour.

"I was born in the middle of boxes of pastels and watercolours..."

From the Beaux-Arts of Nantes to the illustrations of her doctoral theses during her studies in biology, from the inspiring exchange with Moroccan artists, strong of their "non-figurative tradition, more open to form and decoration" during her years in Casablanca, to the artists' workshop she runs in Uzès from the end of the 70s, Mireille Feuillie-Casalis pursues her training and gradually returns to watercolour, an art all in delicacy and poetry.

French version - La Magnanerie de Dions is first of all a philosopy : Take your time.

French version - Settled place d’Austerlitz since October 2020, near the library of Uzès, MADE IN XAVIER is present in the city for 4 years.Specialized in local art, MADE IN XAVIER is a temple of creation, between lights, jewels, ceramics, furniture and so on, offering a wide selection of products coming from around Uzès (no further than 250 km).

French version - Here we are at Saint Victor la Coste, a small village at about 20 kilometers from Uzès.

Walking down its street, starting from the town hall to the fountain of the Centenaire de la Révolution (Centenary of the French Revolution, 1889), going up the street des Remparts (of the Ramparts) or of the Tour de l'Oume (Tower of the Oume, a prison in the 17th century, now the church tower), we get little by little to the feet of the Castellas, the castle up the hill.

Un site, une page Instagram, des box, A French Collection, c’est un peu tout ça à la fois, en fait.

Mais A French Collection, c’est aussi et surtout la touche de sa créatrice, Annette Charlton, une australienne tombée amoureuse de la France en 2009.

French version - In the courtyard of the Monastery of Solan stands, since 2017, the lovely church dedicated to the Mother of Christ.

A Byzantine architecture and an orthodox vocation

The church, built mostly with stones of the region, and particularly of the monastery domain, of grege, beige, and even golden colors, is dominated by an ethereal dome, of octagonal shape, which reminds us of the Byzantine architecture, and the orthodox vocation of the monastery.

French version - Founded in 2003, the association regroups members from Aigaliers, Foissac and Baron, and is open to members from other towns and villages around.

With its multiple activities, spreading from September to end of June, L’Aphyllanthe has a life of its own.

French version - Created in 1910, uniting the collections of Fine Arts and local history, the Borias museum of Uzès was first located in the town hall.

Since 1978, the museum is situated in the old episcopal palace, becoming neighbour of the local court.

French version - A brand new creation of the Syndicat mixte des gorges du Gardon, The house of the beaver (Collias), opened recently, 1st of August.

A long term project

A long term project launched some 15 years ago, the House of the beaver of Collias is built where was once an excise duty house.

French version - You are looking for riding a horse in the Gard ? Well, why don’t you go to Aubussarges, less that 10 km from Uzès, and discover the Ecuries du Roc, a riding school owned by Isabelle and her husband.

A perfect place for a perfect time

At the door of the communal forest of Aubussargues, the riding school is situated in a preserved countryside and offers, with its 15 ponies and horses, a wide choice of activities, for beginners up to advanced riders.

Tasting the apricot of Provence, it is biting in a sunny fruit.

Great for sweet and salty dishes, you can find it on the markets from June to August, and eat it stewed, in jam…

Orange coloured, with pinkish « cheekbones », the apricot of Provence is melting down in the mouth.

French version - The medieval city of Sauve discloses its historical heritage to us starting from its old bridge (12^th c), then strolling along its small streets and alleys, in and out of the ramparts, and up to the Jean Astruc or Sivel squares, or the Conservatoire de la fourche – the museum dedicated to the pitchfork, specialty of the city.

FR - Welcomed by Lynda and Gérard Bellaïche, UzEssentiel has discovered the creations of a very inspired artist.

You wish to enjoy your garden in the Gard ? First you have to learn a bit more about the plants of the region.

God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures.  Francis Bacon (1625) Essays ‘Of Gardens’

French version - UzEssentiel has been lucky enough to visit the artesanal La Calade with its owner, Vincent Laudescher, in Sanilhac.

A brief presentation

Located in Sanilhac, the micro brewery is named after the typical paved roads of Provence.

French version - At some 30 kilometres from Uzès, the little village of Tharaux is overlooking the valley of the Cèze.

 FR - Standing on a 300 m rock wall, the Allègre castrum overlooks the Serre Fourré ravine.

FR - At about 35 km from Uzès, Vénéjan is a hidden treasure.

With overlooking castle and chapel, Vénéjan brings a peaceful feeling to whoever comes to visit.

FR - By a sunny day, UzEssentiel had the pleasure to visit Ô Potager along with the owners, Clarisse and Adrien.

FR - The Les Vignerons Engagés association (French Sustainable Winegrowing) with CRS certification (Corporate social responsibility (CSR), was created in 2010, following the 2007 initiative of few wine growers cooperatives looking to the future and wishing to change wine production.

Here are some useful terms to know when having a drink in a bar, a restaurant or visiting a vineyard or a brewery in a French speaking country.

FR - In 1834, Prosper Mérimée is thirty years old. Appointed inspector general of the French Historical Monuments, he starts to travel through France and its architectural heritage and tries to find a way to protect it.

FR - Here we are ! There is no turning back as we booked a discovery flight at the Uzès Flying Club, not far from Belvézet, on the road leading to Lussan.

This half an hour special tour is going to take us flying over Uzès, Saint Quentin-la-Poterie and, the highlight of the flight, the pont du Gard. Quite a treat indeed !

This is a first for us to visit the country up in the air.

FR - Local products

This rustical apple is typical of the Cévennes.Very tasty, the rennet of Le Vigan is delicious, both fresh or cooked, for sweet and salty dishes, fried in a pan with some butter, in a traditional apple pie or stewed.

FR - Vézénobres is a medieval city located at 11 km from Alès and at about 40 km from Nîmes,.

On top of an ancient oppidum, Vézénobres is a great place to go and visit on spring or summer time. And if you bring along a picnic to enjoy in the country side, the visit will even be a great family time.