Nuit Blanche Uzès: A Grand First Edition
This week, Uzès celebrated its first Nuit Blanche, “White Night”. By all accounts, the annual affair in Paris will be back in Uzès by popular demand.
Nuit Blanche was conceived as a nighttime event in October when the art of all forms — natural and man-made — was highlighted by the community. The idea is to create art venues among historical architecture and places of beauty in the town or village.
For me, Nuit Blanche started off early in the day. Artful masterpieces appeared everywhere I ventured. The show began only a short walk from where I live — on the way to the Valle d’Eur.
For some reason, my walk to the Valle d l’Eure was different this day. There were details of the Cathedral I never noticed before. Perhaps I had never really stopped to gaze up at the cathedral tower.
I would have pondered the beauty of the Cathedral longer, but it was delaying my walk. With my head obviously still in a cloud, I took a first step forward — and tripped. Catching myself, I said to myself: “Pay attention! Look down before you walk.”
Fortunately, the lesson prepared me for the treacherous stairs to the Valle d’Eure.
The Valle d ‘l Eure
The Valle d l’Eure has been mentioned in several previous blog posts. I love that place. On this day, in addition to the scenery—the most accurate form of art—I ran into these most exciting creatures and objects.
A swinging bridge extends from one side of the valley to another. From the middle of the bridge, onlookers stop to watch the swans that glide by at their own nonchalant pace.
On this day, a bride and groom enjoyed their special occasion in a unique chapel.
Walking along the sides of the stream, I discovered art of a most unusual kind. Donkeys, squirrels, fish, and other clever sculptures sprang out of the ground — otherwise known as tree stumps.
Blanche Nuit
After a vigorous walk and climbing the stairs from the Valle d l’Eure, I was ready for a night on the town — Nuit Blanche.
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Street decorations included the Nuit Blanche symbol scattered on walkways and buildings where events occurred. Driveway posts were dusted with white powder, giving the surroundings an even more ethereal look.
A hidden Roman well was the site of a subterranean art gallery.
Some of my favorite galleries and places…
The Mairie (Town Hall) joined the theme with theatrical presentations and floor art reminiscent of an ancient sundial.
Oh, I could have stayed awake until midnight to enjoy it all.
Next year!
