Living in the South of France

There’s nothing ordinary about living in the South of France, especially in the spring. There’s always a festival, a brocante, a party, or something extraordinary going on.

Here are a few snippets on “Living in the South of France” in May.

Lunch with friends

Now that everyone who has been away from Uzès for the winter is back, meeting friends for lunch is a must for catching up. Even though there were eight of us, a little backstreet cafe was perfect for our Saturday get-together.

Ever eaten couteaux? They’re razor clams from the Mediterranean. A delicacy in a tiny bite.

Roman Games in Nimes 

Each May in nearby NImes, a historical reenactment is staged in the ancient arena. It’s world-class. The Great Roman Games were presented just as 2000 years ago — featuring chariot races, gladiators, and Roman dignitaries,

This year, the theme was “Barbarian Kings.” Romans and barbarian battles that raged throughout this area from 113 to 101 BC were brilliantly recreated during the 2+ hour show. The production crew that moved seemingly effortlessly on the arena floor constructed a near-lifesize fortress, a village market, and a realistic representation of the port in Marseille. For a snippet, view the video below.

Shopping at IKEA

My new apartment in Uzès is far from furnished as I’d like it. Moving from “Rapunzel’s Tower” to my ground-level flat was more complicated than I thought. In just five years, I accumulated much stuff that would not fit. Yet, I’m still shopping.

Living in south France, I’ve learned the French love IKEA. I haven’t checked IKEA in the US lately, but the store in Avignon is different and better than any I’ve seen. Right now, shelving and storage for my kitchen is my priority.

Interestingly, renting an apartment in France doesn’t always come equipped with a complete kitchen. Sometimes, there’s just a sink. Occasionally, there’s not even a sink. So renters have to create their own “cuisines.” You can take whatever you’ve bought with you to your next rental.

The kitchen in my first apartment was tiny. It had a sink, a cooktop, and little or no storage. The new kitchen has bottom cabinets, a cooktop, and an exhaust fan. I have to purchase Anything else I want in the space and have it installed. Fortunately, IKEA has good designs and affordable prices on kitchen fittings. Now, find the time to get it done.

What do you think of this?

Renewing my Carte de Sejour

Yes, it’s that time of year … again. My appointment at the Prefecture in NImes to renew my carte de sejour was this week. Thank goodness for Renestance! Jennifer is so familiar with the people and the process at the Prefecture that it’s getting to be a breeze. That is, if you call pulling together a snapshot of your life and finances to present for your card simple.

This was my fifth year going through the French requirement for my 12-month visa. My compliments to the Nimes Prefecture this go round. They’ve figured out how to move people through the system. Perhaps it’s because of the number of Brits coming through the system due to Brexit.

Waiting for my number to be called at the Prefecture

Market Day in Uzès

What’s a week in Uzès without a visit to the Saturday Market? Just getting there is half the thrill. Yes, I do love living in the south of France.

Hope you had a great week too!