Last week, the Barefoot Blogger took a shopping trip to Nimes, the closest “big city” near Uzes. I had curtains on my mind.
Shopping in Nimes
As much as I try, there’s always something I think will make my apartment in Uzes even better. I’m now looking for simple curtains for my “utility” room. The room didn’t need curtains until I bought the precious daybed in San Quentin de la Poterie. Remember it from this blog? It’s now in my “utility” room, soon to be “reading room.”
After driving to shopping areas in Nimes a few times, I’m beginning to know my way around. There’s the downtown area with its trendy shops and promenades. Then there are the megastores on the outskirts of town. Carrefour is one of the biggest stores, much like Walmart or Target. The big difference is that several smaller stores are under the same roof, so it’s like a shopping center with an anchor store — except the whole center has the name of the anchor store — “Carrefour.”
Then, there are many huge, sprawling stores along the same highway as Carrefour. Most are named “Rama“-something.
My destination for the day was Castorama.
Castorama reminds me of Home Depot in the States, with substantial lighting displays, appliances, and garden decor. (How ’bout those crazy floor lamps?!)
Wandering through the store, I couldn’t help but wish I could use a chartreuse toilet seat!
If the wall sign “J’dore” had been in red, not hot pink, it would have gone home with me!
The outdoor furniture was imposing. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything this stylish in the Home Depots I visit. Not a bad price either!
But back to my reason for the shopping trip — curtains. There was an extensive selection, including Hello Kitty.
After filling my tiny shopping cart (large carts are available) with my selection of curtains, rods, and curtain hardware, I went to the checkout, where I was welcomed by the friendly, English-speaking cashier. Who, by the way, loves the USA. Her cousin lives in California.
Oh! One thing that I failed to mention is how you get from Uzes to Nimes by car.
You drive along a two-lane, winding road that requires a lot of concentration and courage. You can imagine the ride if you have a few minutes to watch the video. Areas along the narrow roadway are lined with blanc trees so close together that you don’t want to blink when a car approaches. The mountainous curves remind you of road races you see televised from France. In fact, the route between Nimes and Uzes is often on the Tour de France course because of its difficulty.
(OK, I sped up the video a bit … but you get the idea!)
Later, Dinner in Uzes
The drive to Nimes and the shopping trip took less than two hours. Then it was back to Uzes for dinner with two new friends — readers of the Barefoot Blogger from Pittsburgh!
It’s not often that I rave about a restaurant; however, this night was special. Our dinner in the garden was divine.
First course, salads (anytime a salad is served with a puffed pastry, it’s a winner!)
Main course
Beef course served by Cyriel
… and an extraordinary dessert — an assortment of sorbets with spun sugar and chocolate lace on a cookie crumble
A wonderful day, indeed!
