What’s On 27/04 – 05/05

Monday 27 April:

Arpaillargues:

A head’s up for this Saturday – the Domaine Deleuze Rochetin is hosting the new exhibit «  Ma terre et Matières ». On May 2, actress Sophie Duez will lead a one-and-a-half-hour storytelling session exploring the exhibit. She will read texts by Virgil, Quatrebarbes, Michaud, and Sand, accompanied by the duo “Concert.fr” on guitar and handpan drums. You will need to reserve for this storytelling event by email or phone: 07 66 54 42 82. differentuzes@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 28:

Uzès:

Curious about pickleball? Well, there’s a new court opening and at your disposal at the Uzès Tennis Club. You can try this new racquet sport for free for 3 months and the club will have racquets on hand to lend out – for more information you can call their number. // 06 95 44 07 77.

St Maximin:

The festival committee is organizing a Vide Grenier for next Friday May 8th. It will take place at the Hangar des Vergers, and you can bring your items without reservations; the cost to participate with items to sell is 10€. There will be refreshments and snacks on site. Pétanque tournaments are also planned. Hangar des Vergers, 21 Chemin du Gavot.

Wednesday 29 April:

La grotte de la salamandre:

The beautiful and massive Salamander Cave adorned with giant stalagmites is just a 35-minute drive north of Uzès and it is now offering a new adventure this Wednesday: a mini-investigation to track down Alice – as in Alice in Wonderland – who has mysteriously disappeared. Participants will need to crack riddles and follow the white rabbit into a magical underground world which is brought to life with color and sound. The cost is €10 per person and you will need to book on the Salamander Cave’s website: www.grottedelasalamandre.com/agenda.

Head’s up for May 1^st and 2^nd (Friday and Saturday):

Uzès:

On Friday evening, La Mini-Compagnie and Cie Pegalyra will be working together for the first time to roll out the canvas for a circus under the big top at the Haras d’Uzès at 9:30 p.m. Live performers will bring to life the story of how the travelling circus was born. Tickets: €20 per adult and €10 for children aged 4 to 16. Booking via Helloasso.com.

Remoulins:

Also starting Friday May 1st, the parents’ association Les Minots is bringing back its traditional spring hikes. On the program for this Friday will be a 12-km walking route and four mountain-bike routes for every level of rider. Register online at: aventurez-vous.com or via the APE Les Minots email: apelesminots@gmail.com.

Back to Uzès:

For this Saturday May 2nd, the tourist office invites you on a romantic, poetic stroll – this will be a guided tour of the town, with poetry readings woven in along the way. The tour costs €8 per person and starts at 2:30 p.m. from Place Albert 1^er. Booking is required online at www.uzes-pontdugard.com.

And planning way ahead, for June 20^th, still in Uzès, tickets are now available for purchase for the Michael Jackson and Beatles tribute show at the Jean Clément Arena. This “L’Arène des légendes” show is €20 and you will need to purchase and reserve tickets in advance: www.ticket-spectacle.fr.

Thursday 30 April:

Serviers et Labaume:

Good news for local-food lovers: a new market is now being held every Thursday morning at the Serviers roundabout, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested in getting a stall? Get in touch with Dominque Moinet by phone: +33 (0)6 70 63 30 55.

Uzès:

Ready for a retro night out? The restaurant “Wine O’Clock”, Route de Remoulins, is hosting its 80s night—100% vinyl on Thursday night. It kicks off at 7 p.m., and you can even choose the next record at the vinyl bar. The evening rolls on with a DJ set – great timing since Friday is a holiday, Labour Day, May 1st! Location: 89 Route de Remoulins

St Laurent la Vernède:

Also on Thursday night, a birthday is being celebrated in St Laurent La Vernède: Come celebrate the second anniversary of the restaurant and bar La Paillotte Glouglou. The fun starts at 7pm on the beautiful Place des Platanes. More info by phone. // 04 66 57 59 68.

Uzès:

And for this Labor Day weekend, starting Friday through Sunday, if you’re looking for new fashions but also want to contribute to a good cause, come to Uzès “Vide-Dressing” or “Chic Les Filles” clothing sales in support of the Maison des Femmes du Gard. It is being hosted by the Soroptimist Club of Uzès, and takes place 10am to 6pm May 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Location: 1 Rue du Collège. More info by phone. // +33 (0)6 03 10 42 35.

Friday 1 May:

There’s a lot to choose from this Friday, so make sure to plan ahead! We’ll start with daytime activities the roll onto the night.

St Quentin la Poterie:

Friday, May 1, is the pottery and flea market day. It’s taking place in and around the Joseph Monier Market Hall.

And while you’re in St Quentin, you can check out an exhibit of Japanese floral art, “Ikebana” at the St Quentin church from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Entry is pay-what-you-want. // +33 (0)6 73 59 35 44.

Garrigues Sainte Eulalie:

Start with pétanque, end with disco: this Friday at 3 p.m., the Pays bistro “Le Garric” is hosting a pétanque competition. At 6:30 p.m., there will be an aperitif with the group “Show Her Band” playing 80s rock & roll. And from 8 p.m., it’s disco time. // 04 66 18 29 95.

Uzès:

For more splash and pizzaz, it’s circus night this Friday at the Haras d’Uzes where for the first time La Mini-Compagnie and Cie Pegalyra will be working together to roll out the canvas for a show under the big top at 9:30 p.m. Live performers will bring to life the story of how the travelling circus was born. Tickets: €20 per adult and €10 for children aged 4 to 16. Booking via Helloasso.com.

Sanilhac:

And still on Friday May 1st, for an enchanting musical evening with less sparkle and more rythms, come check out the concert being hosted by Geckologis – an ecological housing cooperative in Sanilhac. They will be presenting the band “La Guinda” which will take you on a musical journey from Asturias to Latin America, led by the captivating voice of Ana Pereda. It’s a pay-what-you-can concert starting at 7:30 p.m., with refreshments and snacks available on site.

Remoulins:

And finally, still on Friday 1^st of May, for something off the beaten track, the association 22ème siècle is putting on a drag show featuring three talented artists. See it at the Maison des Associations in Remoulins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: €10. Book by phone. // +33 (0)6 78 35 61 93.

La Bambouseraie in the Cévennes:

And planning ahead for this Saturday May 2nd and also on Saturday 9^th and 16th you can take part in the nearby Bambouseraie’s celebration of its 170th anniversary by attending its new show “Arborescences”, a brand-new enchanting immersive sound and light experience walking amongst the trees at night. There will be a total of thirteen shows throughout the summer available by reservation in May, July, August and September. In May the shows start at 9 p.m. Tickets are €16 for children aged 4 -12 and €20 per adult. Booking is required on the Bambouseraie.fr website. This weekend would be ideal as the Bambouserie’s wisteria is currently in full, glorious bloom – if you start earlier in the day, you can also take a ride on the old fashioned “Choo Choo” steam engine train that has several daily trips between Anduze and Saint Jean du Gard including a stop at the Bambouserie. The train is a delight for kids and adults and passes through the beautiful, scenic countryside of the Cevennes. Check out Train à Vapeur des Cévennes Info Leaflet on their website and make sure to coordinate your visit with the train schedule.

Saturday 2 May:

Arpaillargues:

The Domaine Deleuze Rochetin is hosting the new exhibit “Ma terre et Matières”. This Saturday actress Sophie Duez will bring the works to life with a 1.5-hour storytelling performance around the exhibit. She will read, among others, texts by Virgil, Quatrebarbes, Michaud and Sand, with musical accompaniment from the duo “Concert.fr” (guitar and handpan). Book this storytelling performance by email or phone. // +33 (0)7 66 54 42 82. differentuzes@gmail.com.

Uzès:

Forum Danse is turning 20! To celebrate, an outdoor classical barre will be set up on Promenade Racine from 11 a.m. This will be a chance to step into a dancer’s daily training routine and try a few moves for yourself. And it’s free.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the “Treize’Or des Ti’lions” association is hosting its motorcycle rally this weekend. This weekend, you can ride for Enzo, starting from the Source of the Vallee d’Eure. The Saturday events open at noon with booths, majorettes, pin-ups, a concert by Pink Pulse, exhibits, and food. On Sunday, the ride starts at 10 a.m., featuring vintage cars, booths, and a concert by the Black Bears. Admission is free; the motorcycle ride costs €5 per helmet, to be reserved at: bikeweekend.com. For more info, call: 06 61 00 07 65 / 06 45 95 01 28

Garrigues Sainte Eulalie:

If you’re looking for a quirky day out on Saturday, come check out the Pays bistro “Le Garric” where they are having a chair race kicking off at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a musical aperitif at noon, where you can select from a variety of grilled options on the menu, and – to work it all off – there will be a sack race at 3 p.m. In the evening, DJ Gégé will be spinning tunes. // 04 66 18 29 95.

Foissac:

Give your French an entertaining challenge by attending the comedic play: “Psy, Sex and Sun” on Saturday night. Marie Caizergues is the producer and will also be on stage with two others who explore the humorous tangle of misunderstandings, lies and confessions surrounding a couple in crisis and a psychologist determined to help. The show starts at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose hall of Foissac. More info by email. // productions.showcaizz@gmail.com.

La Bambouseraie in the Cévennes:

This Saturday May 2nd and also on Saturday 9^th and 16th you can take part in the nearby Bambouseraie’s celebration of its 170th anniversary by attending its new show “Arborescences”, a brand-new enchanting immersive sound and light experience walking amongst the trees at night. There will be a total of thirteen shows throughout the summer available by reservation in May, July, August and September. In May the shows start at 9 p.m. Tickets are €16 for children aged 4 -12 and €20 per adult. Booking is required on the Bambouseraie.fr website. This weekend would be ideal as the Bambouserie’s wisteria is currently in full, glorious bloom – if you start earlier in the day, you can also take a ride on the old fashioned “Choo Choo” steam engine train that has several daily trips between Anduze and Saint Jean du Gard including a stop at the Bambouserie. The train is a delight for kids and adults and passes through the beautiful, scenic countryside of the Cevennes. Check out Train à Vapeur des Cévennes Info Leaflet to make sure to coordinate your visit with the train schedule.

Sunday 3 May:

Uzès:

As part of the “Dimanches d’Uzès, which features artisanal markets and entertainment every Sunday at the Place aux Herbes, this Sunday will be dedicated to jewelry. There will be numerous vendors and children’s workshops on site.

And if you choose to cycle into town, you should know that Uzès is making it easier for bicyclists – by offering two new bicycle locking shelters, you can park right in the town center with peace of mind. The first 3 hours are free, and all you need is a bank card. You’ll find the shelters at the Cordeliers car park and at the new swimming pool car park. Find all the information on the CCPU website.

Aubussargues:

The Cantagal Association is hosting its flower fair this Sunday May 3^rd. Come and discover rare plants, a craft and local produce market, and a mobile still where you will see the artisanal distillation of camphor rosemary in action. You’ll also be able to discover a wide selection of hydrosols, aromatic herbs, medicinal plants, herbal syrups, and more. The event will take place inside and around the community center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Garrigues Ste Eulalie:

Oyster lovers, this one’s for you: this Sunday at 11 a.m., the Pays bistro “Le Garric” is hosting an oyster-shucking competition. It will be followed by a shellfish tasting – for which you will need to reserve in advance by phone. And at 3 p.m. there will be a café waiters’ race – always very entertaining as it usually involves keeping a tray with a glass of wine afloat while running. The festivities will wrap up with a closing aperitif at 6:30 p.m. // 04 66 18 29 95.

Argiliers:

At mid-day, you are invited to come celebrate the Domaine Tardieu Ferrand’s anniversary this Sunday at their open house. The open house will include: cellar tours, a farmers’ and artisans’ market, a concert by the duo “Xelle”, plus food and drinks. The estate will be open from 10 a.m., and there’s no need to book. Follow the estate’s updates on their Facebook page or website. // www.domainetardieuferrand.com and +33 (0)6 27 75 21 61.

Dions:

From 7am to 5pm you can hunt for unique treasures at the Brocante on the grounds of the Chateau de Dions this Sunday. Entry is free and there will be a refreshment stand and food trucks on site.

Monday 4 May:

Uzès:

History lovers: this Monday evening, the Université Populaire is hosting a new lecture on “The Mexican campaign under Napoleon III”. You’ll need to brush up your French or take this opportunity to practice. Gérard Mignard will unpack the reasons behind this distant expedition and the military campaign in which 40,000 soldiers took part. The lecture takes place this Monday at 6 p.m. in the Annexe Hall of UP. Entry is free, with a pay-what-you-can contribution. // www.up-uzege.com.

Rousson:

Planning ahead for Saturday May 9^th, the Gard-based association “Les mutines indigènes”, known for playful eco-botanical activities, invites you to its next family botanical outing, “fleurette de mégères”, on Saturday morning. On this walk, you’ll explore how gender stereotypes and misogyny can be hidden in flower names – through legends and the history of our plants. For the first outing of the year, a €5 membership fee is required. The outing runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is pay-what-you-want. You can book by text message or email. // lesmutinesindigenes@etik.com. +33 (0)6 70 18 10 29. asso.alternaweb.org.

Pouzilhac:

And on this upcoming Sunday, the Domaine de Panéry is hosting its Brunch de la Rose on May 10th. To celebrate the fleeting bloom of a thousand rose bushes that flower between the winery and the vineyards, a large communal table will be set up under the plane trees for a generous brunch, featuring the estate’s wines and the voice of Mylène Frappar to enhance the occasion. The event will take place from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, cost is €47 per person, by reservation only on their website: panery.fr.

Tuesday 5 May:

We have a few events in the “heads up” category for this weekend, then in late May, July and August:

Uzès:

The great Italian organist Luca Sartore will take to the Uzès organ on Sunday 10 May, performing works by Giovanni Morandi – Rossini’s music teacher. The concert is at 5 p.m. in St Théodorit Cathedral and will be shown on a big screen. Tickets: €15 for non-members of the Uzès organ committee and €10 for members. Free for under-18s and students. // comitedesorguesduzes.blogspot.com.

St Maximin:

This Friday May 8th you can clear out, browse, bargain at the Vide Grenier in St Maximin at the Hangar des Vergers. It is being organized by the village festival committee and no reservations are required to set up a booth. It will cost €10 per 10 m². There will be a pétanque tournament, as well as refreshments and light food on site. // Hangar des Vergers, 21 Chemin du Gavot.

St Siffret:

Planning ahead for late May: the parents’ association is holding a Vide-Greniers on Sunday May 24th. You can now book your spot for €10 at the APE website. 150 vendors are expected, and in addition to the usual refreshment stands and food, there will be other activities and a raffle on site. More information on the St Siffret APE website: www.apesaintsiffret.fr/programme/vide-Grenier.

Collias:

And for July and August, those who are interested in selling their creations, the Collias Mairie is planning its night market and inviting applications for the market on Thursday 23^rd of July and Thursday 20^th of August at the location known as the “Carrière Sourde” near the Gardon River in Collias. Local producers, artisans and restaurateurs can register at www.mairie-collias.fr.