If there’s one thing I admire about the French, it’s their obsession love of fresh, quality food and bread.
Fresh Coquilles St Jacques (Scallops) in their shells at local market
Markets are bustling with shoppers even on a cold, crisp Wednesday morning where parking spaces are fought over and pedestrains race across the street to purchase their warm baguettes for lunch.
This baker has the best grainy baguettes in the area.
As soon as you step inside the boulangerie, the movie unfolds. Steam-clouded windows and the aroma of fesh, golden loaves, bring you into another world. During a ten-minute wait in line, you can watch the baker open the oven and place baguettes on a metal shelf.
Behind the counter, his wife and her assistant smile and chat with each customer.
The baker and his wife treat each customer with the same warmth and attention they give to their craft.
Another bakery with creamy eclairs, and tartes aux fruits.
Bread is purchased daily; a must in French society, hence the importance of relationships between the baker and each customer. In a way it’s a form of therapy for the customer, where for several minutes a day, you can share stories about your family, your health or ask questions about which type of bread goes with a camembert , saumon fumé, (smoked salmon) or pâté de foie gras. Even in a city like Paris, the store owners value relationships with their customers. They pay attention, remember who you are, and show that they care.
Bon appétit
Another fish stall with fresh oysters and mussels. Wish we had seafood, this fresh, in southern California.
Mouthwatering post, Sonia! I've been to France and Paris a few times and I always check out the markets. Of course I love "real" food and they've got it in France. The smaller shops, like the bakeries and butcheries are a real treat. I just hope they don't get chased out of business by the big supermarket chains as they have in other parts of Europe. I see it happening in Holland. Sigh.
Happy travels!
I adore French bread – oh, the delicious smell of freshly-baked goods!
Oh you've made me so hungry! Not just for the food but the experience.
Mmmm, that is one of the things that I miss the most about Chicago. Fresh food markets everywhere! Oh I miss that so! Love Di ♥
oh sonia…….i was hoping you would post, so that i could be in france with you…you KNOW a part of my heart is always there!!!….enjoy your time there with your dad, and hope we can get together when you return…was thinking about you… (today the 20th is my mom's 84th!!!)
Wow, that all looks so good.
Sigh!
I've just finished lunch, Sonia, and already I'm hungry again, after looking at those wonderful pictures.
Quelle domage que je ne suis pas là, aussi!
Bonjour, Sonia,
Love, love, love this post. Mouthwatering! I'm going to France in May to study French – can't wait!
I was also a big fan of the boulangerie when I was in France, but perhaps hung out at the patisserie a bit more often. I'd love to go back again and spend…years.
@ Miss Footloose
I don't think France will lose their boulangeries and small markets. It's too ingrained in their culture. At least I hope not.
@ladyfi
I agree
@Barbara
Come on over and visit.
@Diana
Now I want to visit Chicago.
@Donna
Happy birthday to your mom and I think you need to come to France again. You do LOVE it.
@Robert
Have you been to France Rob?
@Miss Sadie
Oui, c'est dommage car on mange bien ici.
@Gail
How wonderful. How long are you staying in France?
@Patricia
I agree with the patiseeries being excellent, however I do love the fromages, so perhaps le pain est tres important aussi.
Greetings from Helsinki! We have good bread here too! 🙂 yummy!
Back to Casa tomorrow…
Wonderful post and great pics! I wish I was there! Have a baguette for me.
Great post. Now I would like some great food and also to take a trip ASAP to France 🙂 I agree with you … their love of bread is great. I feel like they pay such special attention to the bread experience and the quality of the pastries.
wow — just read this mouthwatering (as miss footloose said so well) post — good to see you enjoying all the delicacies that paris has to offer! also saw the previous post of your adventures in copenhagen — what a fabulous city! I was there as a little girl and recall it fondly, esp the tivoli gardens!
skaal to you sonia — best of wishes for a fabulous remainder to your journey!
The French cuisine unbeatable!
Delighted you enjoy the country I live in so much!
Loving your blog,
Amitiés
Stephanie