France is my second home. For almost three decades, I have shared my life between Australia and France … partly by intention, partly by fate, with a good dose of serendipity thrown in. Over that time, France has been a home to me, both in my soul and my work. I find the country, the people, and the way of life endlessly fascinating, beautiful, and enthralling. But also, at times, exasperating. As a journalist, foreign correspondent, and travel writer, I have written extensively about France for newspapers and magazines worldwide. The lifestyle, breaking news, travel news, adventures, road trips, food, wine, and culture. There may be something uncanny about me ending up in France all those years ago on a journalism scholarship. It was not my first choice – Italy was. The Archers – my mother’s side of the family – come from England. The Archers descend very likely from the de Archers of Normandy. Just as they went on a conquest in England, I went on one to discover the world. And in doing so, have ended up ‘almost French’.
Tis the season for French Christmas transport strikes. French transport unions have a habit of throwing a spanner in the works of people’s Christmas travel plans. The risk is real. Be prepared. Here’s what you need to know about travels in France over coming weeks leading up to Christmas.
Here’s the less-than-tasteful truth about the industrial croissants and other Viennoiseries pastries you are being sold in French bakeries. At least two-thirds of croissants, pain au chocolat, and other favourite French bakery treats are ready-made, poor quality and industrial. As well as being unnutritious and unhealthy, they are toxic and dangerous.
France’s ‘capital of Europe’ has one of the best pastry traditions in the country. Here are 4 of the best pâtisseries in Strasbourg, which could also qualify as the capital of sweets, chocolate and pastry making.
The French are selling alcohol to minors on tap. That’s the finding of a study by the association, Addiction France, which says 86% of supermarkets and 97% of bars, cafes and fast food chains flout the laws and sell booze to youth. Even more astounding given the difficulty for us adults to buy booze at some French supermarkets on a Sunday!
A sign behind the counter at my local bakery yesterday said “REVE” – dream … And I was. The pinch me – I am in a French patisserie dream again. Every trip to a bakery in France is a delicious dream. Savoury or sweet, depending on your preference, the day, or time.
Heading to my local Monoprix on Sunday afternoon, I am shocked to find barriers walling me out from the wine section. The manager tells me that laws preclude the supermarket from selling alcohol on a Sunday afternoon. That turns out to be false. Whether you will be able to buy booze in France on a Sunday, depends on the store – and the area.
