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. As a journalist, foreign correspondent, and travel writer, I have written extensively about France for newspapers and magazines worldwide. I report on French lifestyle, breaking news, travel news, adventures, road trips, food, wine, and culture.
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.
Was Marie-Antoinette’s famous quip a rumour spun by the Queens’ adversaries?
The best French brioche recipe, easy and delicious. Years after love at first (brioche) bite struck, I’m blissing out on home-baked brioche. It really is a matter of vive la différence tasting it fresh from the oven.
Imagine a Tour de France by way of the best French tarts. Imbibing along the way, all the regional specialities you can wrap your mouth around. It will be a satisfying, and dare I say, a fattening endeavour. All this fanciful thinking began with a dinner party and a killer tart brought along by a friend – aux fruits rouges – berry fruits. It’s one of the five best French tarts featured here with recipes.
The Strasbourg Cathedral is dressed up to the nines every night on these summer nights with some fun-tastic facades. Due…
