A lover of the French way of life, 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 French 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 and life in 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”.
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.
Alas, the story of dog poop in France is one that won’t go away – gets worse, not better – and doesn’t seem to have a pretty ending. More of a poopy one. Where are the fines? Where are the DNA tests for dogs (and perhaps their owners!)
On a breezy, sweltering Sunday of July, Joseph and I are whirling along the Alsace wine route – the route du vin. Only this time, we are doing it from south to north, on our way back to Strasbourg. The Route du Vin sweeps through over 100 Hansel & Gretel pretty villages in the foothills of the Vosges mountains. Each has its own typical tastes and “messti” – festivals.
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!
Bastille Day, what are the French really celebrating? A “shameful episode” and a massacre by a “drunken mob” leading to France’s decline – or a milestone moment of national pride marking freedom and liberty for all? It depends on who you ask.
