I’d Rather go to France

A POINT OF VIEW

Have you ever been to France? Lately, I have been dreaming about the place. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been back in awhile. 😏

Maybe it’s because Ina Garten has been posting fabulous photos of Paris all over her Instagram account!

Could be because Emily and Andrew of Along Dusty Roads just returned from Bordeaux; their photos are killer!

Or could it be the wine and cheese? I mean who doesn’t love a lot of both right? 😋

Why I love to travel Europe is because it is so easy to do so and to quickly be in another country. All have charm, secrets to discover and culture to experience but France is special.

THE FRENCH AND THEIR FOOD WINE

The butter, the sauces, the beautiful plating of French food is just practically unbeatable. Julie Child was on to something and so was that blogging chick made famous by cooking every recipe in Child’s cook book.

The Europeans in general eat much better than we do in the states and they walk more which is how they keep their weight down and manage all that butter and sauce.

Sure they like their wine with lunch and dinner but they don’t over do it. And they still seem to be able to get away with the odd occasional cigarette after dinner?. Hmmm…..🤔

Jump into any cafe and try the daily special. You won’t be disappointed. From the freshness to the plating to the service; fabulous. The French simply won’t have it any other way. Waiting tables is considered a career choice in France and they are trained and paid accordingly.

Pop into Fauchon’s store and take a good look around. Yes! These people know how and what to eat.

IN THE FRENCH STYLE

The women in France are stylish and chic. It isn’t just the rich either. All the women seem to have gotten that gene; the capability to see something in a purse, shirt, pair of shoes or scarf. A French woman would rather have one spectacular piece than eight good ones.

Get lost in the neighborhood where you stay. It is the best way to talk to the shop keepers, buy small precious gifts for special friends, pick up fresh flowers, try perfume, have a great glass of wine and find stylish pieces to add to your wardrobe.

THINGS TO DO IN PARIS

If you don’t routinely travel to Paris than you might like to go back to at least take a quick look and photo of the usual suspects.

I love a good glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower; very festive. The Arc de Triomphe is beautiful for photo ops at dusk.

I usually plan a day at The Louvre. I also would go back to Notre Dame even if only to see the two towers left after the devastating fire earlier this year.

VISIT OTHER FRENCH TOWNS BESIDES PARIS

I still have not been to Bordeaux but would love to after the recommendation from Emily. I in turn recommended to her that they should check out the cliff hanging mountain town of Peillon above the French Riviera.

Having spent time there on our honeymoon, we loved it so much we named our dog after it! Exploring the narrow alleys of the town with beautiful flower pots and doors was great fun. Dinner outdoor patio of the Auberge de la Madonne was wonderful with breathtaking views down the valley.

Rent a car and make it a convertible and pop over to Monaco for a little gambling and spend some time loving the water views and beaches in Nice and Cannes.

Take the TGV from Nice to Lyon for around $30 or so and enjoy the food in the fatherland of gastronomy in France. It is not just Paris.

LONG STORY SHORT

I’d rather go to France; over what? These days just about anything. My husband said “We need to get the back deck re-stained and get some rotten wood replaced.” I looked thoughtful, even considered it.

Than said “Nope, I’d rather go to France.” He looked thoughtful and walked away.

The laminate on my kitchen counters has a design flaw and if water gets there, it starts to swell. It is swelling behind the kitchen sink and now on one side next to my espresso bar (the leaking canister on the machine that we keep forgetting to take off is the culprit).

My husband said “We need to get these counters replaced.” I know because I priced it; $3,500 give or take and we have a small kitchen. My response? “I’d rather go to France.” He laughed and walked off.

Hmmm….are you sensing a theme here? Maybe a viewpoint? Probably a preference?

FINAL THOUGHTS

i have decided that the signs are all there that I am supposed to go to France. I already booked a hotel room in Peillon at the Auberge for my husband’s upcoming birthday in September (surprise!).

It probably won’t be the only place we go.

I just know that it is most definitely one of the places I’d rather go. 😉😎

You might like to read other blogs under Explore the World. Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you. Tell me what you think about France or where you are going on your next big adventure OK? Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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