As you may have guessed from the sunshine and the snails of my previous posts, we have been in France for the past few days, visiting family.
I first visited France on a French Exchange when I was 13. I was partnered with a girl called Patricia who insisted on wearing a sailor’s hat for the entirety of her time on the return leg to the UK. I was mortified. But even at that young age, I remember liking this Gallic neighbour of ours. And I still do, with its proud heritage, incredible food, and rolling countryside straight out of a Claude Berri film.
And so it was great introducing The Small People to a few of the finer sides of French life, now that they are that much bigger.
We spent the days making the most of the sunshine and the pool, but our hosts kindly took us to see some of the surrounding areas as well, including the amazing smelling Chateau de Cassaigne, famous for its Armagnac, lovely Castel Moron, and the medieval weapons centre at Larressingle. This was a particular favourite for Small Boy, who as you can imagine was in his element. It reminded me of our visit to The Viking Centre in Ribe last year. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to duel with an (albeit slightly smaller compared to the Viking, but very enthusiastic, and knowledgeable) French opponent this time!
My favourite part of the trip though? The fabulous Night Markets that take place at this time of year. A bit like the Bavarian Bier Garten principle, you roll up, take a seat at a long table and either bring your own food and buy your own wine, or bring your own wine and buy your food from the plethora of food stalls awaiting to satisfy every gastronomic whim. First stop the butcher’s van for a Fred Flintstone sized steak (to share of course!), and then to the old ladies on the barbecue next door who will expertly cook your purchase then and there. Move on to the grocer’s stall who will supply you with beautiful salad ingredients to go with dinner, and then to the baker’s stall for the obligatory baguette… Take it all back to your table, surrounded by like-minded folk all enjoying the same. Then rinse and repeat for cheese and dessert courses! Perfect!
Should you happen to be in the Agen area, I also highly recommend you pay a visit to Restaurant Marriottat, which is one of the nicest (and the poshest) restaurants I have been to in a very long time. The French are experts in this field of food, and this restaurant excels in some of the most amazing and delicate dishes I think I have ever had (and the service is second to none – plus they were gracious enough to pretend they understood my GCSE level French)!
Back to Bavaria, and back to a diet!
Trish says
I do think when you visit France you should pay homage to Patricia and wear some jaunty headgear for the duration ;-)
bavaria says
Hahaha… I don’t think she would ever speak to me again after dissing her pierrot dolls!! :D
Pia says
you’ve just made me want to hop onto the eurostar! To just stroll through markets, eat, drink, and not do much else :)
bavaria says
That’s what France is for isn’t it? Thanks Pia :)
Helen from The good life mum says
arr your bring back so many nice memories for me from my tour de France
bavaria says
Thank you Helen (:
Midlife Singlemum says
Sounds like an idyllic break. It’s going to be fantastic (already is) having Europe on your doorstep.
bavaria says
Thank you Rachel, we are lucky where we are on this “assignment” :)
kelloggsville says
I’ve never fallen for France in the same way. Maybe it’s the people, maybe it’s just not relaxed enough, there are too many social rules for us to ever feel quite comfortable. I’ve also always felt their toilets leave a lot to be desired…so please explain to me why we are back there again shortly!
bavaria says
It’s the food isn’t it?? :) I totally agree with you in the toilet department though, vile! :D
Very Bored in Catalunya says
I love holidaying in France, it’s definitely one of the good points about being on the continent when you drive to destinations and not have to worry about luggage allowance.
bavaria says
Thanks Wendy! Isn’t it just?… We didn’t fly this time as we were pushed for time, but next time we will, and we will take a French road trip on our way down there! :)