I found this piece on Expatica very interesting overview of what makes France attractive to foreigners. Among the reasons: rich culture, history, modern transport, gastronomy…and this piece focuses on Futuroscope, a theme park near Poitiers… What are the reasons you like (or perhaps dislike) France? It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly attracts me to the country, but I’d have to say it relates to an appreciation for the pleasures of everyday life, a more healthy work-life balance than in my home USA, a cultural history that is a wealth of pride to the French and leading innovative companies and high-tech transportation links. Also the diversity of the regions.
Excerpts below..
The world’s top tourist destination
It’s official, and, although visitor numbers were down in recession-hit 2008 from 2007 (79.3 million as opposed to 81.9 million the year before) France is still the world’s top tourist destination. Most of us would be surprised to discover that France gets more than 20 million more visitors than both the USA and Spain, 50 million more than the UK and almost 60 million more than Turkey, according to the world tourism organisation WTO…
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
In a feature piece on Expatica, renown travel guru Rick Steves gives a nice introductory lesson to French markets and shopping for food, and how it fits into the cultural spectrum. Although I don’t go as often as I should, I enjoy French markets (not just in Paris, of course) for the fresh produce, lively exchanges and the genuine pleasure of food. You’ll see chefs walking around looking for the best ingredient for their restaurants that day.
Some excerpts:
Why Parisians shop on an almost daily basis
Parisians shop almost daily for three good reasons: refrigerators are small (tiny kitchens), produce must be fresh, and shopping is an important social event. It’s a chance to hear about the butcher’s vacation plans, see photos of the florist’s new grandchild, relax over un café, and kiss the cheeks of friends (the French standard is twice for regular acquaintances, three times for friends you haven’t seen in a while).
Produce shops are stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables. Each morning produce is trucked in from farmers to Paris’ huge Rungis market near Orly Airport and then out to merchants with FedEx speed and precision. Locals generally shop with a small trolley cart rather than use bags needlessly. Also notice how the French resist needless packaging and go with what’s in season….
What are your favorite parts of French markets?
Bon appétit!
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
americanexpatinfrance
SocialVibe