Did you ever wonder about the French connection to Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It’s the day before Ash Wednesday and refers to the practice of eating fatty foods before the start of Lent when meat is forbidden. Carnival festivities begin with the Feast…
Paris markets can be hit-or-miss. That’s why I’m pleased to unveil a new tool called the Paris Market Finder in the Resources section of my website. Most markets in Paris are open only one or two days a week. Locals know by heart the days of their closest or…
Markets in Provence are a celebration of agriculture, crafts, and, more broadly, the Provençal identity. For travelers, they open a door to the local foods and way of life, plus a chance to participate in a tradition that dates back centuries. I immediately became enamored…
We can all use a boost of holiday cheer. One of the best places to go and stoke that merry glow is a holiday market. In France they’re called marchés de Noël. The tradition of Christmas markets started in Germany and spread to Alsace in the…
Some people visit markets in Paris purely for the fun and cultural immersion, and maybe to pick up souvenirs that can be transported home in a suitcase. I often advise travelers to Paris that one doesn’t need to have a kitchen to enjoy the food…
La rentrée is a big deal in France. Early September marks the re-entry of the local French after a long vacation period, which is often the full month of August. The term is mostly associated with students going back to school for the new academic…
The Internet gives us the ability to connect with like-minded people around the world. Thanks to social media networks, I’ve met many market enthusiasts and have learned a great deal from them. One example is Askan, who lives in Bonn, Germany (the former capital of West Germany) and…
There are places where la douceur du climat (the mildness and sweetness of the climate) of France makes it possible to enjoy the good life year-round—and within an easy train ride of Paris. Take, for instance, Rouen especially on a Sunday morning when the city’s…
Friday is a sweet spot of a weekday to browse and shop the Paris markets. Vendors’ stalls are well stocked in anticipation of shoppers who want to lay in provisions before the weekend begins, and the aisles are easier to navigate than they will be on Saturday and Sunday when markets are more crowded….
