Markets in France newsletter

Bonjour

I hope that you and yours are well.

I’m sending you this newsletter from the south of France where I’m exploring some of the most beautiful places and hidden gems of Provence and the Rhone Valley by boat (you’ll find me on Instagram sharing photos!). I find it’s a great way to get to see a lot in a short time plus the slow pace of exploration, being spoiled with great food, wine, and total relaxation, always inspires me to write – and I have a new book to finish first draft ideas for!

When I travel, I love to discover the history and culture of a place, and especially the local gastronomy – from the boulangerie and fromagerie to haute cuisine at Michelin starred restaurants, little bistros with lace curtains and a chalk board showing the plat du jour, or an old café with a zinc covered bar, and if there’s a chance to go to the local market I never miss it – I snuffle out a market like a pig pawing out a truffle.

Going to a street market in France is a cultural experience, not just a shopping experience, it’s a way of life and a chance to get to know a place better. Just ask any local at a market which stall is best for whatever you want – from mushrooms to bread, cheese, fish, whatever – and they’re usually really happy to share their favourites with you, or even, I’ve found on occasion, to introduce you to the stall holder! In fact, French people love their markets so much there’s even a French TV show dedicated to peoples’ favourite markets in every region. Wherever you go in France, one of my top tips is make for the market – it’s a great way to feel the vibe of a village, the pace of a town and a delicious way to discover the local products!

It’s a short newsletter from me this week as I’m just about to head into Saint-Remy-de-Provence, before going to Les Baux de Provence tomorrow! And of course I’ll be writing about my adventures for The Good Life France Magazine (it’s FREE – you can find it here: magazine.thegoodlifefrance.com).

Wishing you a bon weekend and bisous from the south of France,

Janine
Editor

Read the whole newsletter here

Janine Marsh is Author of My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream, My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life and Toujours la France: Living the Dream in Rural France all available as ebook, print & audio, on Amazon everywhere & all good bookshops online. Her new book How to be French – a celebration of the French lifestyle and art de vivre, is out now – a look at the French way of life.

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