This is a child's map I found the other day in a French children's newspaper called, "La Journal Rose" it was dated 1901.
Do you know that France is made up of regions? Each region has its specialty and they are not to be confused with other regions. For example, Crepes are from the region of Brittany, though they are served all over France. But if you are in Rennes you might want to have a crepe, or a galette (Crepes are only served with sugary fillings, and galettes are served with salty fillings. Hence a Crepe is never served with spinach and cheese.) In Brittany, you also need to wear a striped tee shirt.
My French Husband is from Brittany, he is my informant. Oh, I nearly forgot, you must drink Hard Cider in a red stripped cup when eating galettes.
But the map above is of Marseille… I think I got off track.
Marseille in a nutshell…
(Though not necessarily in that order.)
Cannes, Nice, St Raphael… those seaside towns conjure up images of reclusive beaches and the play ground of the rich and famous. Though with the freeway those towns have become the number one retirement spot for the elderly, as well as summer destination for many.
Now the rich and famous hang out on their yachts parading along the coastline. When they do come into shore along St. Tropez it isn't uncommon to see a bunch of young starlets jump from their small "taxi" boats to the shore in their mink bikinis. When they arrive on shore it is customary to spray them with champagne.
So in case you decide to come to shore on St. Tropez in your mink bikini or otherwise…. you stand forewarned to bring an umbrella…. or a hunk-of-burning-love to stand in front of you.
The French Riviera (short film)
Provence. If ever you want to taste the south of France read Peter Mayle's
Photo by French Husband: Chelsea and I dancing on the bridge of Avignon.
Dreamy blue skies. A river runs through it. Paradise of fruits… antiques being one of them.
We moved to the south of France from Paris when our daughter was three months old.
I read Peter Mayle's book and used it as a guide to Provence. Every place he mentioned in "A Year in Provence" we went to it.
Then I discovered the world of antiques….Thank you Peter Mayle… at Isle sur la Sorgue.
France become a whole lot better after that little discovery. I found my map to being very happy in France. Not that I wasn't happy being a wife and mother. It is that the BROCANTE added a road map to finding my footing. I discovered my place in France through antiques.
Chelsea (my daughter over 19 years ago.) in Paris. Chelsea called me "Maman" which is Mommy in English. Since I didn't respond to being called Maman, she called me Corey. It stayed that way until she was four. I kinda liked it then…though now I call myself Mommy.
I am weird like that.
Oops I got off track again… I think I have always been off track… it makes for one helluva adventure. I think I'll stay this way.
Where does your dream road map take you these days?
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