Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Frenchman with a Pink Espresso Cup

French Man with a Pink Espresso Cup

Years ago at a brocante I found a stack of stones slabs, that once were part of a building facade (1800s) in Marseille. I bought as many as I could to have a stone fountain built in our courtyard. 

It took two men to carry each piece of stone slab to the car. I had to make several trips to the brocante, because my car couldn't manage the weight of all of the slabs at once.

Every morning the muscle men would come into my kitchen for a cup of espresso before starting work… Every morning I served espresso in the daintiest cups I had… just to see those big strong hands hold the cups with care.

Frenchmen know how to handle a pink. I thought you might find that interesting this Monday morning.

Ask me something about France in the comment section, and tomorrow I'll pick a few of your questions and answer them… the ones I pick will receive a prize.

Think fun, crazy, happy questions please… I need a diversion.

Comments

85 responses to “Frenchman with a Pink Espresso Cup”

  1. Barb

    Are there many overweight People in France? If not, why?

    Reply
  2. AmanDUH

    What tv shows are popular in France today?

    Reply
  3. Peggy Lunde

    What wardrobe essentials do you pack for a French holiday?

    Reply
  4. ella

    why oh why are we so in love with the french accent(spoken by the male of the species)…we have a new french chap at work and whilst i am not in the least bit interested(am way past that stage in life as i have my love at home) my heart sings to hear him ahhh!

    Reply
  5. Sue Young

    To you and Yann both: what best symbolizes / represents
    Provence, deep down in your hearts, above anything else?
    I’ll tell YOU my answer to that after YOU tell us!
    Sue

    Reply
  6. Zosia

    Have you ever gone truffle picking with a pig? or do you anyone that has?

    Reply
  7. Tricia cooper

    Why are the French so passionate, I’m jealous~

    Reply
  8. Ali Moss

    Do the French have a sense of humor and if so, what makes them laugh? would you say it’s totally different
    from what Americans find funny? sometimes you write about things you do that really make me laugh but the French reactions you get seem to be less than amused.
    It makes me think that I would make more than a few social blunders if I went to France.

    Reply
  9. Janet

    Do French women decorate their bathrooms with antique
    photos of the Eiffel Tower?……….Like I do.

    Reply
  10. annie

    Clear proof. There is no such thing as an insecure Frenchman.

    Reply
  11. Ycha

    Do French, real, men eat quiche? Before or after they kiss?

    Reply
  12. Janet

    PS…..If I ever move to France, the first thing I will
    do is buy some pink teacups. Then I will have a
    fountain built !!!!!!!

    Reply
  13. Marilyn

    Oh I do love a muscle man with a dainty pink teacup!
    For all the pastry shops in France, do the French really eat all those pastries or are the just a temptation to fatten up the tourist? A sadist pleasure the French know about that we don’t know.

    Reply
  14. Claudia

    Does anyone in France really say “Oo la la”?

    Reply
  15. Frank Purrkins

    Is there really a place in France where the women wear no pants? And the hole in the wall part? That true, too?

    Reply
  16. Toni

    I hope this is as entertaining for you as for me! These are great and i love the photo! I am going to start serving espresso on my construction sites! ah, but the men are not French! I will try to think of a good question – love these though!

    Reply
  17. shirley

    Do many in France own French poodles? Are pet allowed in business establishments?

    Reply
  18. WR

    Are Frenchman as good lovers as they are made out to be?
    Alternate question:
    Do they like their weenises rubbed?

    Reply
  19. Massilianana

    Do we really wear a beret ( I know I’ve got one…) when we go to buy a baguette ( or pastries ) , I mean, seriously ? Are we really that rude ? Does our accent (when speaking english) sound cute or silly ? Why is ‘oh la la’ so famous ?

    Reply
  20. Star

    I’ve seen tons of pictures of the French and their dogs but I don’t really see pictures of cats. I know Stinky Cat used to live next door (and that a cat would not be your choice for house pet); are cats uncommon as house pets in France?
    Also, I’m with Ella. Hearing French men speak is just so wonderful 🙂

    Reply
  21. Diogenes

    OK, here goes…
    Several years ago we went to a Michelin rated restaurant in Paris for Danny’s birthday. We splurged. We orderd soup, pate, terrine, some sort of appetizer and a main course, followed by dessert.
    I told the waiter the order I wanted things to come. Soup first, then the pate, terrine and appetizer together, followed by main. I know this is wrong in some way, because it caused them a lot of consternation and disbelief. Almost as much as when we accidentally set the tablecloth on fire in a Munich restaurant. But that’s another story.
    So, what is the proper order one needs to order in a fine restaurant in France? I have a feeling this is like taking one chocolate nearest you from the host’s box at a dinner party…

    Reply
  22. Bev S.

    o.k. funny question but important: how is the toilet paper in France?
    I ask because in Brazil (when we lived there), the toilet paper was just awful–either like wax paper with the size of two inches by three inch sheets or like old newspaper (same size). Please enlighten me on this important subject.

    Reply
  23. g

    well- let’s see, i have a few silly questions-is it true that the french do not like you to use the bathroom even it there is a party at their house? and is it true all rooms, including the kitchen are off limits except the living/ dining room(i read this in a book and not an old one). also is it true the french do not give tours of their homes like we do in the states-also i know you have written about light bob (for bulb) as yann says are there any other words or expressions that french people say that make you smile–and do french men carry handbags-not backpacks or totes but clutch like handbags….i know i have others but cannot think of them right now… 1 more- do you find that it is still QUITE ACCEPTABLE to be all girl-not equal this and equal that-i do not mean sexist but are women still seen as women-

    Reply
  24. Donna

    Do people in France “French Kiss” most of the time, or do they “American Kiss”? (I don’t even know what that means…silly…silly) 🙂

    Reply
  25. julie

    Is there really dog poo everywhere?

    Reply
  26. Nancy in Solana Beach

    What a lovely discussion!!!!
    Two questions come up about France.
    Do you call your flag the “Blue, White and Red”?
    Do people who live in Marseille call it Mars?

    Reply
  27. martina

    Julie, you must have heard Eleanor Beardsley on NPR this weekend. She did a great essay on all of the dog poop in Paris.

    Reply
  28. martina

    Poodles aren’t French in origin. They started in German and are called pudels-meaning water. I have a standard poodle and everyone thinks she is French. Maybe it is because I occasionally give her commands in French:-)
    I want to know, in what region of France did people originally start cooking/eating escargots?

    Reply
  29. chardonnaylynn

    Tomorrow is my birthday. If I were with you in France, how would we celebrate???

    Reply
  30. Beatnheart

    I love the macho workmen with the dainty pink cups…too cute
    cannot in a million years imagaine that happening here…how charming.
    Now I hope this isn’t too crass of a question but it is something I’ve been curious about for forever. When I was in France, I noticed that a lot of people did not seem to use deodorant and even the most well dressed had a faint odor of BO. What’s the deal with that?

    Reply
  31. Paulita

    Corey, Are you friends with French women your age? (I know you’re friends with Annie.) Do you think men and women are equal in French society? I know this isn’t a fun question but I’ve been wondering.
    What’s the worst thing you’ve ever eaten in France? Do you eat fried crickets like Brad and Angelina’s kids?

    Reply
  32. Mahala

    Would a big beautiful Frenchman wear pink undies?

    Reply
  33. Arlena White

    Hello Corey,
    My question is “if someone had a very limited budget, but had a burning dream to go to France, where would you recommend they go that would be a little more pocket- book friendly than say, Paris???” Don’t know if I’ll ever make it, but know there has to be some more affordable areas than others…
    Thank you,
    Arlena

    Reply
  34. Barbara Snow

    DO you have mosquitoes where you live? I spent my 50th birthday in Provence at a lovely villa in the middle of summer and it was mosquito-free. When I asked why,I just got a classic French shrug of shoulders. When I retire I want to live in a mosquito free zone.
    If this seems like a stupid question then you’ve never been to Minnesota in th summer.

    Reply
  35. lscox@earthlink.net

    Do French men really kiss differently than American men? (as in French kiss) LOL
    Margie

    Reply
  36. Toni

    OK – I really can’t come up with a good question, so I will just tell you that (although I hear it told you are not a cat person), that I named our black cat, Noir-i.
    Do a lot of people still smoke? My husband spent time in La Rochelle and the 3 things he remembers – good bread and cheese, b.o. and cigarettes. Love ya –
    Toni

    Reply
  37. Suzanna

    wow, these women really covered it, especially about the kissing part, lol, do french men care about pedicures and manicures over there? do they wear printed boxers? lol

    Reply
  38. Marsha Danosky

    Why the pink toilet paper??? And why no wash cloths for your face?

    Reply
  39. Tammy

    You write so wonderfully well about all things French that you love. I ask this only because I cannot imagine not loving everything about France once I finally get the chance to go there but is there some aspect of French life that puzzles you or you could do without?

    Reply
  40. Debra

    Ariena, hi! I, too, had a very limited budget but wanted so bad to experience France. I decided to join my cities Sister City International association. Before I knew it we were planning an adult exchange for a French group to come to my town and my American group would host them and show them the Balt./Wash.DC area. We had so much fun! Last October it was time for my group to go to France – I lived with a French family and was treated like royalty. I highly recommend seeing France at least once like this. We explored Paris and the Cergy-Pontoise area. Almost every American city has a sister city in France somewhere –
    Just google sister cities international . . .

    Reply
  41. karen

    Okay….this is a serious question now!
    How do you use a bidet? I see them, never used one and I have no one to ask…You SAID ask anything!!!
    I understand if you pass this one up!
    Hanging my american head in embarasment!, karen…

    Reply
  42. Cathi

    I have often wondered what a “typical” day in your life looks like?

    Reply
  43. Debra

    Corey, sorry my comment above did not post where I replied.
    Could you explain the custom of receiving linens when you get married?
    Do you go out for Friday night happy hours? Does France have happy hours?
    Have you ever taken a cooking class in France?
    Have you bought anything at the sales that are going on now in France?
    I know you love Paris and Cassis, but is there another area of France that you just adore?
    How are there any brocante items left in France with so many foreigners buying up so much?
    How in the world do French women walk the hilly cobblestone streets of Montmartre in heels?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  44. Kathie B

    Corey, what do you miss most about the US while living in France (besides pure maple syrup)? And what do you miss most about France when you visit other countries (besides fresh, fresh, fresh baguettes)?

    Reply
  45. Kathie B

    Along similar lines, what do the French know about life that Americans don’t? An conversely, what do Americans know about life that the French don’t?

    Reply
  46. Ann

    What are the three most popular classic films that the French love?

    Reply
  47. Jody

    I cannot think of one humorous question. Wanted to asked about the French wearing no underwear , but that has been asked. my grandmother and mother sang that song to me. Instead I hear the French women have lovely lingerie.
    Are there silly and funny French people? I get the impression everyone is polished and very refined. Are the French conceited, egotistic, and snobbish?
    My husband wants to know what the French are saying about Lance Armstrong now?
    I know these may be boring questions……xoxox Jody

    Reply
  48. paulaSinnewmexico

    What type undies do french men wear?

    Reply
  49. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    ?

    Reply
  50. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    Corey, just one simple question….how is it possible to make one timble full of coffee last over one hour when sitting in front of the tabac every morning???

    Reply
  51. Clare

    I have some questions around drinking in France. Which do you find to be true: a woman doesn’t sit at a bar alone…when entertaining, a woman does not pour the wine. If unmarried, she assigns the task to a male guest…No one is offered a drink until all the guests have arrived…generally one doesn’t drink in the evening until 7:00 and always with food…Lastly, is it really “good form” to arrive 20-30 minutes late to a dinner party and rude to be on time?

    Reply
  52. Claire

    What sorts of things do children make for their moms for Mother’s Day in France?

    Reply
  53. Sharon Penney-Morrison

    Oh Corey!! After reading all of these questions, I could hear you laughing. There some good ones in there. It will be interesting to see how you answer these…esp. the “weenies” one. I will be watching:-)
    I do think it is important for anyone visiting France or any foreign country, to know the protocol. There are many differences.
    xo

    Reply
  54. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    Jody, This is my 15th trip to Provence and I am living here for 6 months writting a cookbook. In all my experiences I have only had one uncomfortable experience and it was with a waiter who was nasty to all the guests. The French are warm , caring and generous and welcoming…at least in the south. can’t speak too much about the north. The concept of snobbish is unfounded and usually an American misinformed notion! karen

    Reply
  55. Patti Lloyd

    How do you dress that is recognizable as “not from here” ?(California)Do you wear designer clothes? Are there places like Target in France?

    Reply
  56. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    Tammy, I could do without the doggie poo on the sidewalks!

    Reply
  57. jend’isère

    Only time for a cut and paste this morning:
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01q7fz7
    Thinking of you.

    Reply
  58. Laurie SF

    French or American men. Whose better in…err whose the better dancer?

    Reply
  59. Kit

    I love that you especially chose your daintiest espresso cups for the builders! And photographed them.
    Has Valentine’s Day in France become an occasion for little kids to exchange gifts, or is it still a day primarily for lovers?

    Reply
  60. Jamie

    Bonjour Dear Corey,
    When invited to someone’s home for dinner, is it true that if you haven’t sent flowers that morning, you must place your shoes in a plastic bag, quietly put them in a tray near the door, then hand your host an odd number of flowers? Do all French men and women feel this is the polite thing to do?
    Hugs to you!

    Reply
  61. Kiki

    no question from me but a remark about pink!
    Yes, I noticed that too, the French have no prob with the colour pink; all those pink shirts on the streets (and not only last Sunday!)
    Love, my girl, Kiki

    Reply
  62. Noelle

    On my first visit to France, I was walking near Notre Dame and became intrigued by a man who was heating an interesting food item in a large metal pan over a hot fire. I cautiously approached and asked him (in English) what he was selling. He replied, “These are chestnuts. Please take one…they are poisoned!” We both roared in laughter, as he held one for me to try. It made me wonder if the French really do dislike Americans, or has it just become a joke after all these years?

    Reply
  63. 24/7 in France

    As an expat living in France & married to a Frenchman, I find all the questions typical about France and the French – all worthy of a response so hard to choose a few to answer. In general, there are less hang-ups here in general (with regards to pink and the idea of being macho) than with American men – divine!

    Reply
  64. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

    When I was in Normandy last time I went by bus on a d-day tour. I can’t tell you how many men were peeing on the side of the road. Now they were facing away from the traffic. Is this common? Of course saw no women,

    Reply
  65. Merry

    French women often appear to be deliberately charming, more feminine … almost seem to be playing a flirtatious, seductive game. Have you learned how to be a bit more “French” in that sense, especially when negotiating at a brocante? I fondly remember the sort of undercurrent of romance – or je ne sais quoi – that is part of being in France. I still miss it! What do you think French men think of American women, generally speaking? (We know about Yann!)

    Reply
  66. Bonnie

    I’m a flight attendant. I visit France often but never for very long. I don’t mind exploring areas alone as not all my friends want to venture out. What is the best way to find social settings? I’ve discovered it is mostly men who start conversations with me. Since I’m married, I am more interested in practicing my language skills than my kissing skills when I visit.

    Reply
  67. The Pliers

    Debra, what a practical suggestion and lovely story. I’m glad to hear that you decided to do what you have done to begin have Franco-USian intercultural experiences. Bravo!

    Reply
  68. The Pliers

    One of the ways that you could see France on a budget is to
    –join “The Affordable Travel Club” (ATC) at www.affordabletravelclub.net (check this article: http://www.intltravelnews.com/2011/02/the-affordable-travel-club);
    –use Renault for the car rental (lease to buy program, special for rentals
    –pick a region to explore rather than the whole country
    –use budget hotels, they exist
    –watch the airfare sales, buy at low season
    Oddly enough, Paris is affordable if you plan. There are too many cultural activities to count; there are transportation passes; there are discount nights/tickets for venues; and everything is at your feet via metro and bus.
    You just need to plan well. Believe me, I know because I live real life in France on a miserly pension. Ha! Ha! Ha!

    Reply
  69. The Pliers

    Corey, just wanted to say how much I loved your photo with the man handling the dainty pink cup! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  70. Amy Kortuem

    That photo should be made into postcards. Let’s think of hilarious captions for them!

    Reply
  71. Alison Whittington

    I’ve read both “Bringing up Bebe” and “French Kids Eat Everything,” and I’m curious how you think French parents raise their children differently, and in which ways that’s “better” or “worse” than American parents?

    Reply
  72. La Contessa

    How does a FRENCHMAN kiss?Lips first then tonque or right to TONQUE!Does he pull your hair with passion?

    Reply
  73. Jamie

    Thank you for your post! When I plan my
    trip to France I will keep all of this in mind.

    Reply
  74. Anjanette

    OMG!!! So needed to laugh!! PLEASE COREY answer this one!!!

    Reply
  75. double d

    In my experience, there is no bad food in France. What do French people say about our American food?

    Reply
  76. Karen Carson

    The pink cups cracked me up! My question is, French women seem to have such an innate sense of style…whether their clothes are casual or couture. Where does this flair or instinct come from? The scarf is always tied “just so”…why? How? I’d love your input!
    KC

    Reply
  77. Helene

    Tell us about the perception of time in France. On my visits to France there always seems to be more time for: dining, talking with friends, and for courteous “Boujours” before asking for help from sales people, repairmen, etc. It may be an innate sense of courtesy that has been forgotten in America where so many things have to be done yesterday.

    Reply
  78. Dawn Fleming

    Hi Corey, Do French men color their hair? I noticed from photos of your husband that he does not seem to. Lately in the Chicago area I have been noticing more men over 40 coloring their hair, and not necessarily in a good way. Example, a client in his early 60’s came into our office today w/his hair dyed auburn, yet he left his eyebrows white. Another man I know dyes his hair shoe polish black (Elvis black) and leaves the mustache and goatee white & gray -sorry, but eeww!

    Reply
  79. Charland

    What is the single most common trait that makes a Frenchman French. Is there perhaps something in the water or wine flowing in his veins? Is it an attitude,a way of looking at life and what was it that made you fall in love?

    Reply
  80. Jill Flory

    I love that photo of the big man’s hand with a dainty pink tea cup! I’ve been sick so i guess I missed getting in a question!

    Reply
  81. Mahala

    I see that they do !

    Reply
  82. Brenda, Walker, LA

    Ha, that’s funny…loved the post! A real frenchman, AND our local Cajun men, will drink a good strong cup of coffee in any kind of cup, pink or otherwise! Do you think there is a connection? Love your brocante stories, may we have more?? God Bless!

    Reply
  83. Brenda, Walker, LA

    One more question: Did the stone fountain the burly man holding pink tea cup built look like ones you have seen in France? I am thinking he had skills!!!

    Reply
  84. Lorelei

    Do French men wear pajamas? Do French men give flowers to their beloved regularly or only on occasion? Do French men always kiss their beloved goodnight (and good morning, too)?

    Reply
  85. jody

    Thanks Karen, i appreciate you answering this! sorry i am off schedule reading the blog. xo

    Reply

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