10 Things I Love About France

Our family embarked on a late summer vacation before the kiddos went off to college. Paris and the surrounding countryside beckoned. We enjoyed relaxing over leisurely meals

undisturbed by our iPhones and California lifestyle. I discovered at least “10 Things I Love About France” and wanted to share it with you.

Coffee and Chocolate Croissants – The French serve the most scrumptious, simple breakfast. Try sipping on hot, slightly bitter coffee with buttery, warm chocolate croissants as you people watch at the crossroads of contemporary culture. It’s an exquisite experience.

Clothes – The French definitely dress better. They keep it simple by wearing a neutral palette of gray, black, beige and white. Just add a splash of color with accessories and coordinating outfits is a snap. Not too trendy, their clothes last a lifetime. Why didn’t I know this sooner?

Museums – Want to learn about pre-20^th century sculpture, paintings, and art objects? The Louvre Museum astounds millions of tourists each year. To enjoy the greatest collection of impressionist and expressionist masterpiece, try the Musee d’Orsay. Search two hours outside of Paris for the Loire region, with fairytale castles from the Medieval, Renaissance and Classical period. You will never see it all in France.

Cheese – Hundreds of shops line the streets dedicated solely to cheese. You’re read that right, CHEESE. Many stores boast over 100 varieties. Some feature an exquisite Tartufo, truffle cheese, or soft blue Rochebaro, and Langres, creamy, dense cheese. Did you know that cheese is traditionally made from three types of milk, cow, goat or sheep? Cheese is a serious business in France.

Americans don’t know Jack about cheese.

Transportation – It’s simple to get from one side of Paris to the next using the bus system, train, or subway. No one drives cars since public transportation is so incredible efficient. To leave Paris, catch the high-speed train, traveling at 201 MPH. Once we figured out the system, it was an easy and extremely comfortable ride, reservations necessary.

Meals – Eating out is an enjoyable experience that’s meant to be savored. Parisians rarely eat on the run. Stay and relax for hours. Don’t worry, your plate will not be cleared until everyone in your group has consumed the late bite. Eating and mealtimes are extremely important cultural experiences in France. Remember to ask for the check or you may still be sitting there.

Tipping – Unlike the United States, by law France automatically adds 15% tip to food and drink service. It’s customary to leave a few coins after a meal but never expected. This is a practice I can get behind. We tipped the concierges and taxi drivers for over the top service.

Wine – It’s always a good idea to have wine with lunch and dinner in France. Great wine is served everywhere. Even rest stops service and sell wine.

The French take their time when they drink wine; it’s considered “food.”

Cafes – Every corner of Paris has a café, a place to socialize and relax. Rumor has it that there are 10,000 of them. Day or night, a café is the best place to people watch, grab a snack and some coffee.

Cars– Tiny cars called Citroën 2CV race around Paris chauffeuring tourist in the most thrilling way. These are two horsepower economy car produced by the French car manufacturer Citroën between 1948 and 1990. It’s an adorable means of transportation. We took a tour of Paris on our first day by 2CV. Our drivers thrilled us with a brief overview of the city.

Stay tuned for next week, “10 Things I Hate About France.”

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