I live in Tours and love that you appreciated it so much. It’s a bit like Paris (some of the same high-end shops and some of the same architecture) but much calmer and more accessible. My first meal out here was at a nice restaurant for lunch. I was the first patron and was seated right beside the curtained door to the WC. I was hurt, really, to have been treated so poorly so I called the young Frenchman over and explained that it’s hard to go to a nice restaurant as a woman alone, and then to be relegated to the worst table was downright embarrassing. He moved me. The restaurant is now out of business. I guess they treated others poorly, too…
As an ex-pat who recently moved to Tours, France, I agree 💯! Oh, and the outdoor fresh markets....oh, la la la la la! Yes, the French really do say that!
Hooray for the Apero, a habit we have introduced into our London life with the recent heatwaves.
Around five pm the computer goes off the parasol adjusted and two bistro chairs and a small table outside are devoted to either cheese or humous and cucumber slices with a good tasty bread and either rose or chilled red wine(a habit learnt in a very hot place and adored ever since, simply put the bottle in the fridge and take it out five minutes before drinking from clean cool glasses.
I just booked my flight to France and I’m looking forward to a diet rich in baguettes (it’s the water and the flour) and the occasional croissant. And of course the apéro with friends. Ironically not the complaining. I say ironically because I’m a class A complainer (my gene pool is 100% French). Ha!
I loved your anecdote about the restaurant table—it’s such a perfect example of how much you have to stand your ground here, especially as a foreigner. But if you do, you usually get what you wanted in the end :)
Great piece. I don’t know which made me laugh more: “two Larry Davids in a pod” or your dinner-out post-mortems of childhood. Recently we were waiting for a table at a partially full sidewalk cafe in the ancient Roman city of Narbonne. The staff saw and ignored us. After waiting several more minutes than acceptable, we chose a table and sat down, only to be admonished by the maitre: “it’s better if you wait.” We laughed to ourselves. You infuse this piece with insightful humor that makes even the infamous French haughtiness part of the experience!
Such a delightful and informative view into some of the ways that France is so different and wonderful from our life here in the States. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and a hunger in my stomach for a croissant!
I live in Tours and love that you appreciated it so much. It’s a bit like Paris (some of the same high-end shops and some of the same architecture) but much calmer and more accessible. My first meal out here was at a nice restaurant for lunch. I was the first patron and was seated right beside the curtained door to the WC. I was hurt, really, to have been treated so poorly so I called the young Frenchman over and explained that it’s hard to go to a nice restaurant as a woman alone, and then to be relegated to the worst table was downright embarrassing. He moved me. The restaurant is now out of business. I guess they treated others poorly, too…
Yes, we really liked Tours! I’m sorry you had a bad experience at that restaurant. Don’t feel bad, though—the same thing has happened to us!
As an ex-pat who recently moved to Tours, France, I agree 💯! Oh, and the outdoor fresh markets....oh, la la la la la! Yes, the French really do say that!
Hooray for the Apero, a habit we have introduced into our London life with the recent heatwaves.
Around five pm the computer goes off the parasol adjusted and two bistro chairs and a small table outside are devoted to either cheese or humous and cucumber slices with a good tasty bread and either rose or chilled red wine(a habit learnt in a very hot place and adored ever since, simply put the bottle in the fridge and take it out five minutes before drinking from clean cool glasses.
Love it! Also, contrary to what some Americans will tell you it’s absolutely fine to serve cheese at apéro and put ice in your rosé 😉
I just booked my flight to France and I’m looking forward to a diet rich in baguettes (it’s the water and the flour) and the occasional croissant. And of course the apéro with friends. Ironically not the complaining. I say ironically because I’m a class A complainer (my gene pool is 100% French). Ha!
I loved your anecdote about the restaurant table—it’s such a perfect example of how much you have to stand your ground here, especially as a foreigner. But if you do, you usually get what you wanted in the end :)
Merci Pamela! It’s true—you do have to push back sometimes. I just wish my French was better so I could really do it well 😊
Don’t let the French fool you—mostly they understand “no” just fine!
Being appreciated for just being female! How lovely it is.
Love this Sacha!
Great piece, Sacha! Love your style!
Merci Summer!
Complaining is such a little appreciated art form. Of course the French have it down pat!
Wonderful post!
Great piece. I don’t know which made me laugh more: “two Larry Davids in a pod” or your dinner-out post-mortems of childhood. Recently we were waiting for a table at a partially full sidewalk cafe in the ancient Roman city of Narbonne. The staff saw and ignored us. After waiting several more minutes than acceptable, we chose a table and sat down, only to be admonished by the maitre: “it’s better if you wait.” We laughed to ourselves. You infuse this piece with insightful humor that makes even the infamous French haughtiness part of the experience!
Thanks doll!
Such a delightful and informative view into some of the ways that France is so different and wonderful from our life here in the States. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and a hunger in my stomach for a croissant!
I live here, thanks. Was comparing notes on cheese before or after. Bonne continuation.