We really enjoyed our time exploring France – it is very like the UK in so many ways … yet so different in so many more!! The regions, the food, the housing and the people are varied … yet alike!
The main things we learnt from our time here – which was nearly 5 months in total!
- Say “Bonjour” to everyone you meet! And we mean everyone!
- Don’t worry too much about when “Bonjour” becomes “Bonne Nuit”!
- Food is seasonal – don’t expect to get grapes or spinach or broccoli out of season! We learnt to cook more with asparagus initially, then fennel, as the seasons and produce changed
- Everything closes for lunch – who knew France also had a siesta!
- All motorists stop for pedestrians – whether you are on a crossing or not, they will always stop
- Recycling & refuge bins are amazing, they are hidden underground, with just a small part to put your rubbish into visible on the surface
- We are not big fans of crepes (or galettes in some regions!) – but Chris loves a Biere Blanche and Jenni Muscadet wine
- Most marinas have bikes available to use – this is lots of fun and very convenient – and makes us wish we had been able to fit our own bikes on board. Also cycle lanes are everywhere so it is incredibly safe
- The French people really do wear stripes a lot – and shops are full of stripey clothes
- Atlantic swell is real!!
- We preferred the mainland to the islands. The islands are just so busy and chaotic, especially during the summer holidays in August. The mainland is also much less rolly from that Atlantic swell, with just more going on and more places to see
- We liked it very much… but wouldn’t want to live here!! C’est la Vie!
