If you read my blog now and again, you'll have understood that for me the best pleasures in life are the simple ones. I'm not big on bling bling. To me the greatest luxuries are the simple moments.
Buying at the market in France is not about ticking off from a shopping list, it is a sensual and sensory experience. The produce is displayed beautifully to seduce the client, and the vendors make full use of their natural charms.
It was my husband who taught me how to shop at market. Simple rules that work well. Never go with a list,but to be inspired by what is on offer; walk around the market once before buying, remembering where are the ripest peaches, the sweetest melons, the best fish and cheese and to take the time .... buying food is important work, never to be rushed!
It's like I said, taking pleasure in the simple things.
I invariably return from market with food I had no intention of purchasing, simply because it looks and smells so wonderful and because the inspiration for meals comes once I see the food.
and if I buy too much? .... no matter, there are always baskets for sale!
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I love markets full of fresh produce - look at that cheese!
ReplyDeleteOooooh...les fotos de Provence!!! J`aime le provence! Vos fotos sont MAGNIFIQUE!!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!!!
xxx Mria xxx
Ah, les fromages francais!!! J'adore!
ReplyDeleteFra
The best part of France, for me anyway, are the markets. I'm so glad to see fresh peaches there. The peach crop in the US has been one of best ever and we've eaten peaches with everything.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right. You can always buy another market bag (who can have enough?)
Sam
Hi havent talk to you lately !!! Hope your well, your so right about simple things we were at our fresh market yesterday! Have a great day
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely post...you completely "spoke" my mind about the markets, and your photos are wonderful. My French companion suggested the same thing to me many years ago; to "feel" the market. I am about to leave for Nouvelle Caledonie...I am hoping the markets will have the charm of their tropical environment and the heart of their heritage...and another basket for me to bring home! Louise
ReplyDeleteWish we had the same kind of open markets here! I also try to never go with a list to be inspired by what I see, but I usually forget something! Pictures look great!
ReplyDeleteMmmmm...to market, to market! Fresh, local farm produce...what could possibly be better?
ReplyDeleteso beautiful! I can smell those peaches. What is Tomme de Yenne?
ReplyDeleteNancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Great article...and so true, we spent 3 months in the SW of France earlier this year and now that we are home, we do miss the markets.
ReplyDeleteAdoro tutto della Provenza i mercati i boutis i paesi i colori i sapori!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIO ci devo tornare lo sento!!!!!
baci Giò
Oh my...amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to shop..I love it!
Everything looks fabulous and I can't even tell you how much I LOVE those baskets!
Wonderful inspiring post!
Have a great week!
Deborah xoxo
Thanks for the delicious wander through the market with you. A feast for the eyes. I agree, the simple things are best, and I can almost imagine the simple, sweet pleasure of biting into one those peaches! Lovely. XO
ReplyDeleteI went to our own little farmer's market on Saturday. It's nothing compared to the ones I've shopped in California, Washington or the Philippines, but there is inspiration enough to spend more than I should. Ripe tomatoes. Marble potatoes. Sweet, sweet, sweet corn. And doughnuts being fried as we watch. Alas, there were no peaches. Yours are so tempting I'd have purchased a basketful and eaten one on the spot. Juice dribbling down my chin and messy fingers are a small price to pay for such loveliness.
ReplyDeleteWhat we have given up in the name of convenience! thankfully there is a resurgence in farmers' markets here, but ours is small and not nearly as inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to shop! Are the mirabelle plums ripe yet? Little bites of Heaven, fresh from the market.
ReplyDeleteI need a French market basket. I used to have one a long time ago - I used it to tote textbooks etc. when I was in college and I wore it completely out. Next time I'm in France...
I love the market baskets ... would love to have one of those to take to our farmer when we pick up our fresh veggies! i'm a new follower and i'm enjoying your blog so much ... your pictures are beautiful. the older i get the more i'm enjoying the simpler things in life as well ... have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteSharon I just want to let you know that the anticipation of this beautiful blog is like the arrival of a favorite magazine and you can't wait to open it...read a article...turn the pages and look at all the beautiful photography and then start over. I think I'll do that today and imagine myself eating one of my favorite fruits"those sweet peaches":) And I hope your log brings you a much happiness as it brings to the blogging community and abroad!
ReplyDeleteIt really doesn't take much to make me happy either. I love going to the grocery where I know the produce is the best. Walking around checking out all the fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. If I find a fruit or vegetable that looks especially fresh and in season, I usually purchase it. Sometimes, I have to be careful not to purchase too much at one time. Those peaches look deLish! :)
ReplyDeleteOur peaches, this year, are beautiful and plentiful but so much more expensive! I've paid $ 2.50 per pound. If a kg is 2.2 pounds, ours are over 200% higher!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and a bargain...what could be more perfect!
xoxo, Chris
Such a lovely market, love those cheeses stack so high. Unfortunately with my work schedule, I'm working when the markets are open here in Toronto. It's funny, I work in the food industry, but I'm unable to view the season's produce.
ReplyDeleteSigh...
Oh boy...I could be one happy camper living in the French countryside... bliss!!!! I loved these pictures....brings me to a simplier calmer more serene life and it sounds and looks like haven on earth!
ReplyDeletea picnic in the making!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, the produce looks so fresh. What a great way to shop and the baskets oh my how lovely. I would love one of those.
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon
ReplyDeleteThe sage advice as given by your husband works well in any market.
I agree completely
Have a great week
Helen xx
What a beautiful day at the market! I like your thoughts on shopping.. purchasing seasonal produce ensures a delicious flavor and a well rounded healthy way of eating. Those cheeses.. nothing like French cheese!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the start to a new week!
leslie
I love all your posts on this blog, but this is 'way up there in the "very interesting" category. I feel like I've learned something; a whole different way to approach "grocery shopping" (which I abhor). Although I live in the heart of agriculture here in the West U.S., unbelievably, we do not have a Farmer's Market in our small town; the nearest is 20 miles away. I would like to be able to go there and shop the food stalls in the way you describe. It seems like the more sensible way to live and eat. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous, as always. Thank you. I don't know how you come up with so many fascinating subjects for your blog, especially when you post almost daily, but you keep it true to French country life and it is so very enjoyable to read. Instructional, educational, informative, inspirational...and, as I said, interesting. You have a very interesting life!
ReplyDeleteAnd, permit me to add (about your blog), entertaining! I look as forward to your blog each week as I do my favorite show on television. Your blog is pleasurable, fun and really beautiful; a treat for tired eyes at day's end. It takes me back to my schoolgirl days when I studied French language and culture from age 12 through age 18. I soaked it up; couldn't get enough of all things France. My first big vacation out on my own as a young woman making her way in the world was to tour Europe with a focus on Italy and France. It wasn't enough; I've yearned to return all these many years. Reading here intensifies the yearning but it also makes the stress just melt off. I'm so glad to be one of your readers, not to mention that I bumped Normandy up higher on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteDear Vicki
DeleteI have no way of replyingto you, because your email address is hidden, but I simply wanted to thank you for your very kind and regular comments. If you contact me with an open address I shall reply personally
Sharon
Hi Sharon, Love the simple daily live, including the weekly market here to get veggies, fruits and local cheeses. You make me wanna get some of the dried saucissons, such a delicacy . Have a great week, Johan
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