France! Come and remind me of all the things to enjoy!

[RachelAshleyWasGuilty]

What are your must haves or things to do in France?

I have finally booked a trip to the Vendee in August.

It's over a decade since I last visited, and I'm getting excited, thinking of all the lovely food and drink, places to go!

We are camping in a small campsite in La Tranche sur mer, not glamorous but great location for walking to the beach, on the edge of the town for grabbing a quick bite etc

So what shouldn't I miss?

[Fivemoreminutes1]

If you’re within walking distance to a bakery, you must definitely at least once do a fairly early morning trip for a freshly baked baguette and croissants. We go at about 7.30 or 8am before breakfast and bring the croissant back whilst they’re almost still warm! Just make sure you’ve got some jam. Then stuff the baguette with runny Brie for your picnic.

[Nnique]

Ohhhhh I’m just going to enjoy this thread, nothing to add sorry!

[dabdab]

Cheeeesssee! Wine, properly ripe fruit - do I need to say any more?

[Frenchfancy]

La Tranche is lovely.

Don't forget to eat moules marinière

There is a great ice-cream place in the centre with every flavour imaginable.

[fucketyfuckwit]

I'm in France now, find the markets they are wonderful!!

[BiggerBoat1]

Go to an early market and stock up on pastries and fruit. Cheese. Crepes. Cafe Gourmand. I could go on. Have a wonderful time.

[AdaColeman]

Another vote for Cafe Gourmand!

Platters of Fruits de Mer

Ripe peaches and tomatoes

Glasses of Pastis

Salade Nicoise

[AdaColeman]

Oysters

Cheese

Local sea salt

[RachelAshleyWasGuilty]

I've already scoped out where the boulangeries are... Mmmm fresh croissants for breakfast....baguettes stuffed with cheeeeeeeese and saucison for a simple lunch.... OH I had forgotten how ripe the fruits seem....peaches and yoghurt with a drizzle of honey, whilst sat in the sunshine....

[Musicandcheese]

Croissants from a boulangerie, and / or pain au chocolat, local markets and vide greniers.

Restaurants, avoiding the obvious tourist ones where they'll be serving hamburgers and chips.

Wine. Even the cheapish wines are good quality.

Terrines, pâtes and local cheeses. Have a great time, I wish I was there.

[Nnique]

Oh i haven’t been able to travel in so long. God I miss it!

[Starlitexpress]

Oh god, I really want a nice crisp rose or aperol spritz, with some olives and other nibbles......overlooking the sea......or a busy square......or a little shady courtyard.........

[Nnique]

I would like all the seafood. And all the wine. But also all the cheese. And all the croissants...

[lightisnotwhite]

Despite their reputation the French seem much less wound up than us. They are massively helpful and not all about keeping themselves to themselves.
They definitely enjoy a joke with the English.

Wine; pink in the sun, proper food at proper times.

Empty roads

[MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet]

AHH, this thread is making me emotional! We last went in summer 2019 and due to return in July!

[MissAmbrosia]

Not to everyone's taste, but I love a nice plate of boulots (whelks) with aioli, fresh bread and a nice rose. Or big prawns. Or a mix. Cafe gourmand yes, yes, yes. Onion soup with a cheese gratin, or fish soup with the rouille etc. Pain au raisin. We're going next month. Can't wait.