Food, Fashion, and Passion – The French World
France is a country that captivates the imagination with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and romance. If you look at France on a world map, it is nestled in the heart of Western Europe. France has long been a global cultural powerhouse, influencing everything from art and literature to fashion and cuisine.
France stands as an unrivalled icon in the world of fashion, epitomizing elegance, sophistication, and timeless style. Paris, its capital, is widely recognized as the fashion capital of the world, home to illustrious designers, prestigious fashion houses, and a pervasive sense of haute couture. The French commitment to quality and craftsmanship extends beyond clothing to the arts and fine foods.
The perception of whether France is overrated depends on individual preferences and expectations. France is often celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and romantic ambiance, making it a popular destination for travellers around the world. However, like any destination, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and some individuals might find certain aspects exaggerated.
France’s history is a combination of triumphs and tribulations, and its landscape is adorned with architectural wonders that bear witness to its past. The iconic Eiffel Tower, standing proudly in the heart of Paris, is a symbol of both the city and the nation. The medieval charm of Mont Saint-Michel, the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, and the historic significance of the Louvre Museum contribute to the perfect marketing that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Culinary Delights
Boeuf Bourguignon
French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite taste and meticulous preparation. From the buttery croissants to the decadent pastries, each bite tells a story of culinary mastery. The French take pride in their gastronomic heritage, and every region boasts its unique specialties. Indulge in the rich flavours of Burgundy’s coq au vin, savour the seafood delights of Marseille’s bouillabaisse, or enjoy the world-famous escargot in the heart of Paris. If you are anything like me, the thought of eating Escargot might turn you off but, I promise you it’s better than you think it is.
My very first meal in France was Boeuf Bourguignon. I was told it was a tasty traditional meal by the server, but if you asked me, I would not recommend it. After trying that, I was terrified that the rest of my stay in France would be underwhelming. At this point, I was hoping the rest of the French cuisine had real flavour. Bœuf Bourguignon is a beef stew which is served with potatoes, the look and texture of the beouf reminded me of my mothers’ oxtail… but not as good. I was unexpressed with the flavour and thought it was rather bland, it genuinely ruined my appetite. I got it from a little café in the 2ème arrondissement in Paris.
French Boeuf Bourguignon is supposed to be a culinary masterpiece, with rich flavours and a history as deep as the Burgundian roots from which it originated. This iconic dish, synonymous with comfort and sophistication, has its peasant roots in the heart of Burgundy during the Middle Ages, a region renowned for its wines, beef, and culinary traditions. In those days, beef was not as tender as it is today, so slow cooking became a necessity. They marinated the meat in red wine, a commodity abundant in Burgundy, infusing it with both tenderness and the region’s celebrated wine culture.
Over the centuries, Boeuf Bourguignon evolved from a humble peasant dish into a symbol of Burgundian hospitality and culinary finesse. The dish gained prominence in the 19th century, thanks in part to the efforts of renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier, who included a recipe for “Boeuf à la Bourguignonne” in his influential cookbook, “Le Guide Culinaire.”
Today, Boeuf Bourguignon remains a symbol of French culinary excellence, celebrated for its deep, complex flavours and the way it transforms simple ingredients into a harmonious symphony of taste. Whether enjoyed in a quaint bistro in Burgundy or prepared in kitchens globally, each mouthful of Boeuf Bourguignon carries with it the legacy of centuries of culinary innovation and the warmth of Burgundian tradition.
Despite it being adored by a lot of people, I did not enjoy it. Possibly, the restaurant that I chose was just not good. If provided with the opportunity to try it again from a different chef or restaurant I would take it. It is important to give stuff certain dishes a second try because each chef might have a different spin on the same recipe. For the longest time, I thought I did not like macarons until I went to Paris; that’s when my opinion of them changed.
Crêpes
The second meal we had was Crêpes, and since I have had them before there was no complaint. Crêpes are the chic, thin cousins of pancakes. The batter is made with butter and milk, giving them a rich and creamy taste. The real magic happens when you get creative with fillings. There are a few common ones like sweet crêpes with Nutella, fruits, or whipped cream, while savoury ones can be filled with eggs, cheese, ham, or mushrooms to make heartier meals for lunch and dinner. It is all about the combo of flavours and textures. Plus, a skilled crêpe maker adds that special touch, making them thin and perfect. So, whether you’re into sweet or savoury, crêpes are worth a try.
Macarons
Macarons are simply necessary when in France. I have tried them a few times before from Canadian groceries, bakers, or even frozen ones. I am not sure why they call them macaron, because they taste terrible. There is no comparison between the ones you can get from the actual French pastry shop and the ones you can buy from a grocer.
Anyway, while in Paris, I gave them another chance and the hype around them is real. They are light, packed with flavour and beautiful to look at. Although small, Macarons have a crisp exterior and chewy interior. Widely recognized as a French pastry today, they originated in Italy during the 8th century. The original Macarons bore little resemblance to the colourful, almond-based delicacy we recognize today. Early recipes included ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, creating a sweet, gluten-free treat.
In the 16th century, the macaron made its way to France with Catherine de’ Medici, who brought the recipe to the French court upon her marriage to King Henry II. French bakers refined the macaron, incorporating new ingredients and experimenting with flavours. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the macaron underwent a significant transformation. Pierre Desfontaines, a pastry chef in Paris, introduced the concept of sandwiching two macaron shells with a delectable ganache filling, creating the iconic structure we know today.
I got mine from Pierre Hermé, located on the west of the Champs-Élysées by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. I strongly recommend you visit if you have the time. Hermé’s has a large variety of flavours, but I only tried three flavours: raspberry, a mixed tangerine, and pistachios. Weird enough, the pistachio flavour reminded me of grater cake. Grater cake is a sugary Jamaican dessert made of sugar, shredded coconut, and colouring. As you can imagine it’s crazy sweet. It was something I enjoyed growing up and I still indulge in it now, but naturally, with age, you TRY to cut out those unhealthy habits. Personally, the Macaron is just another example of the power of food, as it was able to connect cultures and change my perspective on what I liked.
If you are unable to find a Pierre Hermé, Ladurée is a great alternative. These establishments experimented with flavours, colours, and fillings, turning the macaron into a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
France’s reputation as the “City of Love” is well-deserved. The romantic ambience of Paris, with its charming cobblestone streets, candlelit dinner in a traditional bistro, and the Seine River winding through the heart of the city, makes it an ideal destination for couples.
Two things about Paris that bothered me the most were the salesmen. At any popular tourist destination, you will find a bunch of people trying to sell you cheap souvenirs. If you’re into that, it’s fine, but after a certain point, it takes away from the experience when you’re constantly being sold something. For any traveller seeking a more tranquil experience, I recommend you wake up early if you want to experience the peace and get your Instagram-worthy pictures.
On the other hand, many people appreciate France for its cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and the unique experiences it offers. Exploring less touristy areas, engaging with local communities, and venturing beyond the well-known attractions can lead to a more authentic and enjoyable experience.
Whether you are exploring the iconic landmarks of Paris or immersing yourself in the tranquillity of the countryside, France invites you to embark on a journey that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on your heart. Some people might consider France to be overrated and I can understand that point of view. However, there is so much to do and see. I think it is a place everyone should visit once in their life.