Foux du fafa, foux du fafa, fafa
Foux du fafa, ah ee ah
France was a lot more than blue striped shirts and berets - we delved into the rich history, cuisine and culture of a very 'confident' land.
Bon jour
Bon jour
We stopped in Marseille for a few days. Scott described this city perfectly - the port city has an underlying beauty but it is tarnished by an oily film. There were a few shady characters here and there but it didn't stop us visiting the historical sights, sandy beach (not hot enough for a swim quite yet) and our first sample of French food. The French are so proud of their country and culture, and it shows in the architecture and each spoonful of food. We were still searching for the postcard France.
Ca va?
Ca va?
Foux du fafa, ah ee ah
France was a lot more than blue striped shirts and berets - we delved into the rich history, cuisine and culture of a very 'confident' land.
Bon jour
Bon jour
We stopped in Marseille for a few days. Scott described this city perfectly - the port city has an underlying beauty but it is tarnished by an oily film. There were a few shady characters here and there but it didn't stop us visiting the historical sights, sandy beach (not hot enough for a swim quite yet) and our first sample of French food. The French are so proud of their country and culture, and it shows in the architecture and each spoonful of food. We were still searching for the postcard France.
Ca va?
Ca va?
Looking back at the port in Marseilee
Nice was the picture perfect French city - part of the Cote D'Azul (blue coast) it showed off it's stunning crystal beachside. Our backs got a massage as instead of a white sandy beach we had our first taste of large European pebbles. With temperatures heating up we joined the locals and spent many hours by the water. Nice also introduced us to the culinary cuisine of French food with fresh produce markets delivering bright organic fruit and vegetables which were delivered straight to local restaurants. It was here we also ate the best chocolate croissant in France. A big statement, but this small buttery flaky crisp 'melt in your mouth' pastry was to die for.
Ou est le piscine?
Pardon moi?
Ou 'est le piscine?
Uh, Splish splash
Ou est le piscine?
Pardon moi?
Ou 'est le piscine?
Uh, Splish splash
Tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes at the markets
Getting some rays beachside - don't worry we slip, slop, slapped!
Euro shorts and cards at the beach
Nice coast line - wow!
Ou est le piscine?
Pardon moi?
Ou 'est le piscine?
Uh, Splish splash.
After a brief hiatus through Italy we were back in France and this time it was to Lyon. In the heart of France, Lyon had a different feel. Not a tourist town, the people were friendly (well for the French) and combined with renting an apartment we got the chance to live the lifestyle. Loving the chance to pick up fresh food and cook ourselves up some tasty delights. A stroll around Lyon on a Sunday afternoon reveals a city full of life.
Parlez vous le francais?
Eh?
Parlez vous le francais?
Eh? Uh, no.
Everyone talks about Paris and now we know why! Beautiful, cultured, chic, arrogant, Paris was all of the above and then some... We were lucky enough to spend 5 nigths in Paris and in that time we think walked the entire city (twice!). Kicking things off with a 4 hour walking tour, it showed us the history and delights that Paris has on offer. Strolling through the the suburbs of Paris revealed the strong character this city has, we enjoyed especially the many beautiful fresh food markets, delicious fromageries (Cheese shops), very cool clothes shops, the pataseries (all like Zumbo!) and the trendy cafes where you can sit back sip an expresso and people watch. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to its most famous lady (Lisa) and the spectacular museum that holds it. There is something surreal wandering around thousands of priceless pieces of art and the Lourve is easily big enough to get lost in it all.
Pardon moi?
Ou 'est le piscine?
Uh, Splish splash.
After a brief hiatus through Italy we were back in France and this time it was to Lyon. In the heart of France, Lyon had a different feel. Not a tourist town, the people were friendly (well for the French) and combined with renting an apartment we got the chance to live the lifestyle. Loving the chance to pick up fresh food and cook ourselves up some tasty delights. A stroll around Lyon on a Sunday afternoon reveals a city full of life.
Parlez vous le francais?
Eh?
Parlez vous le francais?
Eh? Uh, no.
Everyone talks about Paris and now we know why! Beautiful, cultured, chic, arrogant, Paris was all of the above and then some... We were lucky enough to spend 5 nigths in Paris and in that time we think walked the entire city (twice!). Kicking things off with a 4 hour walking tour, it showed us the history and delights that Paris has on offer. Strolling through the the suburbs of Paris revealed the strong character this city has, we enjoyed especially the many beautiful fresh food markets, delicious fromageries (Cheese shops), very cool clothes shops, the pataseries (all like Zumbo!) and the trendy cafes where you can sit back sip an expresso and people watch. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to its most famous lady (Lisa) and the spectacular museum that holds it. There is something surreal wandering around thousands of priceless pieces of art and the Lourve is easily big enough to get lost in it all.
The crowds that constantly surround The Mona Lisa
Beautiful or hideous?
A visit to Arc De'Triumph is the perfect symbol for one of France's defining characters, Napolean. That night we joined the locals and tourists alike picnicing with our artisean cheese in front of the Eiffel Tower as the sun set and the light show started. Simply perfect!
A monument for French victories (I think they are compensating for something)
Picnic by the tower
The area of Montmarte is choc full of stories and tales and it turned out home to the best baguette in the world! The local art market was unique and the surrounding neighbourhood was a good warm up for Amsterdam. On our final day we met up with Sally (Scott's mum) and after a a quick picnic lunch we began the ascent of the Eiffel Tower and the spectacular view it gives of the entire city!
Seen from afar and always eye catching
Three happy travellers
Check out this inspirational song which kept us humming all through Francehttp://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=FR#/watch?v=vRAkho2vm-A
Foux du fafa, foux du fafa, fafa
Foux du fafa, ah ee ah
Scara
Foux du fafa, foux du fafa, fafa
Foux du fafa, ah ee ah
Scara
Ananas!!!
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