France, in particular, is one of my most favourite places in Europe and ever since I was introduced to the charms of Paris on a language trip I’ve been well and truly hooked. Since I left school I’ve been all over the country, including: the Cote d’Azur, Brittany, Normandy and the Alps all of which have left me hungry for more.

So, with our Prime Minister’s tub-thumping comments in mind, I’d like to remind him why France, and the rest of Europe, are simply sublime and why the thought of opting out of the EU should be considered as foolish as crossing the Channel in a bath.

Menton, Cote d’Azur, France by Berthold Werner

Food

For many, French cuisine is as good as it gets and from croissants and baguettes to gateaux and petit fours, eating your way around the country is an amazing experience not to be missed. Regional variations allow you to taste a new flavour of France very day and the very thought of seafood along the west coast is enough to send me into raptures. Restaurants, cafes and bistros all provide a sumptuous array of talent and if we’re opting out of French gastronomy then book my ticket for Paris, right now.

Markets

As with travel to any foreign country, the chance to visit the local market presents an object lesson in languages, customs and, ultimately, culture, because this is where the produce of the land meets the people of the streets. Rural stalls, selling freshly made jams and spreads, or cobbled town squares where meats and cheeses are on display, you name it and you can buy it at the market. There aren’t many more interesting ways to spend a morning or afternoon and as soon as you get your first whiff of a French market, you’ll be in for a treat.

Walks

The French countryside is blessed with myriad walking trails and from the mountain peaks of the Alps to the flower-festooned meadows of Provence, grab your knapsack, favourite stick and put your best foot forward. If you’re a fan of fresh air and gentle exercise then there’s no finer option and just check out the ski resorts during the summer months if you fancy enjoying picnics on lush green hillsides. France also boasts a criss-cross of rivers and, walks by the waterside along tow-paths or well-trodden banks, are an excellent idea if you’re hoping to work up an appetite.

Boats in Fécamp, Upper Normandy, France by dynamosquito

Canal boat

As mentioned, France has so many rivers and canals that it barely knows what to do with them other than making them look extremely pretty. One fantastic idea, if you are thinking about taking advantage of French waterways, is canal boating and lazy Sunday mornings, on-board le boat, are as totally delightful as they sound. Following the course of a river can take you past numerous landmarks and sights and mooring up for the night is an exciting and relaxing alternative to looking for a hotel.

Sightseeing

Of course, Paris is packed-full of iconic sights with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame all up there on the ‘must see’ guide however, explore a little further afield and you’ll find many more. Fairy-tale chateaus, historic beaches and the vineyards of Bordeaux will all leave you in no doubt as to why sightseeing is a countrywide experience as opposed to only city based. If you must sightsee in a city then check out Avignon and Lyon which both have some tremendous examples of ancient architecture as well as loads of museums and monuments.

Biog: Chris can’t wait to return to France and thinks opting out of the EU would be the equivalent to filling in the Channel Tunnel.

The post Why The UK Should Stay Friends With France appeared first on Best of European Union.

French open market by kurmanstaff

Paris has been a home to the open markets for centuries. During the 5th century, the city of Paris (known as Lutetia at the time) opened its first market, known as Palu, to allow locals to buy, sell, and trade with one another and merchants from afar.

Today, there are over 90 open markets across the city of Paris, each offering its own unique flavour to the city. From there, open markets spread to other towns, each providing its own touch of exclusivity when it comes to the treasures you can find if you know what to look for.

The open markets have everything to offer. You might be searching for something unique to the Paris environment to dress up your home or attire, or maybe just a few gifts for your friends. Items can range from exotic cloth material, clothing, beautiful, one-of-a-kind scarves, hand-crafted jewelry, and even a few necessities you forgot to pack for the trip (oops!).

Every market has a different venue composed of different merchants, so no two markets are the same. If you didn’t find what you were looking for in one market, it’s probably time to move on to another in search of the right opportunity. And the truth is: if you couldn’t find it, you weren’t looking hard enough.

But it may not always be the products you’re actually looking for. Perhaps it’s the culture and learning experience that the open market presents that truly drives your eagerness to explore these fine cities. It’s even a great opportunity to really practice your French. And you’re definitely going to put your haggling skills to the test as you do a little bartering to practice your finesse. After all, getting the perfect deal for the right price is half the fun. As a helpful reminder, keep in mind that the markets are crowded, so be cautious where you keep your wallet or purse.

And the best part about exploring these vast, open markets is that you don’t always have to worry about lugging around too many goodies. You can always return to your comfy cabin in the barge to lighten the load and rest your feet for a while.

Enjoying the French culture is more than just seeing the sights. It’s meeting the people and interacting with them through the open markets. Here, you can really get to know the heart of Paris as you share the experience of a French cruise with your friends and family.

Author Bio:

Crystal Groome is owner of Barge Connection – specializing in European Barge Vacations since 1988.  Crystal has specialized in barging vacations specifically for over eleven years and visits Europe yearly to personally inspect individual barges and operators. Check our latest time sensitive specials on Facebook and Twitter (@bargeconnection).

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