Saturday Market

 One of my favorite things about French culture are the outdoor markets they have at least one a week in each town, no matter how big (Paris), or how small (Vernou-Sur-Brenne).  Everyone gathers with their usually home grown produce, creating a huge melting pot of colors and smells.  Everything from flowers, to fruits, veggies, fresh fish, smelly cheeses, gigantic pots of paella, tables full of strawberries and homemade jams.

The family that I'm living with buys all of their fresh produce each Saturday at the outdoor market in Reims.  They hardy every go to the grocery store! Everyone has their favorite vendors, and always return to them.

 

I accompanied Vincent and Anne this Saturday to the market, even though I went last weekend. It was fun to see how they navigated and what they bought.  It was interesting how they bought certain fruits from one vendor, certain veggies from another.  If one table is out of rhubarb, they head to their second favorite.  And you know the produce is really fresh when you hear the vendors talking about how they aren't selling rhubarb because their plants in their garden are done growing. 

And as it always is in France, touching is strictly forbidden.  In the US, people like to take their time and find the perfect orange or mango, feeling, smelling, and sometimes tossing it to test its ripeness.  In France, that won't happen.  At a fruit stand, you tell the vendor you would like four nectarines and when you're planning on eating them.  He then picks out your fruit for you.  Last week I saw a lady (she was french, not a poor unknowing tourist), get yelled at for touching the fruit.  Reminded me of the market rules :)

 I really wish we had things like this in the US.  I know that we have farmer's market, but they just aren't the same, or maybe just not as widespread. But maybe it's something that no matter how good it is in the US, it will never be the same as it is in France.  The atmosphere just isn't the same.