Destination: FRANCE
Things To Know France Today La Belle France Cities, Towns and Villages The French Character Lifestyle Religion Pastimes Pleasures Impressionism	Pleasures Food and drink are among the national pleasures of France, and much time is spent shopping for and preparing food. Although modern life has taken its toll, fast food, frozen meals and “grazing” items are not considered mealtime options. If the French can't be bothered to cook, they can pick up exquisite, freshly prepared dishes from a traiteur, a type of delicatessen. Desserts are rarely homemade, bought instead from a pâtisserie (cake shop), ensuring that every mouthful is of the highest quality. Every region has its own food specialties, and these are taken so seriously that some foodstuffs have an appellation controlée label, similar to the labeling used for wine, meaning that the product must be from the area for which it is known. French wines need no introduction, and visitors can enjoy winery visits and tastings in all the wine-producing areas. Champagne is kept for special occasions, while everyday drinks include many varieties of beer and the pastis family - an aniseed-flavored spirit diluted with water so it turns milky. Material pleasures are important in France, where shopping is an art form. This is the country that produces champagne, internationally famous scents, and some of the world's most desirable clothes and accessories. You'll find that prices won't differ hugely from those back home, but the satisfaction is great from buying luxuries in their native land. Expect a wealth of experience and pleasure in France: natural beauty, historic cities and good value despite the relatively high cost of living.	COUNTRY Introduction Things To Know Survival Guide TimeLine Essential Info REGION French Riviera CITIES Paris Lyon Nice Strasbourg MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK