One of the best things about France is its outdoor markets, and every town has one. A centuries old tradition, le marché is the happening place for procuring the week’s privisions and no doubt a good deal of gossip. Like Did you see Pierre? What was he thinking with that beret…?
Market Day in Beaune. In the background is the Hospice de Beaune, the grand 15th-century "palace for the poor" built by the Burgundian duke Philip the Good to care for the sick and indigent.
In addition to gossip, fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, there are also condiments, local and artisanal crafts, housewares, and clothing. The humblest items are made into the most artful displays. Leave it to the French to style their radishes, and they do. This is l’art de vivre at its most quotidian — and most inspiring.
Candy and fruit. See the Gingembre in the front? Candied ginger and gingerbread are specialities of the region.Olives, of courseWouldn't you love to be able to buy fresh pasta like this?These radishes could be a painting.Sausages - les saucissons. See if you can say les saucissons three times real fast.
And what, I ask you, is a saucisson without moutarde? Dijon is in Burgundy, as you know. As you may not know, the popular Dijon mustard Grey Poupon was first made in 1777 and named for the two fellows who started it. Today it is made by Kraft.
Mustard in many iterations with herbs and spices
Speaking of mustard, we were surprised to learn they don’t even grow it in France anymore. In case you missed Postcard No 2, you can read it here. (Scroll down to the last paragraph. The suspense is killing you, admit it. What? You didn’t read Postcard No. 2…?)
You never know what you'll find at these markets. This tin heart is a chandelier lit by a votive candle at its base. I have non-buyer's remorse over this, but it was a little large for the suitcase.Gallic garlicThe baskets are great, and half the price they are in the U.S. They're also hard to pack, alas.Even les enfants get in on the act. The French economy needs all the entrepreneurs it can get. His Grace cheerily points out that if this were California or New York, these children would be arrested.Another entrepreneur of sorts, with a plastic cup tied to the end of his rod. This is probably not what the New Testament means by "teach a man to fish," but I give the guy credit for his sense of irony. That and some spare change. Bless him and his worthy companions, and thanks to him for reminding us of all we have.
15 comments
So glad fresh farm produce is “in” in Raleigh also, not just trendy but folks are really buying it and city gardens throughout….
once again- gorgeous shots of the streets Frances!
Solvang Carousel- it was built into the building on Alisal that now houses Allan Hancock college and Peak Performance Fitness (something like that)- it was originally built as an “outlet mall”. Great shops including Corning Ware…it never took off and slowly the stores closed and the carousel was sold & shipped out of the Country. The Jensen Family owns a whole block in Solvang- and behind their stores is where they wanted the Ferris Wheel etc- it was voted on and it lost- some folks thought it would be “tacky”.
C!
keep sending us your postcards….I think the radishes could be bouquets of flowers too…all so wonderful to see through your creative eyes Frances!! Merci, merci!!!
Your posts make me smile, like you do! Looking forward to catching up this weekend.
By the way, really want that chandelier. 😉 You have the greatest of style. Xx
Presentation is everything, mais non? Love that chandelier, so beautiful! And bless you for including the “fisherman” and recognizing how truly blessed we are. Here’s hoping he and his furry companions find kindness on their journey. As to His Grace, God bless him, he makes me laugh every time! Magnifico! Isn’t it a true joy (and rare gift) to find a mate with a sense of humor? Mine can drive me crazy, but he always makes me laugh and then all is forgiven.
Hey Miss Thang if you would do a watercolor of those divine radishes I will proudly display it in my kitchen. Come on say “yeah.” And if it is not pushing it; the gallic garlic too!
Seriously; Kraft???? You’re killing me.
Thinkaboutit…. the watercolors. Come on do a limited edition & I want 1/100.
Have loved being a fly on the wall on your bike pedal.
& glad my comment thingamajig got fixed….
Thank you Miss Paige and all. A few of you have asked about sketches and watercolors, and the truth is it’s dang near impossible to paint and pedal a bike at the same time. I made a scribble here and there but there just wasnt much time for it. Still i have it in my heart to paint from some of the scribbles and photos i made… So we’ll see. Thank you for asking and maybe you’ve given me just the kick i need!!
So glad fresh farm produce is “in” in Raleigh also, not just trendy but folks are really buying it and city gardens throughout….
Yes Anna Ball – trendy or not – it’s a good thing!
once again- gorgeous shots of the streets Frances!
Solvang Carousel- it was built into the building on Alisal that now houses Allan Hancock college and Peak Performance Fitness (something like that)- it was originally built as an “outlet mall”. Great shops including Corning Ware…it never took off and slowly the stores closed and the carousel was sold & shipped out of the Country. The Jensen Family owns a whole block in Solvang- and behind their stores is where they wanted the Ferris Wheel etc- it was voted on and it lost- some folks thought it would be “tacky”.
C!
Your post is very interesting. And what incredible photos! I’ll be at the grocery store today thinking of the market in Beaune!
keep sending us your postcards….I think the radishes could be bouquets of flowers too…all so wonderful to see through your creative eyes Frances!! Merci, merci!!!
Love all the postcards ! Hope to see a painting or two down the road. Your photos are wonderful.
Oh yes, Frances, show us what you’ve been painting! Such gorgeous inspiration for you! Those baskets… oh my!
Your posts make me smile, like you do! Looking forward to catching up this weekend.
By the way, really want that chandelier. 😉 You have the greatest of style. Xx
Surely this fellow emulates a fisher of men.
Yes Mary Margaret I believe he does.
Presentation is everything, mais non? Love that chandelier, so beautiful! And bless you for including the “fisherman” and recognizing how truly blessed we are. Here’s hoping he and his furry companions find kindness on their journey. As to His Grace, God bless him, he makes me laugh every time! Magnifico! Isn’t it a true joy (and rare gift) to find a mate with a sense of humor? Mine can drive me crazy, but he always makes me laugh and then all is forgiven.
EB, as always, you say what I wish I’d said. Thank you!
Hey Miss Thang if you would do a watercolor of those divine radishes I will proudly display it in my kitchen. Come on say “yeah.” And if it is not pushing it; the gallic garlic too!
Seriously; Kraft???? You’re killing me.
Thinkaboutit…. the watercolors. Come on do a limited edition & I want 1/100.
Have loved being a fly on the wall on your bike pedal.
& glad my comment thingamajig got fixed….
Thank you Miss Paige and all. A few of you have asked about sketches and watercolors, and the truth is it’s dang near impossible to paint and pedal a bike at the same time. I made a scribble here and there but there just wasnt much time for it. Still i have it in my heart to paint from some of the scribbles and photos i made… So we’ll see. Thank you for asking and maybe you’ve given me just the kick i need!!
You are truly living a/the dream!