Time for a Snack

One of the things I discovered on this trip is that being a tourist is hard work! And hard work requires nourishment -- or at least a snack!

In Paris, there is a one-stop place that fills the bill on either end -- the boulangerie (and if you are especially lucky, the boulangerie-patissierie!

I simply couldn't resist to share a few of our favorite snack bits! There were the fabulous sandwiches we enjoyed for lunch.

 

Elegant and delicious fruit tarts.

 

Rick had a tough time making up his mind!

 

And really, when you see the boulangerie with its counters of sweets, who could walk in and make a quick choice?

 

These little clafoutis looked good, too!

 

I loved some of the boulangerie's architecture.

 

Even the details, like these colorful tiles, were charming.

 

Of course, you can easily get a snack on the street, too! But you may have to take it home and cook it!

 

It's very easy to become a bread junkie while you're in France! They just don't make it like that over here in the US!

 

If the feet are really tired and you want to take a break, enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at a restaurant or brasserie.

 

Perhaps a glass of wine at a cafe or something more substantial!

No matter how you "slice" it, you'll find something decadent to eat, no matter where you are in Paris!

 Tasty Tips!

1) Boulangeries and patissieries are common and easy to find. There is a joke that you can find one on every street. Not true, but you don't have to go far to satisfy that snack urge. They're often willing to heat things like omelets or sandwiches if needed.

2) It's not terribly expensive to eat on the street. At the boulangerie we frequented most, a baguette was 1.10 euros  (About $1.50) and large sandwiches easily divided in two were about 4.75 euros (about $6). Pastries like the tart below averaged about 2.50 euros (about $2.50).

3) Taxes and Tipping -- In France, the bill includes the tax and a gratuity. It is common and courteous to leave a euro or two if you've had excellent service. More than four or five, even for an elaborate meal, is at the top of the range.

4) Enjoy it! In France they don't rush you to turn the table. You will need to ask for your bill. And no snapping of the fingers and calling "Garcon!" That is SO Groucho Marx.

5) Serving water automatically when you enter a restaurant is not done in Paris. You can ask for a "carafe d'eau" and they will gladly bring you water you can pour and drink at your table.

6) Reservations -- we only dealt with reservations twice, when our friend Jerry made them. The French eat late -- eight or after. If you want to get into a restaurant and don't have a reservation, try going early -- American style!

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This post is part of Bookbath and Thyme for Tea's "Paris in July" party! It's also part of my "vacation post" drawing, which will conclude whenever I get through it all! Please link HERE to a marvelous of over 25 "Paris in July" participants!