Free Food Festivals Across France

Enjoy Food? Then September is the time to visit France. Culinary events are planned all around France. More details below ...

On the first day of autumn, France devotes an entire day to celebrate gastronomy. La Fête de la Gastronomie marks its second year on September 22, 2012, celebrating terroirs, highlighting the traditions and creativity infused into French gastronomy through exceptional events all around the country.

This year's events include free food samples at stores all around France, exceptional markets, live cooking demonstrations, and special discounts at restaurants. In Burgundy and Paris, lavish picnics will be held in various locations ranging from vineyards to open-air cafes, serving food prepared by famous chefs and wine by local growers. New this year is the launch of an amateur cooking competition, bringing together hundreds of chefs to showcase their creativity. Regional competitions will be held at various Relais & Chateaux properties as well as cooking schools around the country, where contestants will prepare dishes using a predetermined selection of local produce. The final will be held in the city of Dax in the Basque Country on September 22.

More details: France Welcomes Second Annual Food Festival

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It is NEVER too cold to Eat in France!

Photo by Silverman68

While the Brits dither, slip and slide on the snow or icy roads, the French are thinking of their stomachs. Yes, nothing will stop them enjoying a good meal!

French Essence describes a Luuch in freezing Provence - extract here:

Yesterday the mistral wind graciously decided to retreat and allow me to leave the house in search of company and good food. Although I am not French I have happily, too happily, acquired the taste for a good lunch. One of the best spots for a delicious lunch is the Bistro du Paradou in the if-you-blink-you-will-miss-it tiny village of Paradou on the other side of the Alpilles mountains.

I did mention that it had been cold in Provence, freezing to be more precise and as I drove past the village square in Maussane on my way to the restaurant I saw the literal proof. The fountain and her gurgling swans had turned into ice sculpture... as I saw it...

The restaurant was warm and buzzy and as it was Wednesday, I knew the menu before I arrived... It is always such a comfort when you are cold and hungry to arrive somewhere familiar... The Bistro du Paradou has a weekly menu so you know what will be cooking when...

Wednesday Menu du Jour at Bistro du Paradou

• Salade frisée avec des lardons, oeufs et croutons
• Cassoulet du Bistro
• Plateau de Fromages
• Desserts Maison (that means your choice of citron, apple or pear tart and creme caramel... I went with the citron... So worth it!)

Read more: How to thaw out with a good provencal lunch...

Just tucking into a sarnie now!

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France Likes Flatulence

Baked Beans are creating a stir in Paris - sales are up. Why? The changing nature of French meals – they are increasingly adopting British style snacks, known as 'Le snacking', rather than long lunches.

Exports of British food & drink to France have increased by 11.5 per cent in the last year. France is now the second biggest market for British food after Ireland.

Le Figaroscope said: "It is impossible to resist the invader".

Look out for more hot air in France!

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