Recently, I have developed a newfound passion for frolicking through the local French market, especially during celebration times. While I used to avoid its hustle and bustle, with busy-as-bees crowds and roaring vegetable growers at stalls, its relocation and rearrangement have eased such hurdles. Now, getting to and navigating the market has even become an amusing experience. And you get to contemplate sunny views on the way there - see below.
Taking advantage of this bright weekend, one gets to take delight in both quality foods and balmy interactions with chatty traders and inhabitants. What a stroke of luck.
Bantering with chatty traders
Spring came in full bloom, as evidenced by the bustling ridership. Traders artistically displayed their best offerings - strawberries, black berries, and fish stalls in shades of grey-pink. Coupled with lively banters, some minds were so aroused they ventured to throw knowing winks to others in the process. The warm surroundings are likely to have emboldened their actions.
For children, Easter chocolate egg treats were purposefully positioned on counters from left to right, making them easily accessible. With the sun shining, their little faces were already showing signs of candid indulgence from the melted sweets.
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As for my sweet tooth, I had already been craving a fanciful pistachio and red berries crumble for two days, eagerly hoping to find it in all its glory. Like an excited kid, I slipped on my shoes early in the morning and strode purposefully to secure one.
While waiting in line, I usually enjoy chatting with fellow shoppers ahead of me, asking which treat they are selecting and why. It helps passing the time and fosters a sense of playful connection. For choosing a pastry is a carefully pondered act, as eating it reaches you to the core. Some patrons reliably order their go-to, perhaps a pain au chocolat almost three times out of five, complemented by an indulgent kouign-amann - speciality of Normandy -, or a palatable crumble.
When my turn finally arrived, I found myself, filled with heart-eyed delight, standing before not one but two of those well-rounded treasures. I was beaming, a fact the baker noticed, and in his kind-heartedness, he offered me an extra serving.
Reconnecting with familiar faces
Tactically situated mid-way is the family refreshment stand. And by ‘family’, one mostly refers to elders taking a break while sipping hot coffee and exchanging the town’s latest gossips. Bless them.
Arriving at the end of the grand tent, everybody keenly anticipates the flower corner. It serves as the crowning moment of the market. Lemon trees, towering as high as a two-meter-tall man are all the rage these days, along with plant pots boasting ephemeral bouquets - a nice eco-friendly touch. Most spectators were enthusiastic to enhance their gardens or complete their flowery masterpieces.
Taking a step back, and after a few seconds of adjusting my vision, it was with great surprise and pleasure I caught a glimpse of a “little bee” in mid-flight, with an open smile. My mother and I hadn’t seen him in months. Standing tall, he was wearing a pale green raincoat and a bob made of reddish velvet, harmonizing with surrounding bouquets. We soon engaged in a conversation with his parents, who were alternatively lifting and folding down his headwear. Ecstatic about their upcoming wedding, they might have unconsciously express it by fidgetily fixing their son’s outfit. Pleased to share we’ll be celebrating their union next July.
In the midst of an eventful Easter frenzy
Local markets are a sure destination where you rarely feel left out, especially during frenzy times of celebration, whichever are yours. All clicks and connects, from sugar-excited children to elders gossiping anecdotally, not forgetting about nascent springtime romances. Perhaps a zine of celebration should be introduced into our everyday lives.
Thank you for feeding my love of all things France, your Substack is a delight
And thank you for your lovely comment Charlotte
Have you been to France already ?