You know you are in France when.....

We have returned to France, where we will be spending 7 of the next 8 weeks.  France is much maligned by many, but also adored by many more.  Obviously, we must like it here to spend so much time and money in this country.  The Dutch love to visit here, but don't dare to drink the water! The Belgians look down their nose at their work ethic.  The Americans think they are rude and Socialists.  For myself, I drink the water, think they are very resourceful, I find them exceedingly polite, and I stay out of their politics.  

The beautiful town of Honfleur, FR

  You know you have arrived in France when:

The freeways become the Peage....(pay/toll road)

There are nicely kept and frequent Aire (rest stops with restaurants and gas) along the route.

The automatic toll booths do not accept your American credit card as we have no chip, and the "help" person about bites your head off for being in the wrong lane. ( Just keep smiling ...:::)

Every person entering a store or business is greeted with Bon jour.

Everything is SO green. Flowers grow everywhere, especially out of the centuries old stone walls of houses.
Roses are abundant.

It is light until 10 p.m.

Weed-eaters go until dark...







If you live in even a remotely touristed area you will rent out part of your home.

Just 2 of the 5 in our small village (about 15 homes total)

Just down the street....

Because of their resourcefulness, a typical scene on a work day.

Fishing along the Rance

You know you are in France when you are riding along, and another rider begins to talk to you, and within 5 seconds of finding out you are American, has to say something disparaging about Armstrong.

Bikers are given respect on the road. Cars slow and wait to pass.

Art and beauty are everywhere.

The super-marche has the tarte tatin on special for e3.50, and it is delicious!

Bread is such a major part of the diet here.  My daily pilgrimage will sometimes take precedence over all else to  make sure the boulangerie will be open.

Many stores still close for 2 hours mid-day, Sundays and holidays.

Today is a holiday.  Yesterday was Sunday. Sad face.  Stale bread.

The cheese, yogurt, butter etc. are all so delicious, and full fat!  (have to give those statins something to do)

Cows are freaking everywhere!

The French have the most fierce pride in not only their country, but also of the area where they live.  Somewhat like our states, but on a much smaller, regional scale.  This also may be why wines are labeled by region, not by grape variety.

The French Tourist office is amazing.  And there is one in almost every town.

It is the most visited country in the world.

Tourists....

And so our journeys go.....
viva la France!

The entrance to the lovely city of Sant-Malo