03.12.07
A Farm in Paris?
The Parisians are certainly connected to their rural roots. Sure, they have plenty of stereotypes about the provinces and countryfolk, but when it comes to food, even urbanites need to show off their agricultural savoir. Hence, the great success of the Salon d’Agriculture in Paris.
We went to the Salon on Friday for the special late-night opening hours (we closed the place down at 11pm). Several exposition buildings the size of a football field were filled with cows, pigs, goats, horses, dogs, and other animals of all varieties. If you didn’t find the smell discouraging to the appetite, you could also sample excellent cheeses, wines, and all sorts of regional specialties. One taste of confiture de lait (milk jam) and I had to buy two cans of the stuff. “Que du lait et du sucre” said the vendor: “only milk and sugar,” an interesting selling point.
I was sorry to have waited until the last minute to attend. International visitors may enter for free (passport is enough proof) and I would have enjoyed exploring more of the show, especially since there were many knit items in wool, alpaca, and mohair (displayed next to the goats and sheep, of course. Again, if you don’t mind the smell). Our wine tasting was a bit rushed as well, but I did find a pretty good bottle of dry (not sweet) rosé. The crowds were enormous, and I tried to imagine the Wisconsin State Fair taking place in Westchester County, New York, drawing crowds from Manhattan and clogging the subway for an hour. I couldn’t picture it. This was a uniquely French experience.
megan said,
March 13, 2007 at 6:18 am
How fun. I think they have one of those down here too, but I am not sure when. We go to the Foire de Marseille each year.