We are staying in a room in a chateau with no fridge or stove, so we will be unable to cook. Not that we mind paying for a good meal, but some days we just want to grab something quick.
It doesnt seem as if there are many options for that in Provence. Am I wrong?? I know the French are big on dining, but don't they want to snack sometimes? I am not thinking pasteries, but sandwiches, etc. You know, like civtechi (sp?) in Italy, those little appetizers you can get.
Thanks for your continued assistance in my trip planning! It just seems like Provence can get really expensive, and even if cost is not that much of a problem, I'm not sure I want to spend $100 or more per day since some days we are just not that hungary!
Shop the markets for picnic fare! Great bread, unbelievable cheeses, olives, sausages, fresh vegetables and fruit. With a bottle of dry rose, it's heaven.
You'll also be able to buy sandwiches and other snack foods at cafes, and great pizzas.
When we're there, we often have a good lunch, then just snack on bread, cheese and fruit in the evening.
Picnics are a part of every visit to Provence, go to your nearest farmers'market and buy what appeals to you or a local shop. But ask if you can bring food back to your room. It may not be acceptable at some places but eating under the Provençal sun is treat, find a charming spot and bon appetit
Posts: 1637 | Location: cambridge,ma.usa | Registered: 27 January 2003
I remember a few years ago when we were in Provence and were staying in a hotel. After eating out every night we wanted something a little lower key. When we were at one of the markets we saw them cooking chicken and pork on these giant rotisseries. So we bought a loin of pork, some cheese, fresh bread and a bottle of wine. Cheap, simple, and darn tasty.
Also watch out for the pizza trucks. You'll see them at most of the markets and they'll be in some villages/towns in the evenings too. We think the pizza is just wonderful... different than pizza in the USA. It's not very expensive, and you may even be able to buy it by the slice.
In addition to the rotisserie chickens that Ed mentioned, the larger markets usually have stands with huge pans of paella and Asian noodles. The larger supermarkets also sell prepared takeaway food, and some have rotisseries. And in larger towns/villages you'll find little walk-up places where you can buy sandwiches and other tasty/inexpensive snacks at all times of the day.
One of the best picnics we had was in Cavaillon. We went to the baker that Peter Mayle wrote a book about, stopped to buy fruit, wine, and on to the cheese shop and we drove up the hill where the chapel is and overlooks the town.
Posts: 1637 | Location: cambridge,ma.usa | Registered: 27 January 2003
Rita, you are very observant to notice that the French snack a lot less than, say, the Spaniards and the Italians, and much much less than Americans. Picnic is a great lunch option, as everyone pointed out. I like to buy an assortment of pâtés at a market charcuterie stand or a good traiteur, plus pastries from a boulangerie, then head out to a good spot. All the traiteurs can heat the food for you on the microwave and also give or sell you plastic couverts. Btw, many of the hilltop Luberon villages have great picnic spots. This picnic tradition - so lovingly immortalized by Cartier-Bresson - continues to thrive. I noticed that even poor students on the Pont des Arts in Paris or proles by the roadside next to their trailer all have a quite soigné sense of "la table", always with a nice tablecloth, and often non-plastic couverts. I do love France for it, don't you.
But it is true that between meals the French do not "snack" much - unlike, say, the Thais who seem to have 5 meals a day albeit smaller. The bakeries in France reopen at around 4pm, just in time for you to get a "refuel".
When we were in rural Provence for a week at a B&B, our room didn't have a fridge either. However, our wonderful host saw us come in with some wine and offered to keep things cold for us in an extra fridge in his basement. He showed us how to access the room when he wasn't around. We shared our wine with him on many evenings on the terrace and learned so much about the region, the people and got advice on things to see and do (like the locals). For example, we went to an antique car show (Bugatti, Ferrari, etc.) and watched them drive up to the top of Mt. Ventoux.
We went to the market in several villages to get snacks of olives, bread, cheese, fruit, etc. and enjoyed a picnic.
Perhaps you'll have a friendly host or hostess that may offer you the use of some kitchen storage. I do also agree that it may not be permitted to keep unsealed food in your room.
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