9781422269787

F R E N C H

FRench GERMAN IRISH UKRAINIAN

African Chinese GREEK INDIAN ITALIAN mexican MIDDLE EASTERN

F R E N C H

Jackson Peters

MASON CREST MIAMI

Mason Crest PO Box 221876, Hollywood, FL 33022 (866) MCP-BOOK (toll-free) • www.masoncrest.com

Copyright © 2024 by Mason Crest, an imprint of National Highlights, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America First printing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN (hardback) 978-1-4222-4841-6 ISBN (series) 978-1-4222-4840-9 ISBN (ebook) 978-1-4222-6978-7 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Peters, Jackson, author. Title: French / Jackson Peters.

Description: Hollywood, FL: Mason Crest, [2024] | Series: Customs, culture & cuisine | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2023018390 | ISBN 9781422248416 (hardback) | ISBN 9781422269787 (ebook) Subjects: LCSH: Food habits--France--Juvenile literature. | Cooking--France-- Juvenile literature. | France--Juvenile literature. Classification: LCC GT2853.F7 P47 2024 | DDC 394.1/20944--dc23/eng/20230421

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KEY ICONS TO LOOK FOR: Sidebars: This boxed material within the main text allows readers to build knowledge, gain insights, explore possibilities, and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos: Readers can view videos by scanning our QR codes, providing them with additional educational content to supplement the text. Examples include news coverage, moments in history, speeches, iconic sports moments, and much more! Glossary of Key Terms: This back-of-the-book glossary contains terminology used throughout this book. Words found here increase the reader’s ability to read and comprehend higher-level books and articles in this field. Research Project: Readers are pointed toward an area of further inquiry that relates to each book and encourages deeper research and analysis. Introduction............................................................. 6 Chapter 1: Northwest and Paris................................ 9 Chapter 2: The Southwest...................................... 21 Chapter 3: Southeast, Lyon, Marseille and the Alps.. 35 Chapter 4: North and Northeast.............................. 51 Chapter 5: French Food in America.......................... 63 Research Project.................................................... 74 Glossary of Key Terms............................................. 75 Further Reading......................................................76 Internet Resources.................................................. 77 Index. .................................................................... 78 Author’s Biography & Credits................................... 80 CONTENTS

France is a country steeped in culture, customs, and a cuisine that is known and loved across the globe. However, few know about the unique culinary traditions that characterize each region, from the northwest to the southeast, coming together to create a diverse and unique bouquet of flavors known around the world as French gastronomy. Located in Western Europe, France’s geography is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from the mountains of the Alps and Pyrénées to the rolling hills of the Loire Valley and the beaches of the French Riviera. Following six centuries of Roman rule, the Germanic tribes of the Franks conquered the Roman territories in the 5th century CE, and their leader, Clovis I, established the Frankish Kingdom, laying the foundation for modern France. Since then, the country has been a major player in European politics and has had a significant impact on world events. Despite the countless political changes that followed, taking the country from an empire to a republic and back again, France has managed to retain its position as one of the leading global influences in terms of art, philosophy, science, cuisine, fashion and wine (to name a few) for centuries. French cuisine is considered among the finest in the world, and is known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients paired with highly prized local wines, as the country is home to some of the most famous vineyards in the world. To better understand the cultural traditions behind a country that has such a global influence, it is important to explore the different regions of France and how their history translates into diverse culinary identities, which will be grouped as follows:  Northwest and Paris: From the famous beaches of Normandy to the picturesque countryside of Brittany and the refined capital, this region is rich in a history that can be felt in its traditional and seafood-based cuisine. INTRODUCTION

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 Southwest: Heavily influenced by the cultural melting-pot typical of regions around the Mediterranean, Southwestern cuisine is usually paired with world-famous wines from Bordeaux and Toulouse.  Southeast, Lyon, Marseille and the Alps: This is one of the most culturally diverse regions of the country, historically located at the crossroads of many empires. While Lyon considers itself the gastronomic capital of the world, Marseille is particularly known for its seafood dishes and imported flavors. The mountainous Alps, on the other hand, offer more hearty dishes, made with famous cheeses like Reblochon and accompanied by world-class wines like Côtes du Rhône.  North and Northeast: This region’s rich history and nourishing cuisine heavily feature German and Belgian influences. Northeastern France is famous for its Burgundy wine and is home to the Champagne region, with a cuisine that favors hearty dishes made with ingredients coming from the east. Overall, France is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its cuisine

Hauts de France

reflects this diversity. From the northwest to the southeast, each region has its own

Haut Normandie

Picardie

Normandie

Basse Normandie

Lorraine Grand Est

Île-de-France

Bretagne

Pays de la Loire

Franche Comté

Bourgogne

Centre-Val de Loire

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

unique traditions and flavors that

reveal a little bit of its tumultuous history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Rhône-Alpes

Occitanie

Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur

Midi-Pyrénées

Introduction

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FRENCH CRÊPES SUZETTE INGREDIENTS: flour, milk, eggs, unsalted butter, orange juice, orange zest, salt, granulated sugar, and orange liqueur

Northwest and Paris CHAPTER

The Northwestern part of France is made up of several distinct regions, each with its own unique identity. They include Normandie, Île-de-France (home to Paris), Centre-Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire, and Bretagne. Coastal Countryside One of the most significant regions in the northwest is Normandy, which is divided between Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) to the west and Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy) to the east. Together, they sit between the English Channel to the north and Paris to the south. Basse-Normandie is known for its beaches, cliffs, and port cities, such as Caen and Bayeux. The coastline is characterized by a series of bays and estuaries, and is home to the D-Day landing beaches, which played a significant role in World War II. Outside of its attention-grabbing cliffs, Basse-Normandie is mostly rural, with rolling hills and pastures. The Pays d’Auge is an area of outstanding beauty, with its typical half-timbered houses, apple orchards and stud farms.

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The historic center of Bayeux in Basse-Normandie, with the Notre Dame Cathedral overlooking the Aure River.

Haute-Normandie is also renowned for its picturesque countryside, characterized by rolling hills and famous forests and peppered with historic towns and cities, including Rouen and Le Havre. The Seine River runs through the heart of the region, providing a valuable waterway for transportation and industry. Haute-Normandie is also home to the famous Impressionist artist Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, which attract many visitors. From the Farm Normandie is well known for its dairy farms and products, particularly its milk, butter and cream, as well as famous cheeses such as Camembert and Pont l’Évêque, made from cow’s milk and celebrated at cheese festivals throughout the region. Perhaps even more than its cheese, the rest of the country is particularly fond of Normandie’s apple cider, which is produced from

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the many apple orchards found in the area, as well as its Calvados , a traditional, locally made apple brandy. Calvados is central to a traditional custom in Normandie known as the Trou Normand , where guests are served a shot glass of Calvados , potentially accompanied by apple sorbet, in the middle of a feast or in between two courses. It is supposed to facilitate digestion and help patrons regain their appetite for the rest of the meal. For example, a Trou Normand might be offered in Caen following a meal of Tripes à la Mode , which is a cow’s stomach simmered in a special pot with garlic, peppercorns and root vegetables, warding off indigestion before a traditional dessert of crêpes au sucre . Additionally, the region has a strong tradition of using fresh, local ingredients that are in season, which can be found in the markets of traditional cities and towns, from Normandie to the Pays de la Loire. They offer a wide range of products, from fresh seafood

Tripes à la Mode is a traditional dish in Caen and a well-known specialty of the region.

Chapter 1: Northwest and Paris

11

to meats and cheeses, as well as fruits and vegetables that are locally grown. Home to Paris The Île-de-France region is by far the most populous region of France, as it is home to the capital city of Paris, which is the political and cultural center of the country and one of the world’s most famous cities. It is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Louvre Museum. The landscape around the capital is mostly flat, with the exception of the Château de Versailles, located on the outskirts of Paris. Despite being an urban center, Paris still offers access to nature, allowing

Escargots de Bourgogne is a classic dish in Parisian haute cuisine.

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for lovely walks along the banks of the Seine River and through its many verdant spaces such as the Bois de Boulogne and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, two of the city’s largest parks. Paris is also known for its haute cuisine, which is quite different from the local cuisine found throughout the rest of the country. Parisian haute cuisine uses high-quality ingredients and emphasizes refinement and presentation. The city is home to many world renowned culinary establishments, including ten restaurants boasting three Michelin stars, making it second to only Tokyo in that regard. On nearly every street, establishments showcase the culinary skills and creativity of talented chefs through simple, elevated dishes. Some famous examples of Parisian haute cuisine include escargots de Bourgogne (snails in garlic butter), canard à l’orange (duck with orange sauce), and coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine). Pastries and desserts also play an important role in the region’s cuisine, particularly in Paris. The city is known for its croissants,

THE FRENCH CHEF

Julia Child, a famous French chef and cookbook author, did not learn to cook until she was in her late thirties. She attended Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris and went on to write the bestselling cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Child was also known for her popular cooking show, “The French Chef,” which aired on television in the 1960s and helped popularize French cuisine in the United States.

Chapter 1: Northwest and Paris

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éclairs, and macarons, its famous chocolate and chocolate-covered delicacies, and its award-winning bread, made every morning in old school bakeries that open well before dawn. Rocky Shores Bretagne, also known as Brittany in English, is often considered to be one of the most distinct regions of France, proudly sporting its own flag, its own language, and its own heritage strongly influenced by Celtic culture. Surrounded by water on three sides, it juts out from the mainland and separates the English Channel to the north from the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its rich history is visible throughout its rugged coastline, picturesque villages, and Celtic remains such as the standing stones of Carnac and the megaliths of Locmariaquer. The coastline of Bretagne is characterized by its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque ports and harbors. The region is also home to several islands, such as the Île de Bréhat and the Île de Groix, which are popular tourist destinations. It remains a very rural

An aerial view of the Citadel of Le Palais on Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest of Bretagne’s several islands.

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part of the country to this day, with rolling hills, regional parks and forests, and the Parc naturel régional d’Armorique , a beautiful and popular area for locals and tourists seeking outdoor activities and craving intact natural landscapes. Despite being primarily rural, Bretagne does have large port cities like Rennes and Brest, which have been growing quickly in recent years as French people are slowly moving away from Paris and its outskirts to seek a better (and more affordable) quality of life closer to the sea. Many cities sport traditional Breton architecture, including the iconic half-timbered houses and the distinctive “lanterns of the dead,’’ which are found in many of the region’s

cemeteries. Nantes

The historic city of Nantes was part of Bretagne until the lines were redrawn in the 1950s to create the Pays de la Loire region, of which Nantes is the capital. Culturally, however, the city is still very much

Explore ten of the best things to see in Nantes, a historic city on the Atlantic coast of France.

Chapter 1: Northwest and Paris

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Breton, and in polls, nearly three-quarters of residents say they would like to see Nantes return to Bretagne. One of the city’s cultural highlights is the Château des ducs de Bretagne , which has been a defensive stronghold as well as a royal residence since 1207. Standing in the modern city center, it has been renovated into a museum, and can be visited to admire panoramic views of the city from its fortifications. Holy Crêpes One thing that all Nantais can agree on, despite having left Brittany, is that they will never renounce its traditional dishes such as crêpes and cider. Crêpes and galettes are northwestern specialties, and depending on which part of the region they are made, they will have different textures and tastes. It all comes down to the batter. Galettes , particularly popular in Loire-Atlantique (the department that includes Nantes, similar to a county in the US), are large pancakes made with

Locals enjoy eating a galette for breakfast alongside the narrow streets in Nantes.

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