The French really do have a boulangerie/patisserie on just about every block, and you really do see people walking around with baguettes sticking out of their purse or tote bag on their way home to work.  Interesting, there are some stores that don’t sell bread, but specialize in desserts.  This picture is from a patisserie in Autun, Burgundy.

Crooked half-timber house in Troyes (not a museum piece, just a house)

Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days in the Champagne region of France. French towns and cities throughout the region have a Marche Halle (Market Hall) where vendors can set up shop.  In addition to a wide assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, Boucheries sell fresh meat, the Fromager sells all different kinds of cheeses, the Fish Monger sells a wide assortment of seafood, and guys are also there selling home made artisian sausage.  The French attention to detail on these food items is amazing – we don’t really have anything like this in America.  A boulanger/patisserie on every block where you can buy fresh bread, and those amazing cheeses, sausages and wine … what more could anyone want?

Cheese: Pouligny St. Pierre