“Thank you once again for a wonderful evening! I had no idea how many interesting things there were to learn about Northern France - I am already planning a trip to explore the surrounding area especially Lille and Le Touquet. As always delicious food based on the local cuisine of the region you were highlighting and excellent company - it’s amazing how one’s confidence to speak comes to the fore when you are enjoying yourself. I am certainly looking forward to learning more about the different regions of France.” D. Nicholson. Debden
Another memorable, entertaining and enjoyable evening took place at Cook’s Barn last week leaving all who took park eager to cross the Channel to experience for themselves the beauties of Northern France. The testimonials say it all!
Thanks to Pascale for preparing such a beautiful meal. It accompanied the language workshop, illustrating aptly one of the region’s best kept secrets: its gastronomy. We set our eyes on the beautiful Côte d’Opale beaches, totally mesmerized by the shades of green of the sea unfolding its slow waves along miles of flat white sands.
To get into the spirit of Northern France, we listened to the beautiful songs of “Les Corons” et “Les gens du Nord”, hummed the delightful lullaby of “Le P’tit Quinquin" talked about Carnaval and « Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis » in Bergues. We were transported to the centre of Lille and visited Paul’s boulangerie by the “carillon”. Going from one belfry to the other, we talked about the markets and the “braderies”, the “estaminets”, the “confréries”, the thousand festivities this hospitable population loves to celebrate.
All agreed that the people of Northern France have in their heart the sunshine they don’t physically have outside, true to the song by Enrico Macias! The plan now is for us to go there for a day or a weekend to see first hand how true this is.
“This evening was an eye-opener to a part of France about which many of us English are ignorant and have totally ignored: the North. We learnt about various interesting towns, festivals and customs which encouraged us to think of visiting the region to enjoy the very different experiences it has to offer- and not just to pass through that part of France rapidly, on the way to elsewhere! At our convivial dinner we enjoyed, amongst others, two dishes using chicory, one of which was hot and delicious- a new taste for most of us. With local beer- for a non-beer drinker I could be converted- and wine, we relaxed and tried out our French. The evening was great fun! We all came away with the warm pleasure that Francine's 'French on your plate' evenings provide, and enthusiasm for more such occasions!” F. Ballantine, Hitchin
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