What to See and do in…Sanary-sur-Mer

 

Greetings dear readers and friends. Well, it’s certainly hard to believe that it’s springtime already. We’ve had a long week of rain, thunderstorms, and Mistral-force winds… I’m just hoping that means many, many blooming flowers are headed our way next month. Of course, our “bad weather” is nothing compared to other parts of the world, but it’s hard to remember that Provence has a very distinct winter when the south is internationally known for its sunshine and glimmering summer beaches.

At any rate, I’m ready to get a little bit of that “glimmer” back very soon. Spring is a truly beautiful time of year in Provence and a chance to enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.

And, as I’ve “splashed” all over this blog, Sanary-sur-Mer is one of our favorite spots to catch some of that south-of-France “magic”. I simply love this town.

So now that les beaux jours are just around the corner, I can’t wait to get back to our favorite “hidden gem”. And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Sanary-sur-Mer during your travels, here is a list of some of the best things to see and do during your stay.

 -Shop the (incredible) Provençal market

This market is one of our absolute favorites. If you’re in Sanary on market day, Wednesday, you’re in for a real treat. I would estimate that the market takes up about 2 city blocks and you’ll find everything from seasonal produce to Rosé wine-tasting to Provençal tablecloths and spring / summer clothing. The daily market is just as lovely, only it’s about a fourth of the size and mainly focused on local foodstuffs. At any rate, don’t forget to bring your camera… it’s an amazing visual feast.

Find more info about the Sanary market on this market-of-the-month post.

-”Promenade” along the charming port

The French sure enjoy their promenades…and with good reason. When the sun is shining on the colorful port of Sanary, there’s nothing like a nice stroll (after your market stop) to soak up the “southern” atmosphere. We usually take a break at the Bar du Sport for a nice cup of coffee… and when the summer months arrive, there’s also a nice gelato shop right on the port.

-Picnic along the sea

Indeed, the last picnic we had along the sea in Sanary was last spring with our dear friend Kathy (of Cook in Provence). I happened to prepare a few goodies the night before, but you can easily pick up what you need at the market and local bakeries near the port. However you plan your picnic, it’s a beautiful setting and pas mal (not bad) for the budget.

–Enjoy a long lunch of moules-frites (& a cool glass of Rosé) at Crêperie Le Galion

Another great alternative to a picnic is eating at one of the crêperies along the port. I tend go traditional and order a crêpe myself, but the “real experience” is ordering a big bucket of moules-frites (mussels & fries) washed down with a nice bottle of Rosé. Although not a huge mussels fan, I have to say that the white wine & cream sauce is worth the trip alone.

-Browse Sanary’s many boutiques & specialty shops

Sanary is full of adorable, and sometimes very chic, shops & boutiques. You’ll discover everything from kitchen tools & gourmet goods to baby clothes and designer handbags. Whatever you fancy, a walk through the multi-colored streets just behind the port is a charming way to discover the city.

-Stop for a mid-afternoon snack at Boulangerie / Pâtisserie La Fontaine

Well, sometimes this turns into a “mid-morning” snack as we usually find any good excuse to visit Sanary’s tasty bakeries after a morning at the market. I think the photos speak from themselves, but either of the two bakeries along the port are incredibly tasty and fresh – not to mention pretty busy! Get ready to stand in line with the locals for your baked goodies… while inevitably adding on tarts and sweets to your wish list.

-Take a boat ride to the local islands or the famous Calanques

There are a lot of “jumping off” points to visit the islands off the coast (the Paul Ricard islands), and the spectacular Calanques of Cassis / Marseille, and Sanary makes as good a place as any to start your day at sea. There are numerous tour operators along the port, and you can check the Sanary tourist office for more detailed information.

-Visit a local festival

Ahh, festivals… I love these events as it’s a chance to meet with the locals and also learn more about Provençal traditions. You can find a list of Sanary’s festivals on the city’s website, and a few annual favorites include: Chocolate & Wine festival, Cuvée de la Ville (more wine-tasting in April!), and the Fête des Voiles – celebrating the traditional pointus boats.  Also, don’t be surprised to find an impromptu antique-fair taking place many weekends along the port – another great place to pick up some French souvenirs from your travels.

 

Source: Belle Provence Travels.

 

Why Paris is sometimes also called “Paname”

Paname is Léo Férré’s song, and also how lots of parisian “titis” and today’s youngsters call Paris. Why??, although explanations diverge, here are two commonly accepted.

The first one is related to a financial scandal that erupted in 1889 related with the Panama Canal’s construction and that touched some of France’s most influential politicians and entrepreneurs (Gustave Eiffel barely escaped prison) ruining thousands of small investors by wiping their Stock Exchange savings. The word Paname was then used as a punishment form to designate parisians. 

The second one, comes from the fact that parisians had adopted during 20th. Century’s early years the fashion of a hat called “Panama” that Panama Canal’s workers used to wear. Therefore “Paname” could have meant city of elegants and because of the scandal, the city of illusions and delusions. 

Either one of these versions, up to you to decide!!

POURQUOI SURNOMME-T-ON PARIS, « PANAME » ?

Paname c’est la chanson de Léo Férré, l’argot des titis parisiens et celui des jeunes d’aujourd’hui. Chacun (ou presque) a déjà employé ce mot pour définir notre chère capitale. Mais qui sait réellement pourquoi Paris se grime parfois en Paname ? Même si les explications divergent, voici les plus répandues.

La première, pas très fun, affirme que l’origine du nom viendrait du canal de Panama ouvert en 1869. La bourse de Paris était alors intimement liée au scandale financier qui éclata en 1889.  Cette affaire d’escroquerie  liée au percement du canal, éclaboussa plusieurs hommes politiques (dont Clemenceau) et industriels français (dont Gustave Eiffel qui échappa de justesse à la prison) et ruina plusieurs milliers d’épargnants. Ce serait à ce moment là que Paris aurait hérité de ce surnom lié au scandale du siècle … en guise de chatoiement.

« Le veau d’or », allégorie du scandale de Panama – Le Petit Journal du  31 décembre 1892
Autre version, plus sexy cette fois : au début du 20ème siècle, les Parisiens avaient adopté le chapeau dit « panama », mis à la mode par les ouvriers qui creusaient le canal du même nom à cette époque. Ainsi, Paname a pu signifier la ville des élégants puis, à cause du scandale, la ville des illusions et des désillusions.

Que ce soit l’une ou l’autre version, la ville de Paris elle-même n’a pas de réponse claire à donner à tout les petits curieux qui souhaitent savoir d’où vient « Paname ». À vous de vous faire votre propre avis !

What the French Flag Colors Represent

The French Flag colors are deeply rooted in the Country’s aristocratic and revolutionary History. Traditional colors of the flag in pre-revolutionary France contained a white background with a blue shield and the gold “Fleur de Lys” depicting the royal coat of arms. However, after the French Revolution, the Country’s leaders wanted a simpler design that supported the new values of the Nation

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White.

White is the traditional color of the House of Bourbon who ruled France until the French Revolution. In the flag, color white represents the King.

Red and Blue

The Red and Blue colors represent the City of Paris. Revolutionaries in Paris wore red and blue cockades (ribbons) on their hats when they stormed the Bastille in 1789.

Welcome to France we love you!!!

This blog is intended to share with you unknown facts, news and my very personal insight of France’s culture.