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We have many people stop by here, using our cottage as a base for visiting Normandy and Paris, and I love to see how each new set of guests arrive with their particular plans and expectations.
Of course internet and satellite have totally changed the way we travel today. Sights can be ‘visited’ before arrival; roads driven down virtually before even entering the country and the menus of local restaurants approved before anyone has a chance to feel hungry.
But what fascinates me each time are the travellers’ priorities. The garden fans will have a long list that starts with Giverny and gradually works further afield; the history buffs will know how long it should take them to get to the landing beaches; the brocante addicts have a calendar of local markets and dealers and the foodies can only think of making beelines for the farmers markets and the best restaurants in the area.
But I hear there is a new traveller: the Shopper. The visitor who is happy to visit the Champs Elysée providing he can queue outside Abercrombie or Louis Vuitton, or for whom the beautiful Quartier St Germain is earmarked only as home to LaDurée.
The iconic department stores Printemps and Galerie Lafayette in Paris, have turned large areas over only to fashionable luxury brands. If you walk through the store, you may be surprised to see really long queues in front of the Prada, Gucci and Loewe desks. Although those makes are available world wide.
So why does this bother me?! …. I have an old fashioned approach to travel – that it is for broadening the mind, for seeing something new, for understanding what is different in the world.
When I travel I really do not want to find a carbon copy of what I know already. I want to be surprised, to be delighted and to be taken outside my comfort zone. I love to buy stuff when I travel, but preferably something unique to the destination. This lust for the big names is part of the shrinking of the world. The dumbing down of society that scares me so much. [blank][blank]
[blank]If I were visiting Paris I would prefer les Invalides to Le Tanneur, Pigalle to Prada, la Bastille to Balmain and le Marais to Mariage and Frères
So tell me frankly, am I hopelessly out of sync with my time, or do you feel the same way?[blank]
60 comments
I agree with you entirely. The reason I travel to another country is to learn about the culture and history and that is what I want to experience. I also like to get behind the tourist areas and see real life.
Sarah x
I am a combination of your traveling philosophy and the Shopper. But I will not line up to to buy a Louis Vuitton or any other brand name because as you wrote, they are available worldwide. Just like you, I would prefer to purchase something unique from that country. Something that is not available here at home. But then Paris is a shopping Mecca. There are products there not available worldwide.
I do like to shop in France, but either at Monoprix for skin care items or for little unique treasures that aren't available at every mall. My husband is one of those "foodie" travelers; he likes to research restaurants and have destinations mostly picked out before we land. I'm always up for art museums, parks and gardens too.
When planning a trip to Europe, our favourite destination, we have the luxury of time, usually at least two months, as we're flying such a long way (from Australia – for us it's not worth going such a long distance for just two weeks) and also we're older. So we plan the trip to include visits to: beautiful countryside areas (usually include visits to mountains, lakes and coastal areas); lovely small towns/villages, particularly in Provence; and interesting cities. We always spend time in France and Italy and always visit one country we've never been to before. We're fascinated by natural scenery, historical (my husband started out as a historian) and cultural sites, art galleries and museums, including smaller out of the way places and house museums, interesting architecture, visits to concerts or the opera or ballet, places where they serve good good and wines and great food markets. I also love the wonderful brocantes and vides greniers in France and the flea markets in Italy (eg Arezzo). Husband not interested but he is a hobby painter, so before I wander off to the brocante, we find him a lovely cafe/bar with a good view of something paintworthy and he's totally happy. I also love the fashion and home style shops. He does not. So again we find him a nice cafe where he can paint or read his i-pad or a book. He's happy. When possible we both always read literature or at least novels or non-fiction about the countries we're visiting. Sometimes we take it with us but always we buy books while travelling. My husband is the intellectual, he reads Sartre or something else very worthy. On our most recent trip (returned only a few weeks ago) I read Francoise Gilot's autobiography of her life with Picasso, a book about her experiences at the end of WWII by Marguerite Durras and Jean Giono's The Horseman on the Roof set in the Luberon. Somehow doing this helps integrate us more into the culture of the regions we're travelling in. Also speaking and understanding a little of the language of the countries we keep going back to really makes a difference and helps our enjoyment: I speak and read a reasonable amount of French, a little Italian (we spent part of one holiday at an Italian language school in Florence) and even less German. But it helps. I think a well rounded approach to travel is the most satisfying, trying to really absorb a diverse range of the culture and life of a country, eg in France and Italy as fashion and style are such an important part of French (and Italian, at least in the north) life, culture and commerce, I wouldn't rule them out, and for me it's worth taking a real interest. But we don't rush around trying to see 10-20 things a day. We choose our priorities for the day but are flexible and allow ourselves to be distracted if we come across something that might delight us. We also spend time over lunch enjoying a nice meal, whether sitting out in a piazza in a small Italian town or at a pleasant restaurant in Paris or St Remy. We often hire guide/drivers who take us out for the day and who are really interesting because in addition to being experts on all the historical and cultural things we're keen to hear about they can also tell us about real life – and sometimes about great shopping. I guess you can tell we're travel-aholics. Happy holidays and best wishes, Pamela
I never buy something while traveling that I can buy at home, and I don't go out of my way to shop. When I do purchase it is usually something unique to the region to remind me of my adventure – but it must also work with my own home {no cute touristy kind of purchase}.
We always plan our trips and the things we want to see and leave space in between to enjoy our favourite spots a little longer or explore suggestions from our hosts. For us traveling means exploring, discovering, relaxing and learning about the regions we are in.
I would never EVER spend one moment shopping in those shoppes while in Paris! As much as I would love the brocante shopping I wouldn't do that either……I have only been to France once for 3 weeks and we did all the history stuff – museums, beaches, castles – and didn't get nearly enough.
If and when my DH and I ever go together we shall do the same thing, too, it's what we love.
Wonderful and interesting post, thank you.
I so agree…the beauty and magic of travel is discovering what is exclusive, special and unique to that country. I never had "gotten' people who need to visit all the retail shops that their respective cities or countries already has. What a waste in my opinion. There is so much to see and uncover….shopping unless its in a special market or antiques store otherwise would feel like a waste of time to me. That said a vacation is all about doing what you love or whatever strikes your fancy and I guess its to each his own!
I couldn't agree more, that is what travel is all about to me, discovering people, places and things I can't find in my own country! We go out of our way to stay or visit places that only the locals would know about, though we also hit the tourist areas on our first visit to a new country. Besides the shopping becoming homogenized throughout the world, what bothers me even more is seeing all of the American fast food restaurants when I go abroad…UGH! We don't eat at them in our own country, why on earth would we eat at them when we are in a country like France, know of its amazing cuisine! Great post!
Kat
ABSOLUTELY!I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!I want to be surprized I donot want to see where Iam staying etc…………it ruins it somehow.
*known for*…I should really learn to proofread!
Kat
If I were to travel to France, I would have to visit as many museums as I could, enjoy the history and really soak up the beauty. Wishing you a lovely weekend, Xo, Ashley
After reading my thoughts are "to each his own" or a persons agenda to travel is diverse as the interest are and people themselves. However, I do wish I could be like Ms. Anonymous-Pamela and have 2 months instead of 2 weeks and I would never dream of spending money on a Louis Vuitton bag or any other bag, but if you want to give me one…well more power to you!:) Have a great weekend.
While I have not spent endless hours shopping while in Paris, I will admit to doing a bit of window shopping along the Champs Élysée and likewise on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix en Provence. Both are iconic sights which afford entertaining people watching and the Champs Élysée has some amazing views. But a vacation is a very personal thing and people travel for different reasons -all legitimate. If it brings you pleasure why not do it? I live in Santa Barbara which is considered a destination city. With miles of beautiful coastline, world famous wineries and endless examples of gorgeous Spanish architecture, people still come here all the time to shop at Nordstrom and eat at CPK.
I too am concerned about the dumbing-down of society where the value is placed on external things and not internal development. We used to place such value on knowledge, language and achievement…..maybe it's the ying/yang thing, that the ability to communicate on such a broad basis leads to the shortcuts and abrieviations and this by extention to other areas of life….but then we experience something like the Olympics and somewhere the faith that those intrinsic values are still there, just under the surface or at least we hope so! Thank you for this thought provoking piece today. I have enjoyed the thoughts that it has stirred in me for sure!
Sharon ~
I agree with you wholeheartedly! If when we travel we only seek out the familiar, then what is the point of ever leaving home? I find it a bit sad that with so many amazing things to behold on this earth, people are spending their time in a long queue to get into a store to purchase Prada, Gucci or whatever other brand they feel important in their life.
Thank you for posing such interesting questions for us to ponder.
~ Christina ♥ from Los Angeles
I think as we age, we learn to appreciate the things that you can't bring home with you…art, history, and gardens, etc. I have purchased things when traveling but always something I can't find at home. Husband used to travel a lot in our younger years. He's been to many countries and always tried to find something that was made in the country he was in. He said it was very difficult almost impossible as everything was made somewhere else. But, he was able to find something even if it was a small item that was made in the country he was visiting. 🙂
I agree with you, the whole reason for travel is to enjoy the new culture to explore each wonderful place that is different than home. When I lived abroad, our family lived in Hong Kong for five years. I always marveled at the other ex-pats from my country only wanting to stay with each other, instead of finding friends from where we lived. One time a group of women from home actually boarded a plane to Vietnam to go shopping. I was in awe, certainly there were reasons other than shopping to travel.
My time in places I have visited were to gather images, sights and sounds of the unfamiliar.
I just want to say that you illustrated your post with the most beautiful photographs.
Karen
I suppose it depends on where in the world you go, and what takes you there in the first place. Travel isn't always tourism. In general, I'm not a fan of homogenization for the same reasons you have expressed, but soaking in the culture of the less fortunate can be both inspirational and draining. Sometimes, it is comforting to arrive at a foreign airport and find a warm cup of familiarity waiting for you.
I once visited a McDonalds in the Philippines, received excellent and engaging service, was offered the choice of McRice, and was advised not to clear my table because it would rob someone of a much needed job. It doesn't sound very mind broadening, but I walked away with a different perspective.
Here, here! Traveling is about truly experiencing the area. That includes restaurants and shops owned and run by independents. For us the most fun and interesting part of trips are the people and in these small local spots the people talk to you, share wonderful stories and suggest other places to shop and or eat. I guaranty you won't get that kind of interaction at any of the dozens of Louis Vuitton's around the world.
Absolutely Sharon, I completely agree. As we live in California, even when we go over to the beach, a couple of hours away, I will not eat or shop at any place I could have at home. And we never watch T.V. We just returned from Napa Valley for our anniversary, and brought home "treasures" that remind me of our stay and unique to that area. LOVELY. So when I look around my home, these bring joy in the everyday of life. We are the travelers who want to "soak up" our trip, and would go to Giverny, tear up at the landing beaches, walk in the gardens, eat at the cafe', and of course bring home something, ok many things :), from the brocantes! Thank you for your beautiful blog! Laurie' M (life as it should be)
Sharon, You're hopelessly out of sync with your time. . .
xoxoxo
Sharon, I am with you 100%! I am coming in October, and I just want to take a deep breath and let all five senses absorb everything French. . .I can't wait!
Dear Sharon, I couldn't agree with you more!!!! The most memorable times during our journeys have been those visits to magical places like Giverny or Sissinghurst or the Musee D'Orsee, or Montmartre!! You are right on Sharon……keep thinking as you do!! You are the best! <3
Although I have visited Paris in the past, it was only for the day – not long enough. Certainly too little time to be bothered with shopping! In May this year we visited Picardy and Normandy with our two dogs, and we were approached by the local French people everywhere we went, wanting to talk to us about the dogs. It seems they love Border Collies. I have never had so many conversations in French with complete strangers and can honestly say it was the best holiday we have ever had. If you want to mix easily with the local population, take your dog on holiday with you – you won't regret it!
So agree!
Why in the world drag home something you can buy at home?
I feel exactly the same way and it breaks my heart to see people lined up outside Abercrombie and even the M&M; store in New York!
Absolutely. I have just had a short trip to London apart from a few bookshops the last thing I would want to do is shop all the time, there is so much else to do there.
You are NOT ALONE! I totally agree with you. I personally can not imagine coming to France and shoping at a common find we have here in the US. Oh how I would love to come to France to see all that it is famous for. The shoping that would interest me most would be Brocante hunting! Janet
I'm with you on this point. When we travel, we try to experience what the place has to offer and stay clear of the large name stores/restaurants.
Do you get visitors who's only priority is to rest and relax?
I love to see the shops of the world, not to buy but to see, to experience, even supermarkets, I like to see what they sell, the spending of my hard earnt aussie dllars, I keep for buying the unusual, or something that is a reminder of my experience.(and orcourse a glass of wine here and there)
I hosted a girl's lunch yesterday which was "French" themed. It was a joy to lay the table and decorate the dining room with all of the bits and pieces I have collected during my many trips to France…not a well known label to be seen other than those on the numerous champagne bottles!
I totally agree. Traveling is all about learning and experiencing new things. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer
Many years ago i started a "sister's trip"(4 sisters) to the mountains, where we would rent a cabin and just cook, eat, laugh and talk-reconnect but somehow it turned into shopping, shopping and more shopping and less connecting all to buy the same STUFF that you can buy anywhere. no more mountains, streams, wildflowers or birds and then no more trips because "they" were tired of doing the same stuff each year— well no dud. I want to bring home a memory, an experience, a new recipe, make a new friend not another name brand something. so yes it is so sad
Hi Sharon
What interesting observations you make on your visitors to your cottage.
I cannot resist shops/boutiques when abroad. I have a favourite skirt from Venice, earrings from Florence. Jackets from Ireland, sweaters from England and shoes from various countries. I have difficulty parting with these treasures as so many memories are connected to them.
Helen xx
I totally agree with you…why travel so far to see something that looks almost exactly the same in your own city? I mean Louis Vuitton windows look the same in Paris, NY or South Coast Plaza! I do love to shop, but much more interested in flea markets and food markets than high end shopping that is the same in Maui or NYC. But whatever makes you happy, right?
I am with most here, in that, I love places that intrigue me, and that excludes most name brands and chain stores. Walking through a French department store to observe the differences between that place and a chain store in South Coast Plaza, here in this county of California, would be a quick tour, albeit by chance and not by design. I prefer the visual, the architecture, the flora & fauna, open markets, brocantes and flea markets…the styles of things, the small differences that set a a place apart and the people, the wonderful people…the essence of place and time, the smiles and laughter that transcend language differences. People make everything so much fun!
xoxo, Chris
Bien sur! We spend minimal time shopping on vacation. Only for a few things to take back with us – last time it was some textiles from Provence, sea salt from Paris, and a wee bit of pottery from Spain.
Oddly though, I've told my husband that the next time we go to Europe, I want to visit a couple of local hardware stores.
We do shop for food we are going to eat, but that's about it.
CHEERS to that! I AGREE 100%!
to step out of your comfort zone and really DIG into the culture! "…..that it is for broadening the mind, for seeing something new, for understanding what is different in the world." Very VERY well said! Thank you!!!!
Well that's why we're staying with you! And doing a house exchange in Paris. And visiting friends in La Roque. To see the country, meet the people, visit caves and castles and find something old to bring home. And take pictures, I hope as fine as yours! The boys will write a journal (I hope) and I'll make a book of it. Can't wait!
I couldn't agree with you more! And apparently, so do most of your readers (we're a very intellectual group, after all!).
The only exception was the first time I took my oldest daughter to Paris as her high-school graduation (Valedictorian) gift. We sat in an outdoor café and watched Parisian women. Afterward, we walked by a Zara store (they didn't have them in the US yet). I let her try on tons of outfits until she found the "perfect Parisian look". Then we went to a fabulous shoe store where she found the "perfect boots". I grumbled that we had wasted an entire afternoon shopping, but my daughtee's happiness soon made me forget it. In subsequent trips the only purchases I've made are at Brocantes.
I think like you. I want to see places and houses that are specific for that city or country. I can buy things, but not the ones we have at home.
Have a nice Sunday !
xo
Anci
It's all about soaking up the history, sights and most of all it's about the local people and the way they live their lives….B:)
Oh my goodness! I also share your opinion on travel. It's all about history, unique culture, the people and new surprises around every bend!
Dear Sharon,
Well, what an intriguing post, and what a lot of really interesting replies.
I don't know if the novels of Anne Tyler are as well-known in Britain as they are in the USA, but I expect you'd enjoy her novel "The Accidental Tourist" (there's also a fine movie basedon the novel). the main character makes his LIVING writing an immensely popular series of guidebooks which show the reader how to travel without EVER experiencing/encountering a surprise, change-of-itenary (sp?), or anything which is the slightest bit unscheduled or unexpected. It's a terribly funny novel.
As for my and Herve's travels (which are pretty extensive)?…we don't "plan", beyond making hotel reservations at whatever town we intend to use for a "base". We certainly don't make restaurant reservations. I should emphasize, however, that, because of his work, Herve spends about half his life in luxurious hotels and restaurants, being bored to death by "Breakfast meetings" and "dinner meetings" with pharmaceutical executives (who are not, as a general rule, known for being scintilating wits and bon-viants). You'd get tired of fancy restaurants, too.
As for shopping?… We don't do a lot of it, although during the last few days of every stay in France, we go to the grocery store (not some quaint market). I love French grocery stores; they're just so damned weird (at least to this American). Of course, when Herve's parents are here (which is for 3 weeks eachSeptember), they're fascinated by American grocery stores….miles of aisles devoted to products guaranteed to provide you with dazzlingly-white teeth, freedom from the dreaded "ring-around-the-collar", and safety from any sort of body-odor whatsoever.
There have been times (particularly when we're staying with the family in Tours) when Herve announces that he's sorry, but he's going to be tied-up with affairs (so to speak) that afternoon. I invariably tell him it's just fine…I'll simply toodle down to the grocery store or (almost as amusing) the hardware store. I can amuse myself for hours in those joints without buying a thing…although I did, on this last trip, purchase 5 tubes of the surprisingly named "Darky!" toothpaste (the tube sports a cariacture of a grinning "african"…and I promise I am not making this up). It's not quite the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower, but it's definitely an "Only in France" thing.
Level Best as Ever,
David terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
Dear Sharon, I just read that your Fall Brocante tour is sold-out. How wonderful….I'm always very pleased when someone (you in this instance) comes up with an idea, actually puts it to work, and it succeeds.
You'll be amused (possibly a bit jealous) to learn, as I did yesterday, that a new "reality show" is appearing on USA television this fall…."Auction Warriors".
The basic premise is that six or so professional antique&vintage; sellers travel around the country to antique auctions and the American version of Brocantes. They'll compete with each to see who lands the best and most interesting (read "re-sellable") finds.
Wouldn't you like to get in on this?……get paid to shop at multiple brocantes AND perhaps win 500,000 dollars if you're the best at the business?
Level Best as Ever,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
I'm with you Sharon, I think the whole shopping thing is getting to much. I love the Caribbean, but honestly the islands are all starting to blend together into one commercialized shopping haven. I especially avoid the cruise ship terminals as all the shops are luxury goods, jewels and crap that are anything but representative of the true island. I HATE that all these charming islands are losing themselves to the same old same old thirst for overpriced goods with an emblem on the side. I like to off road a bit when I travel, much preferring the country to the cities and often hire a cab driver to escort us to where the "real" folk live and do business.
We have just spent 2 weeks in Lucca Italy. We took the time to visit 2 well publicised museums whilst there. On both occasions we and one other couple were the only visitors admiring some of the most beautifully preserved art work , sculpture and furnished rooms that we had seen outside of Florence.
I commented to the lady tending the desk that it was sad that there were not many visitors, she just shrugged and said that's how it is now. I worry that in time, such magnificent places that abound in Italy will close due to lack of funds with fewer and fewer travellers taking time to visit "out of the way places" or places not on the "tourist route", whilst they may take time to visit more popular and overcrowded tourist venues and brand name shops.
I wonder how many travellers miss the whole point of travelling, and whether once they arrive, really appreciate where they are for what it is. Holiday memories are not always associated with seeing "the must sees" but often with the unexpected joys just around the next corner.
I am right there with you on this bandwagon, Sharon. You can get Vuitton in just about every major city these days. What I want to see is the things that make a city/country that unique place. I was in Paris a couple years ago travelling with a bunch of women – why would more than half of them choose to shop rather than see the Louvre? Why was it more important for them to get a special deal rather than walk along the Seine in the rain?
Totally agree. Many years ago when these luxury brands were difficult to get elsewhere and when the US dollar was so strong, it made sense to spend some time and money perhaps buying luxury goods, but now for me, it's a waste of time. When we travel the only thing we "plan" are certain museum trips, and maybe theatre or opera (to get tickets).
Dear Sharon, i totally agree with you and try to attract my guests as well to to small miracles of our being. Since the area I have my cottage in,is a Great Plain I can offer the visitors the surrounding nature only.The pheasantchicks and storks in spring, sundflowerfields and fihes in summer and the cranes in october and in between just breathing free and to slow down.No queue before the stores but eggs from the chicken fresh in the morning,no rushing to the underground but cowmilk in the evening, no disco but chirp at nigth.It is hard to attract people in the country living who are used to citylife.
Lots of love from the ever pleasing Plain in Hungary.Dorka http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu
Agree with you….when we travel we like to be out in nature…visit out of the way places… and stay at bed and breakfasts to connect more with the people and their culture.
Shopping? Last on my list when traveling… and then I go for handcrafted products and art.
Victoria
http://www.femininechicboutique.com
So this happens in France, too! I call it the mauling/malling of America, when out-of-towners plan trips to shopping malls and other retail destinations. It shocks me to see people hordes shopping in Soho and on Fifth Avenue in New York, when there are so my great places to discover in this city. When I travel, I do like a few recommendations, but traveling is all about the journey, not getting to the destination.
My husband and I love to travel, to explore and discover the places we visit. Shopping is often part of the discovery, but it's the serendipity of happening upon a lovely shop or exploring a brocante or street market that makes it a memorable part of our trip. I can't see shopping for something that one can buy at home. 😉
Hi Sharon,
I am too much of a bargain / brocante hunter to head to the big department stores! They're ok to see once but as you say – you have no doubt seen them in your home town or capital city most anywhere in the world! Discovery to me is travel – I was complimented only yesterday on a little shift dress I picked up in Paris that I am wearing over a black sweater and leggings for our winter here. It's so pretty and Parisian but I can't share how cheaply I picked it up for in a sale in a tiny little store near the Marais. It's the 'finds' that are my favourite travel memories and treasures! x
Jen.
Sharon,
I could not agree with you more. I have been traveling to Paris for well over 30 years, at least once a year. Gone are the days when you would find a perfume or bag that you could only get while there. The shopping was never what drew me to Paris it was the history, the romance, the art and the adventure.
It would be a cold day in hell before I would wait in line at ambercrombie or Vuitton…now the same could not be said of Hermes, but only if they were having a sale.
Elizabeth
Hi Sharon
Agree with Jen on the finds, whether from the village brocantes, or town/city boutiques. Also agree with Sharon I would never queue for Louis Vuitton or any brand. I've seen French women standing bamboozled by the sight of busloads of tourists who are queued up outside Louis Vuitton, a brand most French women can't afford, and many don't even like. It's also a brand that is very frequently pirated, another reason I wouldn't buy it because back in Australia everyone would think you'd bought it from a market stall in Bali or Bangkok.
I prefer the lesser known (outside France that is) more affordable French designers, especially for accessories, like Agnes B or Sonia Rykiel or Isabel Marant, none of which (as far as I'm aware) have shops in Australia. Also enjoy the originality of Jamin Puech and their bright colours. Of course, Hermes is wonderful and I have to admit to collecting their scarves. If you fall in love with an Hermes scarf in Paris, better to buy it there, as they make different designs for different markets and there's no guarantee that you'll find the same scarf in LA or HK. The Paris soldes provide a great opportunity to add to accessory and clothing collections. In late June, many French designer items were between 30 to 50 percent reduced. Most of the things I bought were at least 50 percent off. And even weeks later I don't have any regrets about my choices, except maybe that I wish I'd bought a couple more! eg, Found a wonderful Diane von Furstenburg scarf that was 50 per cent off and now wish I'd bought another of hers in a different pattern and colour that tempted me at the time.
As I live in Australia, not the US, many of these smaller labels are not available here, and it's fun to buy them on holidays. Today the accessories I'm wearing include a wonderful bright chunky vintage bangle I found in a boutique in the Marais and a subtle low key Agnes B scarf and one of their very unusual necklaces. Have been doing the rounds of appointments since our return and have been complemented so many times today on all of the above. They are also wonderful mementos and memory joggers of happy times in Paris, not all of which was spent shopping – though I admit it sounds like it here!
Best wishes,Pamela
I agree with you about the shopping, France to me, is about the experience I cannot duplicate in my native country of Canada. The people, the history, the architecture etc. Thank you for your lovely blog, it inspires me!
I agree with everyone here that visiting a foreign country is about that country, not the same stuff you will find back home. I do stop at flea markets or antique stores but only if it is enroute to my destination.I DETEST homes that are decorated with wanna be french decor. Did any of these people ever look inside a real "french" home? Where do you see the signs bonjour, paris, eiffle towers etc as decorations. There are more fleur de lis items in this country than you can imagine and they are all made in China. I love a well decorated french home and I would rather save my money and buy the real "antique" than all these cheezy reproductions. Keep brocanting for us Sharon!!
Sharon, I totally agree with you. I find it quite sad that people travel only to see and do things that they see and do every week when there are so many beautiful and fascinating places and things to see. I cannot see how it will change until education becomes more valued and television and films focus less on what people have and where they get it from.
Still, if most people are queuing outside LV it means the places I want to visit aren't are crowded – Hurray!