"Ariane Jenkins" wrote in message

> Several years ago when I solicited suggestions for what to bring back from
> England, people here had a lot of interesting ideas, so I thought I'd give
> it
> another go. In about a month and a half, we'll be heading to France for 3
> weeks and hitting Paris, Normandy (briefly), the Loire Valley region, the
> Dordogne (also very briefly) and Provence.
>
> Any other suggestions? I'm up for regional product suggestions or other
> travel-related tips, too. We'll be packing light, so I'm afraid I can't
> carry very much back.
>
> Ariane
>
The cheese shops, the delis, the bakeries with their breads, croissants and
pain du chocolate, and (for me!) the wonderful patisseries with their
tempting fruit tarts, Napoleons and other sinful things, are absolute musts.
Forget about bringing those home, though - just indulge.

Re the end of your first post - we have always been greeted warmly by the
French, especially since we are not strident and "Ugly Americans". The
French have told us some sad tales about that. We want them to know we are
there to learn and to get to know the people better. The occasional rude
ones? Of course. Try any big city here. I don't know how much French
you speak but the most important French words to learn aren't "please" or
"thank you", but "where's the restroom, please?" <G>

Dora