- Time of past OR future Camino
- First one in 1977 by train. Many since then by foot. Next one ASAP.
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I'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France. What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
I was in France several years ago and found it quite odd that none of the bakeries (at that time) served coffee. We scarfed down our croissants, then ran down the block to a cafe for our morning coffee. I never quite understood the separation of the two.Absolutely, quite acceptable to take your own croissants from the bakery and eat them in a local cafe. I was amazed when a French friend suggested this and it worked!
Those Spanish breakfast with crushed tomato flesh , olive oil and toasted bread has to be one of my top favourites.
Absolutely, quite acceptable to take your own croissants from the bakery and eat them in a local cafe. I was amazed when a French friend suggested this and it worked!
Those Spanish breakfast with crushed tomato flesh , olive oil and toasted bread has to be one of my top favourites.
I was in France several years ago and found it quite odd that none of the bakeries (at that time) served coffee. We scarfed down our croissants, then ran down the block to a cafe for our morning coffee. I never quite understood the separation of the two.
I never knew you could take your croissant into the coffee shop/cafe. In the USA it would be a big "no no". I'll be doing a large portion of the LePuy route in June, so I'm happy to be aware of this tip.I have never come across a bakery in France that served coffee ( which of course doesn't mean they don't exist....) unlike those wonderful Bakerei in Germany
On the other hand, the cafés will often have, in the morning, a tray or two of croissants. If they don't or have run out, you go buy your own
Yes but better make sure the café doesn't already provide the croissants... They would be on a tray/basket on the counter ...I never knew you could take your croissant into the coffee shop/cafe. In the USA it would be a big "no no". I'll be doing a large portion of the LePuy route in June, so I'm happy to be aware of this tip.
I have never come across a bakery in France that served coffee ( which of course doesn't mean they don't exist....) unlike those wonderful Bakerei in Germany
On the other hand, the cafés will often have, in the morning, a tray or two of croissants. If they don't or have run out, you go buy your own
Sometimes I just love the way they do things in Europe.On one of my first trips to Paris, Connie and I walked into a cafe a few blocks away from Montemartre in Paris. It was maybe 11 in the morning. I ordered "deux cafe au lait et deux pain au chocolat s'il vous plait" (two cappucinos and two chocolate croissants). "Oui monsieur" said the waiter. A minute later he delivered the coffee. Then he hopped the low fence and ran a half block down to the bakery where he bought the two croissants. He ran back with the bag, put one on each plate, and delivered them to the table without anything more than a "bon appetit"!
Sometimes I just love the way they do things in Europe.
Veering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
Though the equivalent of cafe con leche is "un grand crème, s'il vous plaît"le petit déjeuner (aka le petit déj. ) s'il vous plaît.
This can be a combination of coffee and croissant , maybe orange juice as well, or coffee and sliced French bread with jam and butter.
Many places will serve tea if you ask or hot chocolate.
Ask for un café allongé or café american if you want a large cup of coffee otherwise you might end up with an espresso sized cup.
I thought it was "café au lait."Though the equivalent of cafe con leche is "un grand crème..."
That's quite a mouthful. Hope I can learn to say it before I hit the LePuy next June. I suppose that gives me enough time to memorize it.Though the equivalent of cafe con leche is "un grand crème, s'il vous plaît"
Oh good...I HAVE to have milk in mine!"Though the equivalent of cafe con leche is "un un grand crème, s'il vous plaît"
@Harington - you are correct. I didn't mention un grand crème simply because I never take milk in my coffee in France or in Spain.
To the other posters, be not afraid , the French will still understand if you ask for un café au lait.
Love this! Thank you for sharing the details of your very special memory. I plan to walk half of the LePuy come June and hope I have some special moments to reflect on, too!I like everything about this thread! Breakfast, France, croissant, jam, pan au chocolate, ahhhhh!
I am so glad that you have chosen an interesting Camino, Rappahannock_rev. It sounds like a wonderful time.
When I was in Paris, I had breakfast at the cafe' outside my hotel one morning. They were in no way connected, and I had not yet realized that the little boutique hotel's breakfast was very homespun and delicious.
I sat down to have a cafe au lait, and an older gentleman arrived. There were few seats left, and he sat down beside me, and in very good english, asked if I minded that he smoke.I was glad to have the company of a gentleman who spoke great english, and I welcomed him to light up. This began an hour of fascinating conversation.
As it turns out, he had lived in SE Asia for about a decade, as I had. We compared notes on different countries, and had some great laughs and also some sad moments. His wife, who had recently died, very much loved Thailand, so we talked a lot about that. As we had our morning drinks, we ordered some breakfast and had a leisurely meal, watching people as they scurried about starting their days.
What a luxury it is to enjoy a breakfast in France with a friend.
I'll look forward to hearing about these some day -- perhaps on another thread?Customs across Europe are very different. In my part of Europe something like that would never happen. But we have other customs that you may like
I'll look forward to hearing about these some day -- perhaps on another thread?
Typically that has to do with a liquor license...maybe the cost or the unable to get.Veering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
.
I think eating breakfast outside one's home or outside the hotel/B&B where one is staying is unusual resp an urban/modern habit in many parts of Europe, which would explain anectodes where bar/café staff got out of their way to cater for a guest's wishes.
Sigh...I want that life!None of my Spanish friends have breakfast at home! They go to a café for ...coffee and tostada (con aceite) and a quick look at the local paper... and see the world go by.
When we were (much) younger, it was chocolate con churros very early in the morning.
Oh I just got carried away talking about breakfastsI know but weren't we talking about a few days in rural France and other parts of Europe here?
I'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France.
What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
Veering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
It’s done here too in BC, but I believe that the corkage fee is in lieu of purchasing a bottle of wine in an establishment that is already licensed to sell alcohol. Restaurants make a nice profit from selling spirits; if patrons want to bring their own wine then the restaurant will usually charge a corkage fee - sometimes a very hefty one.We do this in Ontario too, but expect to pay a “corkage fee” for opening your bottle. I’m not sure if this practice extends to Spain.
Veering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
Cafe au lait is the drink you get at breakfast, in a large cup or bowl (no, that's not a cereal bowl there at your place), while un un grand creme is the drink you get later in the day (in a coffee cup). Un cafe will get you an espresso-like small cup of strong and black.En France, breakfast begins with café au lait, hot chocolate, or tea; a roll with butter and marmalade; and a croissant.
I'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France.
What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
Some of us shuffling geriatrics still have them from time to time when we get the chance. No time in Spain is complete without churros at least onceWhen we were (much) younger, it was chocolate con churros very early in the morning.
I am one of those shuffling geriatrics!Some of us shuffling geriatrics still have them from time to time when we get the chance. No time in Spain is complete without churros at least once
Sadly, I have to agree and I'm French ! It pains me. Walking through France (from Calais to Besançon) opened my eyes. I am a towny (a Parisian"The whole food thing is so much better in France than in Spain"
Try and find a meal in France outside of "normal" dining hours . . . somebody once said a baguette sandwich was the French way of punishing you for not taking food seriously.
Whereas you can rock up at a small bar in rural Spain and tuck into a glorious plato combinado.
Spain for me.
Love the sound of the spanish breakfastAbsolutely, quite acceptable to take your own croissants from the bakery and eat them in a local cafe. I was amazed when a French friend suggested this and it worked!
The Spanish breakfast with crushed tomato flesh , olive oil and toasted bread has to be one of my top favourites.
Ask for "pan con tomate".Love the sound of the spanish breakfast
Does it have a name? Or do i just point and say "that please?"
I'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France.
What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
I stayed there once, it’s a lovely hotel. And a very good breakfast, I agreeA bit off topic, but for anyone interested, a few years ago I stayed 2 nights at the hotel Itzalpea in St Jean Pied de Port.
No cooking at this hotel, but the cold breakfast was eat as much as you liked .
A pot of tea or coffee, bread or croissant, ham , cheese, butter and home made jam.
The owner brought more of any that you requested.
Old fashioned but well recommended.
For evening meals, there was a restaurant next door.
Tout à fait d'accord!French breakfast radishes are lovely. A baguette, home made sea salted butter and that's it
butter and home made jam.
Is this an autocorrect thing where "traditions" was changed to "radishes"? Or do the French really eat radishes for breakfast? I must admit never having come across that while I was in France.French breakfast radishes are lovely. A baguette, home made sea salted butter and that's it
And a ‘cafe noisette( nutty) is an espresso with a drop of milk !Though the equivalent of cafe con leche is "un grand crème, s'il vous plaît"
Breakfast radishes as described are wonderful! The radishes may not be quite the same, but I occasionally have this for breakfast in the US! Organic, Spring radishesIs this an autocorrect thing where "traditions" was changed to "radishes"? Or do the French really eat radishes for breakfast? I must admit never having come across that while I was in France.
Maybe he gets discountsVeering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
Maybe he gets discounts
I learn something new every day!Mais oui!View attachment 84121
Quebec has different liquor laws than does the rest of Canada. If you brought your own bottle of wine to a restaurant here in Vancouver they would charge such an exorbitant corkage fee, it would not be worthwhile. At least that the way it used to be ... it’s been a while for me.
Curious .... Are you by any chance referring to callaloo, the Caribbean soup that’s made with the leaves of the taro plant? One can make a good callaloo (soup) here using spinach leaves.....and a salad of tomatoes and greens reminiscent of caliloo.
Curious .... Are you by any chance referring to callaloo, the Caribbean soup that’s made with the leaves of the taro plant? One can make a good callaloo (soup) here using spinach leaves.
Why not? But not traditional at all!Mais oui!View attachment 84121
Yes! My husband “stop again for another cafe co leche?”I'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France.
What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
Veering off topic a bit here..... We had gone to a fairly nice restaurant for dinner in Montreal, Quebec. The waiter asked if we had brought our own wine. We had not; would not have dreamt of doing that. He directed us to the liquor store around the corner to buy a bottle of wine to have with our dinner. I don't know if they still do that.
Yes the quality is very uneven ! You can be lucky and have the most crispy buttery light croissant as well as the baguette of 3 days old !!! It is not like the Cafe con leche tortilla ... unhappilyIt varies in Ontario, where it is still a rare practice. I know a good Ottawa restaurant which charges $8, but c ross the street and it will be $25.
But for French breakfasts, I have generally taken much pleasure in a good croissant with café crème (but only rarely did the glass of orange juice approach the wonder of Spanish zumo) although I was bitterly disappointed in the stale croissant and baguette at my pricey hotel in Mont Saint Michel when I walked out that first morning. Happily a café 5 or 6km up the river Cuesnon provided me with some boiled eggs, baguette, and hot chocolate. Hotel breakfasts were uneven in my experience, although the hotel in Sens-en-Bretagne which opened for the single pilgrim passing through, provided a tray from the manager's house walked down the street by his niece, of eggs, country sausage, coffee and a shot of calvados to speed me on my way.
Breakfasting at farmhouse gîtes was usually a positive experience. A farmhouse near Guenrouet provided me with monstrous chunks of home-smoked ham and a salad of tomatoes and greens reminiscent of caliloo. The stirrup-cup which came with the morning coffee was made from the garden's plums. The next stop's breakfast made up for it, with 2-day old baguette which needed sopping in my café crème before it could be eaten.
If one's starting point failed in breakfast provisions, surely the next café (although now many French villages are café-less and restaurant-less and one needs to search for a gas station to get coffee...) will make a nice croque-monsieur to serve as the second breakfast, so beloved of hobbits and pilgrims.
Interesting -- illegal in France (even the old family places in the 70s and 80s refused it), and probably not in Italy ; though Spain no idea.Yes. Not all restaurants, but many. You bring your own wine and pay a "corking fee" of a few dollars. I do not know the history of how it started, but it is a very ordinary practice in the province. (Former Montrealer here).
The BYOB (bring your own booze, for the uninitiated) option started with the restaurants that didn’t have a liquor license; it kept costs down all round. Then the licensed establishments got upset and things got complicated.I *think* you can drink your own stuff in a bar if you've ordered something else, but a restaurant ?
When I lived in DK in the late 80's, one custom I found strange at first, was eating a sandwich for lunch with a knife and fork. I remember work colleagues looking at me with bemusement as I attempted to eat smørrebrød med sild with my hands. Today I still eat smørrebrød two or three times a week....with a knife and fork of course! Scandinavia was notably way ahead of the rest of Europe back then for reycling too and on Saturdays we would take all the glass empties back to buy beer with the proceeds. And the practice of putting out unwanted household items on a designated day: chairs, tables, lamps, rugs....Customs across Europe are very different. In my part of Europe something like that would never happen. But we have other customs that you may like
I attempted to eat smørrebrød med sild with my hands.
on Saturdays we would take all the glass empties back to buy beer with the proceeds.
I stayed only in albergues on that Camino so it isn’t really a case of what you should order, but what there isI'm a Camino Frances veteran, and I know the breakfast routine in Spain.... (Repeat after me: Cafe con leche, por favor....)
Next Spring I hope to walk from Lourdes over the Somport Pass to Jaca. That means five or six days on the Way in France.
What might I expect to find in France by way of breakfast? What should I order?
Some boulangeries do have gluten-free bread, though you may sometimes need to order it the previous evening, then pick it up in the morning (which can sometimes be done as early as 4 AM).What are the gluten free options in France?
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