Friday, October 23, 2009

Ham Fair

Tara of Paris Parfait was so generous in her gift of tickets to the Antique and Brocante Jambon (Ham) Fair in the village of Chatou, not to far by train from Paris. So on our last day in Paris we ventured out to experience the Ham Fair. It was a warm day for walking in the sun, but at a leisurely pace was delightful. I was so excited to get to experience this fair in France.
The most amazing thing to us, as Americans, was the fact that everything stops from 12-2PM for lunch, even at the Ham Fair. We finally realized we had to plan this event into our everyday schedule. Then evening meal doesn't start until 7:30PM. Both meals are taken at a leisurely pace and enjoyed thoroughly by the french.
So eventhough we were looking at their wares, we had to come back to shop after lunch time. It had the feeling of intimate family and friends gathering for a dinner party. I was totally intrigued.

We decided to walk through the food section and view some of the beautiful hams.
Finally we gave into the lunch time event and enjoyed a ham sandwich and the afternoon slower pace.

9 comments:

parTea lady said...

That must have been a lot of fun. Your photos are great. I really like the toile de Jouy fabric and topiaries in the first shot. I would have enjoyed the food section - those sausages look yummy.

Linda Jennings said...

What wonderful memories you have from this special trip. Your photography is the next best thing to being there. Thanks for sharing!

Gayle said...

Oh how wonderful! Welcome home!

paris parfait said...

Ah, but you can still shop while they're having lunch - although you have to interrupt them, if you actually want to buy anything. Speaking of which, did you take any treasures home with you? So glad you enjoyed your visit to Chatou.

jone said...

Ooh, I wish I was there! I must visit again some day. It has been 40 years.

Jeanne said...

Looks fun and fabulous
Love you

Rita said...

Hi Marilyn,
my very first visit to your blog has been a very pleasant surprise.
Love your blog header photo. it's so inviting. I'm not so much into tea but love old teasets a lot,and adore serving my tea (or herbal tea) in mismatched cups. My famiily finds this some sort of an oddity but i love it a lot.
Come and visit my blog at http://ritashabbychicrose.blogspot.com/
it's more on home decor, antiques, old laces and linens, but it's also about teasets, teapots and a whole bunch of other topics that you are welcome to discover by yourself.
Donot forgt to let me know you've been there by dropping a line or two. You know how us bloggers are... love reading and writing comments. Commentahlics....LOL
Warm wishes from Italy
Rita

Gill said...

Marilyn

Sounds like a perfect way to end a great trip to Paris!!!
The ham sandwich must have tasted heavenly...everything we don't have to prepare ourselves does!

Glad you had a lovely time there!! xo

christina said...

this is just beautiful. how was the ham? what a treat.
so glad you got to spend time, with the lovely Tara.
xo