Movies About France

I love watching movies about Paris and France because it reminds me of the time I was there.  Also, you can say things like, "I stood there", and "I walked across that bridge", or "I took a picture of that".   Here are some movies I've seen that are about, set in, or are related to Paris and France:

 *A Good Year* - In this movie, a wealthy investment trader named Max Skinner discovers his uncle that he was very close to in his childhood has passed.  So, he travels to his uncle Henry's chateau and winery in Provence, France.  Once he arrives there, his original plan to sell the place turns upside down after meeting the town beauty - Fanny Chenal.  Russel Crowe (yes, ladies) stars as Max Skinner and Marion Cotillard (yes, Dad) stars as Fanny Chenal in this hilarious film. (Rated PG-13)

*Chocolat* - Of course, you cannot have a French movie without chocolate:). This movie is about a mother, Vianne, and her daughter, Anouk,  who wander from place to place throughout Europe.  They never stay in one place very long and "travel with the wind".  They come across a small French village in winter and Vianne sets up a Chocolaterie(YUM!!) just in time for Lent.  As the time comes for them to move again, Vianne isn't so sure she's ready to leave.  Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche star in Chocolat. (Rated PG-13)

*Coco Before Chanel* - Yes, my fashion forward sister picked this one out.  This movie is about-duh-Coco Chanel before she was Coco Chanel.  Fair warning, this movie is entirely in French-except for a couple lines by a Britishman- so be sure to put the English subtitles on.  Audrey Tautou stars as Gabrielle(Coco) Chanel in her attempt to be known throughout the world for her famous hat making abilities. (Rated PG-13) 

 

 *Julie and Julia* - Ahahahahahahaha!!!!(Julia Child laugh)!  Meryl Streep is Julia Child and Amy Adams is Julie Powell in this hilarious, scrumptious, cooking film about 2 very different women sharing their love of cooking.  As Julie Powell aims to cook through the entire Julia Child cookbook in a year, Julia finds herself in Paris, learning to cook at Le Cordon Bleu.  This movie is based on the books My Life in France - written by Julia Child, and Julie and Julia - written by Julie Powell. (Rated PG-13)

*Midnight in Paris* - In this movie, Gil Pender is in Paris, France with his fiancée for a 'pre-honeymoon'.  While he is there working on his novel, an unexpected car ride takes him back to the 20's.  Soon, he finds himself caught up in the mystery and magic of the Fitzgeralds, Dali, Porter, and Hemmingway and he doesn't realize what is happening right before his eyes.  Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Kathy Bates, and Adrien Brody all star in this fantastic French film. (Rated PG-13)

 

*Ratatouille* - 'Rat-ah-too-ee' is how you say this awesome, funny, movie about a rat and a boy who have the same dream - to cook.  Remy(the rat) has some special gifts allowing him to read recipes, sniff out ingredients, and cook.  Alfredo Linguine will do anything to earn some money since his mom died.  When they unexpectedly meet, they agree to work together to work at the best restaurant in Paris and make the best French food in the world. (Rated G)

If you watch any of these films (or you've already seen them), be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of them.  Also let me know if I forgot to mention your favorite! :)
- Colette

Crêpes!!!

When I was walking the streets of Paris, sure, I saw little kids with baguettes and heard angry drivers  honking at one another.  But the one thing I couldn't stop smelling for was the scent of......

a crêpe.

A crêpe is a classic French food that is eaten throughout France and many countries around the world.  This delight is considered as a thin pancake and is enjoyed with many fillings.  The French word crêpe comes from the Latin root crispa, which translates to 'curled'.

In America, most people think that there's only sweet crêpes, like dessert type food.  But, you can also make savory crêpes, like an actual meal.  The fillings for each can vary.  In sweet crêpes you can find: Nutella, chocolate, strawberries, bananas, and honey.  They are sometimes topped with powdered sugar and/or melted chocolate.  In savory crêpes you can find: eggs, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, and ham. 

Personally, I think Nutella or chocolate crêpes are the best.  Also, being picky, I like when they are round and made right in front of you.  This way, you can see the fluffy goodness being prepared by excellent chefs as opposed to just hearing about it and smelling it.

Here are some pictures!!

A stack of straight up crêpes!

A banana, honey, and peanut butter crêpe!

A mushroom, goat cheese, and spinach crêpe!

Remember, as they say in Ratatouille, "Ze best food in ze world is made in France, and ze best food in France is made in Parie",(I like to say) and ze best food zat is made in Parie is crêpes.

-Colette