Souvenir #8- French Recipe Book

"Each time we stay in Eygalieres, our favorite part of France, we get together with good friends who own and run Riboto de Taven, a wonderful inn and restaurant in Les Baux de Provence. As we share a love of cooking, each time we leave they give us some unique parting gift. Most recently (May 2012), it was a wonderful book - Recettes & Secrets des Monasteres,  by Laurene & Gilles Laurendon. The 250+ pages are filled with wonderful photographs and recipes collected from the Monasteries of France. The illustrations and photographs are delightful, and the recipes delectable. While bringing this home as a souvenir is a wonderful cap to an enjoyable stay, we must confess that you can also find it on Amazon.com..."

David and Beverly G, FL

And if you are looking for typical French recipes, feel free to visit the French Recipe Section of our website as well!

Souvenir #7- Knife and Paris Watercolor

"There are two souvenirs we love.  One is a E. DEHILLERIN #6 knife (9mm).  We think of Paris and the store every time we use it.  Also, original watercolor or drawing from the vendor booths along Seine, Quai Rive Gauche by Pont Neuf.  

Thanks for hosting your site. I shop at least twice each year. Pate and Amora mustard!"

John G., TX

The Bouquinistes (book vendors) along the Seine River also sell all kinds of Paris prints that make the perfect souvenir from your trip to France. We carry a wide selection of those Paris Prints which comes directly from one of those Bouquinistes, as well as original watercolors of Provence.

Souvenir #6- Cafe de Flore Placemats

"Our best souvenir from France are the simple paper placemats we took from Cafe de Flore, and then had laminated on our return home.  We use them every day, bringing lovely memories of April in Paris."

John E. and Marsha B., NY

The Cafe de Flore, along the famous Boulevard St Germain in Paris, has long been celebrated for its intellectual clientele. The classic Art Deco interior of all red seating, mahogany and mirrors has hardly changed since World War II. Like its main rival, Les Deux Magots, it has hosted most of the French intellectuals during the post-war years. 

Souvenir #5- Olive Wood Cutting Board

"Our best souvenir was our "Large Olive Wood" cutting board that seemed to weigh a 100 lbs and filled up our suitcase when we returned.  I'm sure the baggage handlers loved moving it around the air terminals!!!"

Alan M., NC

Olive wood is obtained from a tree grown in Mediterranean countries, including the Provence area in France where is it very popular. It has a diverse variety of natural color and tonal depth, due to the annual structure. It is also resistant to decay and receptive to a number of surfacing treatments, which makes it the perfect wood for cutting and chopping boards. But because of the wood's high density, those boards are very heavy indeed!

Souvenir #4- Cookies from Rocamadour

"My best souvenir from France was cookies from Rocamadour -- I think they were made of almonds and sugar -- brown and crispy.  Absolutely delicious, and have never found a recipe for them."

Karen B., Canada

Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its incredible setting in a gorge above a tributary of River Dordogne. One of the local specialties is Foie Gras, but this area is also known for its walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds which make various delicious  crunchy biscuits called "Croquants" ("Crunchy" in French)

Souvenir #3- Engagement in Les Baux

"The VERY best "souvenir" I brought back from France was my engagement ring~ My ( then future ) husband surprised me with a birthday trip to Provence. On my birthday, in a quaint little bistro in Les Baux de Provence, he proposed~ the entire bistro toasted us with glasses of pastis, and the Chef presented us with an elegant dessert.  We visit Provence as often as we can, and look forward to our next trip 2013~"

Judi S., NJ

Les Baux de Provence is know as one of the most picturesque villages of France. It combines its outstanding medieval an Renaissance heritage with a spread of culture that make it a jewel of the Provence area. And apparently, it is also a highly romantic place!

Souvenir #2- Roudor Biscuits

"Best souvenir was roudor biscuits from St. Michel Biscuiterie…"

Bill H., CA

At the end of the XIXth Century, a French Chef named Joseph Grellier, living in a small village of Brittany called Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, became famous for his round and golden Galettes. In 1905, he started selling them to Parisian Ladies who were visiting Brittany, and it became a huge success. In 1919, the company "Biscuiterie St Michel" was born!

One of their most famous treats is this thick butter cookie called Palet Breton or "Roudor" ("Golden Wheel"), both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth... A unique French treat! 

Souvenir #1- Carte Noire Coffee

Here is the first one of our customers' replies, and many other ones will follow. Thanks so much to all of you who responded! 

"Simple... I tried Carte Noire coffee there and have been drinking it ever since."

Marcela K, Seattle, WA

Known for the perfection of its aroma, Carte Noire is made from carefully roasted Arabica beans, and is a full, well-balanced coffee. It is roasted in Laverune, near Montpellier, in the South of France. You'll find Carte Noire coffee on our website, by the unit or by the case for those of you who want to stack up and get a great price! And we also carry the Decaf version for those coffee lovers who want to sleep at night =)

Share your best Souvenir from France!

We've asked our customers what was their best souvenir from France... 

You would also like to participate? Please send an email to:

 info@saveurdujour.com

We would love to hear from you!