Culture History of France in Asia Countries (Slowtours Intern Blog)
Born in a Southeast Asian country but affected by French culture, I have always been fascinated by the remnants of French culture in Vietnam. Growing up and often passing by the grand Opera house, its Beaux-Arts architecture standing amidst the bustling streets, and having banh mi, a famous food inspired by French baguette and beef stew, my thoughts wandered to the origins, how would different would they taste in France?
To Provence, where I could see in my real eyes lavender fields and olive groves, tasting local wines and cheeses along the way. And I would picture myself wandering the cobblestone streets of small villages in Avignon, with its medieval bridges and papal palaces.
Also, the idea of cycling at Loire Valley through lush vineyards and past grand chateaux seemed like a dream come true to me, I can imagine myself exploring majestic castles like Chateau de Chambord, its Renaissance architecture reminiscent of the grandeur I admired in Saigon’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, and I could tasted the fresh pastries and local delicacies that I would enjoy after a day’s ride.
Then here we go to the famous Paris, a romantic icon where people cannot say no to pastries, especially viennoiseries, where I could indulge in croissants straight from the oven and fine French wines, sitting at a café on the Champs-Élysées and enjoy Paris fashion lifestyle.