A writer who has been visiting France for half a century has shared his thoughts on the country, and there’s one thing that would make things “just about perfect” if it were scrapped
A writer who has been visiting France for an incredible five decades has pinpointed one thing that would make the country “just about perfect” if it were scrapped. Anthony Peregrine, a journalist with half a century of French adventures under his belt, recently shared his thoughts on how Britain’s nearest continental neighbour has evolved over the decades.
Looking back on his earliest French excursions, Anthony recalled living in a “haze of cheap wine, easy friendships and simmering dishes”—though he also suggested the country has “moved on” since those early days.
Among the areas he highlighted were drains, trains, hotels, motoring, and cafés. But once he touched on the subject of restaurants, he identified what seems to be a modern pet peeve of his.
Writing in The Telegraph, Anthony observed: “Traditional French restaurants, whether Parisian brasseries, family-run operations or village bistros, are still around. Fast food, chain restaurants, sushi bars and the rest are complementary, not replacements.”
Anthony said the choice on offer is now “greater than ever,” with waiters being “mainly professional” and world-class wine and cheese. He also noted the scallops, which he described as his “chosen meal the night before my execution.”
He added: “If only someone would get rid of QR codes masquerading as menus, things would be just about perfect.”
The recommendation comes on the back of another recent report in which writer Sydney Evans highlighted a beach they discovered on the French Riviera, only a 15-minute train ride from Nice.
Writing for the Express, Sydney praised the resort town of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the Alpes-Maritimes department, describing a beach “even more serene” than one in the Riviera’s capital.
Sydney wrote: “Stretching on for 10km, finding a spot to sunbathe was never a problem. But the beach at Villefranche-sur-Mer was even more serene, and it’s no surprise it’s known as one of the region’s most beautiful towns.
“Protected by plunging cliffs, complete with pastel-coloured houses overlooking the turquoise sea, walking out of the train station and taking in the beach felt like the very definition of a picture-perfect moment.”
The writer went on to highlight the destination’s “laid-back feel” and “incredibly calm” waters, noting that the promenade also features “pretty” cafés and restaurants.
Meanwhile, prior to October’s introduction of the EU entry-exit system, reports surfaced that French authorities would enforce certain requirements on British tourists.
In September, The Independent reported that Eurostar passengers at London St Pancras International would be asked whether they had somewhere to stay, enough money, medical insurance, and a ticket home.
The report added that passengers without these could be refused entry and noted that this would also apply to people travelling non-stop to Belgium via France.
