Bourg En Bresse

This was a day we had been anticipating with a mixture of excitement and sadness. Bourg-en-Bresse is the town that Christine grew up in, and our journey there was certainly bittersweet.

We met up with Gérard, Christine’s older brother, who led us to the market, which was one of, if not the largest of our adventure. It went on and on and on, and included the expected fresh produce, meat and cheeses as well as clothing, crafts and trinkets.

It also included the future producers of much of what would land on our tables – chicks, ducklings, hens, bunnies. Of course the kids wanted to take them home. Others among us contemplated vegetarianism – momentarily.

After the market, we walked to Le Français, the town’s best known restaurant, where we were joined by Yolande, one of Chrstine’s oldest friends. Le Français is known for its two specialties – Bresse chicken and grenouille – frogs’ legs. Another feature is the tin ceiling which has a very nice yellow-brownish patina ... resulting from years of grease and cigarette smoke. Because of its historical and cultural importance, the ceiling is protected, and therefore can't ever be cleaned. Only in France!

This is where Christine celebrated her 50^thbirthday, and it was due to her encouragement that we all found ourselves there that day.

The frogs’ legs are served in a delicious buttery parsley and garlic sauce.

Bresse chicken is known for its distinctive flavour and dense texture, and it’s traditionally prepared with a creamy, slightly lemony sauce.

Everything was delicious, especially when accompanied by Christine’s favourite wine. If any one of us had been counting calories, we stopped for that day. It was special and we all savoured it.
 
As we said, bittersweet.

After lunch, we went for coffee at a little bistro that Christine frequented as a student. The owner, locally known as La Jeanne, liked Christine a lot. Her daughter was one of Christine's closest friends. Jeanne was instrumental in getting Christine her first job in Montreal at the botanical gardens because of her friendship with the former mayor of Montreal and at the time, director of the gardens.

The town is very nice with interesting architecture typical of the region.

And as this shows, the kids were very good little children.

Afterwards, the Gagnons went back to Gérard’s home for dinner, a swim in his pool and some family time.