I found Esme over a year ago when I was blog hopping one day and discovered this book reviewer and food lover. Her book reviews drew me in and then her food pictures and recipes held me there. I was like a kid in a candy store and I told her I had to start limiting my visits to her blog because it made me hungry! Who knew that this original connection with this California blogger would eventually put us together as roommates at BEA. (Yes, another roommate!) 😀 You are also soon to discover… she is handy with a camera too!
Sheila
Hello, I am Esme from Chocolate and Croissants. It is an honor for me to be guest posting at Book Journey. Today I am going to take you to one of my favorite places France, as we tour the Christmas markets. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
This time of the year, Christmas markets can be found along the French-German border. Given the tumultuous history this area has experienced changing hands between the French and the Germans the food is a beautiful mixture of both French and German cuisine. While each market enjoys it’s own potpourri of decorations, vendors and food, the baked goods reflect the history of the area.
A few years ago, I took the TGV train from Paris to Strasbourg. Strasbourg home to the printing press was my gateway to a world of epicurean delights and Christmas treasures.
The largest market in Strasbourg could be found in the main square. All the buildings were decorated with Christmas tinsel and holiday cheer.
From Strasbourg I had a rental car and drove through the French countryside visiting little villages.
These Christmas loaves are full of dried fruit, nuts and a healthy dose of liquor. Each village had baked Christmas goods different from other villages. By the time I left, my bags were packed with cakes and cookies to bring back home with me.
Of course, everyone should enjoy a chocolate Santa.
Of course, one must try marrons glace (glazed chestnuts). Did I? No, I must confess I do not like chestnuts, but I think I really missed out.
Joyeaux Noel and Merry Christmas and be good you never know where Santa may be.
Stop in and bring your appetite at Chocolates and Croissants!
Book Journey 
I am going to Germany for 4 days tomorrow to the Christmas markets in Cologne and Dusseldorf so that this post has made me even more excited (and hungry – YUM!) 🙂
Looks like you had a lot of fun on your trip! 🙂 The candies all look so good, now you’ve made me hungry. Thanks for the guest post. I enjoyed reading it!
What beautiful pictures! The markets look and sound amazing!
Esme, thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. And, I was excited to be going to Florida at Christmas. Ohf well, one day . . . .
Yay! I love the Chocolate and Croissants site and am already a follower. I agree — her site makes me hungry! Now I’m going to have to go to France, too…
I’ve been to Strasbourg a couple of times, but never around Christmas. I did spend the 4th of July there one year, and it took me a while to figure out why people were saying “Happy Birthday” to me.
Thank you for that tour….I need to go right now and visit!!
Sounds like a wonderful place to visit this time of year. I don’t think I could have passed on those chestnuts though
Oh, what a lovely place to visit, but especially during the holidays! Thanks for giving us a peek into that Christmas world of Paris.
I so enjoyed this guest posting. How delightful.
These Christmas markets look delightful. Thank you for sharing all of the lovely photos and descriptions with all of us!
Thank you for the tour. I wish we had markets like this in my hometown! Chocolate bon bons and liquor-drenched cakes in a mini-fairytale village…great way to celebrate!