A stroll around The France Show

TO the strains of accordion music and the songs of Edith Piaf, thousands of people strolled around the exhibition hall at Olympia, in London, taking in The France Show.

Lovers of the French way of life were able to taste the delights on offer from the cheesemonger, pick at a pastry or two and chew away on spicy dried sausage, as if a village market had landed in the capital.

Britain's favourite French chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli held court in front of an enraptured audience, as he sliced and diced garlic, onions and herbs that was projected onto a screen above his head.

The wine corner was a popular stop for many with suppliers offering visitors a chance to enjoy a taste of spicy Fitou, rich Burgundies and fruity delights from the Rhone Valley.

A couple of regular readers of the site were also there, Graham Downie of Cognac Properties, and Sue Boxell of Burgundy on a Plate, it was also good to finally meet fellow journalist Louise Hurren, who is the person to see about all things Languedoc.

Naturally there were many property companies, travel firms and providers of legal advice, such as Notaires de France.

Interesting stops in the hall also included artist Richard Cole, whose delicate, almost whimsical watercolours of the characters and villages of the Alpine foothills were a new discovery for me.

A number of authors were also there to sign copies of their books, Andrew Whittaker, the writer behind Speak the Culture: France, was explaining to people how his book offered an insight into what makes the French tick.

I am hoping to catch up with many of the people I met at the show to bring their stories to the site over the coming weeks.

The France Show continues today (January 19) and runs until 5pm tomorrow. Tickets are priced £8 per person.