PARMA - ITALY
Parma is arguably one of the gastronomic centres of Italy. I think that it is safe to say, that Italians from different regions would argue this, each region loyal and passionate about the strengths of their own produce and traditions. But it is safe to say that the region that brought us Parma ham and Parmesan is surely a pretty strong contender!
Well luckily for us, we have family from the region (my sister in law’s family) and we are only a 4 hour drive from this beautiful and welcoming city.
We enjoyed a really lovely family weekend here, led by my sister in law (is there anything better than experiencing places and flavours with a local..)
The architecture is stunning, the people are so warm and welcoming and the food, from snacks to meals, cannot be beaten.
If you are looking for a low key break. Packed with character, flavours and warm smiles, this is the place for you.
As any respectable Italian would tell you to, we started our day with cappuccino and brioche con crema. I often want a cappuccino later in the day and I have been reprimanded time after time by my brother who lectures me on how that is unacceptable, cappuccino is a breakfast coffee only (insert eye roll emoji!)
The cafes are often full of locals, sipping their espresso or cappuccino is a non pretentious way. Drinking their coffee not to perform, not to tick a box and not even to get through the morning, but simply because ‘why would you not?’
Children are welcome, babychinos are not a thing thank goodness, just ask for some warm milk if they aren’t already drinking coffee! Brioche is torn apart with vigour and devoured in seconds. The perfect breakfast option for the littles, sweet enough to appeal but not so sweet that they are bouncing off of the walls.
We decided to get out and about with the kids, give them some fresh air and open space and fortunately Parma has some wonderful open spaces that the kids can run around and enjoy. One of the main parks in the city Parco Ducal, is situated right in the middle of the city and often has great little bikes available for the kids to use and lots of little areas to explore.
Parco Ducale
The streets of Parma are full to the brim with character and culture. From the stunning churches to the picturesque bars and cafes. The shopping in Parma is also very impressive. the ever fashionable Italians have a wealth of boutiques at their fingers tips here and handy for parents a fair few great toy stores too.
The days here are of a slower pace and strolling seems to be encouraged. We never felt that we needed to get moving or apologise for the kids excitement. Our hearts were warmed upon seeing a nun arriving at the church, stopping to talk to the children (who had climbed onto the statue), we rushed over to tell them to get down, only to be met by an enamoured nun, charmed by the children’s joy and enthusiasm for the beautiful statues.
The food in Parma, as mentioned before, is wonderful. Every turn you take leads to a delicious treat and for those that love classic, unpretentious and authentic. you will not be disappointed. As is so often the case in Italy. Good food and the true love of food is abundant everywhere you go.
From tasty lunchtime sandwiches where locals queue up out of the doors and sip as they patiently wait to hearty and simple pasta dishes served alongside overflowing plates of anti pasta. You will not go hungry here!
We ate pasta for lunch, sipped on Spritz and loosened our belt buckles, already planning what food turn the afternoon would take.
A little stroll around the city and a quiet coffee while the kids explored a great kids toy and book store in the little lanes of the city. The children were met with smiling faces and encouraged to explore the shop.
Then we treated ourselves to what we all came all the way to Italy for…Gelato!
My favourite ice cream is without a doubt Gelato. I love how the Italians offer the most delicious simple flavours as well as the complex ones. I always go for either Yoghurt or vanilla. Boring I know!
We stayed for a few days and we relaxed into the slower pace of life. The kids ran around the plaza whilst we drank early evening Spritz, we went to bed later and we woke later. It was a lesson in slowing down and I think that we adapted pretty well.
This city is relatively undiscovered I think, to many outside of Italy, in comparison to Rome or Florence or Siena & Naples. Maybe that is my misconception, but we were certainly happy to have discovered it. It is a lovely getaway, full of charm, great people and great food.
Parma city centre