The Unique Vending Machines Tourists Should Be On The Look Out For While In France

The fragrance of freshly baked goods fills the air in every corner of the country most famous for its bakeries: France. From flaky, buttery, croissants, to freshly baked loaves, that aroma is enticing and mouthwatering, to say the least. In France, baguettes are a staple food which visitors should certainly try too, and bakeries and patisseries are an absolute must when traveling to France. You may be surprised to know, though, that this country takes so much pride in its baked goods that it even offers a one-of-a-kind vending machine — when walking through the streets of France, keep a lookout for a vending machine made especially for baguettes! 

You heard that right, even after bakeries have closed, you can still devour that delicious, to-die-for French bread from a vending machine. You can buy a baguette tradition, just like the locals enjoy, on demand. No more waiting in line or putting up with long queues to get a taste of a fresh loaf of bread. Talk about revolutionary!

Bakeries are an essential part of French culture, with fresh bread being enjoyed by many tourists too, but bakeries in France have limited opening hours. To make up for that, these vending machines offer freshly baked delights at any time of the day. No more having to run to the bakery before it closes for the night, or having to wake up super early to satisfy your cravings.

This magnificent invention works by having fresh baguettes stored in the machine's internal fridge. These are partly pre-baked before being loaded. When ordering one, the machine uses an industrial oven to bake it fresh, offering crispy, warm, and perfect bread on the spot. At busy times of day, it can be programmed to automatically keep 10 baguettes prepared and ready to sell at a time. These ready-to-eat baguettes are then stored in a warm chamber until the machine receives an order, to cut the wait time down to as little as 30 seconds.

The advantage is that most bakeries in France bake their bread in the early morning or late night meaning that by the end of the day, some bread may already be stale. By contrast, the vending machines offer fresh baguettes all day long while reducing excess waste by only baking on demand. It's a great way for visitors to experience this vital part of French cuisine in an innovative way, adding to its appeal. 

If a baguette vending machine has sparked your interest, you'll be pleased to know that France has even more unique vending machines. For instance, to enjoy your freshly baked baguette, you could head to another specialty vending machine that offers a selection of French cheese. This is a great way to enjoy a very French snack at midnight, when nothing else is open. Alternatively, it can just let you easily sample popular French cheeses without the hassle of navigating a busy Paris supermarket. 

Elsewhere, there are pizza vending machines, where you can receive a delicious, freshly baked pizza within minutes. The convenience combined with the unique experience of French culinary appreciation is magnificent to say the least. But vending machines in France aren't all about food — they also branch out to books and even healthcare products, giving a technological touch to France's cultural appreciation for art and well-being. If you're on the look out for unique vending machines in France, you can even find flower vending machines, where people can get their hands on a fresh bouquet in seconds. 

Vending machines are on the rise in France, often found in places like train stations, where they offer their distinctly French fare to anyone passing by. With their balance of tradition and innovation, these machines can be a convenient and interesting way for tourists and locals alike to enjoy a small slice of French culture on demand.