Your French food guide: 10 things to try in France

Amidst chateau-dotted meadows, glittering coastlines and quaint towns laden with history, France is bursting with culinary treasures. From marinated meat stews to creamy gratins and seasonal salads, the country is renowned for its delectable cuisine. And you can experience it for yourself on one of our enchanting France tours.  

Uncover each region’s rich tapestry of flavours as you embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure through France. Straying from the classic crepes and croissants, you’ll discover authentic French dishes brimming with unique home-grown ingredients.  

Sip Sauvignon whilst savouring the mouth-watering aromas of French cuisine as you delve into the fascinating stories of age-old techniques and recipes.  

Whether you fancy sampling the patisseries of Paris or the bistros of Burgundy, discover the best French foods to try on your next adventure… 

Bon appetit! 

When you’re not stumbling upon ancient French landmarks, culinary delights await on our Paris to Nice through Vineyards and Mountains tour. Begin your first Parisian meal with Pâté en Croûte. This delicious French entrée consists of a ground meat and vegetable pate encased in a buttery crust pastry known as pâte brisée.  
 
Fun fact: Pâté en Croûte dates back to the Middle Ages! Originally, the crust was not intended to be eaten but to preserve the meat inside.  

Also known as bœuf bourguignon or beef burgundy, this is a famous French dish. Originating from the Burgundy region in France, our Paris to Nice tour is the perfect place to sample the slow-cooked beef red wine casserole.  

Featuring tender meat, bacon lardons and a selection of locally sourced vegetables stewed in a rich red wine and beef broth, it’s the perfect choice for a traditional French dinner. Mop up the flavoursome juices with a crusty French baguette. 

One glance in a traditional patisserie and you’ll see why French desserts are just as good as the main course. For something a little different from the classic crème brulee, try the Tarte aux Framboises.  

A sweet pâte sucrée crust, vanilla bean pastry cream, raspberry compote and a scattering of fresh raspberries make up this sweet delicacy. You may spot these all over France, but you can satisfy your sweet tooth at a local Château in Burgundy on our Paris to Nice tour.  

South west France is full of culinary gems, and you can sample them all on our Jewels of Southwest France tour. Originating from the city of Toulouse in the Languedoc region, Cassoulet is a French dish not to be missed. The slow cooked meat-based stew with beans, stocks and herbs is abundant with rich flavours.  

France is synonymous with cheese making and on our Paris to Nice tour, you can try the delights at a local fromagerie in the French Alps. You’ll head to the town of Annecy where you’ll savour a delicious cheese tasting. Sample the likes of Tome des Bauges and Margériaz whilst learning all about the cheese ripening process. 

Fun fact: France boasts over 1000 varieties of cheese! 

Coq au Vin is a popular food in France, originating from the Burgundy region. Bursting with flavour, the traditional French stew features chicken braised in local red wine, complemented with crispy pancetta, mushrooms and garlic. You can explore the remarkable region of Burgundy and sample chicken Coq au Vin on our Paris to Nice tour. 
 
Fun fact: Coq au Vin actually translates to ‘rooster in wine’.

Seeking the perfect light lunch? A Nicoise salad will go down a treat. Originating in Nice, it features a colourful concoction of tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, tuna, eggs and anchovies, with each ingredient creating a variety of textures. Sit back and relax in a beachside restaurant as you tuck into this healthy French meal on our Paris to Nice tour.

When you’re not sampling the local wines on our Provence and the French Riviera tour, make sure to indulge in a traditional French dinner of Bouillabaisse. This hearty soup consists of various fresh fish and vegetables in a mouth-watering broth.  

Fun fact: Bouillabaisse was originally a dish made by Marseille fishermen using rockfish which they were unable to sell.  

Soak up the breathtaking Alpine scenery whilst tucking into traditional French cuisine on our Paris to Nice tour. Originating in the Alps, the Tartiflette is a must-try. This creamy gratin-style French dish consists of potatoes, bacon, onions, white wine and a generous helping of the local Reblochon cheese. 

Another delicious sweet treat, Kouig-Amman is a French pastry from Brittany. Explore this spectacular region and sample the delicacy on our La Belle France tour. Consisting of layers of caramelised pastry with a soft buttery centre, it is the perfect mid-sightseeing snack.  

Fun fact: Kouign-Ammann means ‘butter cake’ in Breton. 

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