Oh France – a country famed for its gourmet cuisine that gets your taste buds tingling and your heart strumming sweet harmonies. If you’re planning a trip to the land of wine and cheese in the near future, then chances are, you’re already prepared a (long) list of different food and drinks to try on your travels.
But hold onto your berets, there’s so much more to French gastronomy than just cheese, bread, escargot and Chardonnay wine. While these staples certainly carved out a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many, the culinary landscape of France is as diverse and varied as its picturesque countryside.
So to ensure you’re making the most of your foodie adventures, here are the top food and drink to try while traveling through France.
Strolling down Parisian cobblestone streets, there’s no way you won’t be met with the scent of freshly made crêpes wafting through the air. Piping hot, these thin, golden pancakes can be filled with an array of sweet goodies and devoured as you wander around the city of love. This classic French treat isn’t just any street food – it’s an experience, a slow moment of indulgence. Whether you grab one for take away or sit in a cozy café to savor every bite, a crêpe isn’t just a snack, it’s a bite of Parisian life. Je t’aime, crêpe.
Delicate, colorful, and irresistibly delicious, French macarons are stylish, confectionary sandwiches with a big taste punch. These almond meringue treats are filled with creamy centers suited to every taste, from traditional raspberry and pistachio to adventurous lavender or salted caramel. If you want your France food tour to stop off at the best patisseries, head to Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. Every aspect of making these macarons has been perfected, from the beautiful packaging to the out-of-this-world flavor selections. Don’t miss a box of these heavenly confections.
Coffee and macarons. Need we say more? But since you're in France, you won't be reaching for just any cup o' joe. Café noisette (translating to ‘hazelnut’ for its appearance only) is what you'll be sipping on if you want to drink like the locals. Straight-up espresso, bold, robust, never bitter, with a dollop of frothy milk ever so gently added to reduce acidity and round off the flavor profile with a hint of creaminess. Café noisette: this is the way to fully immerse yourself in true French luxury coffee culture.
Popularized by the lovable animated film of the same name, Ratatouille is a delicious French dish that showcases the fresh flavors of summer vegetables. This robust stew usually includes tomatoes, courgettes, aubergine, onions, and bell peppers, stewed with flavorsome herbs and spices, making it the ultimate treat for vegetarians as well as anyone else who simply can't go past a meal that's hearty and full of flavor. Tear off a hunk of crusty baguette, pour yourself a big glass of robust French red wine, and you've got yourself a meal fit for a king… or a rat with a serious knack for cooking.
Cheese aficionados prepare to meet your maker. Aligot is the glorious dish you never knew you needed. Hailing from the staggeringly beautiful region of Auvergne in central France, aligot takes creamy mashed potato and drapes it in liberal portions of the locale's cheese, typically Tomme or Cantal. Aligot is traditionally served alongside sausages or roast meats, as the dish's cheesy, gooey nature certainly demands a partner. But let's face it -- aligot is so good, it could probably steal the show, even if it wasn't the main event. Whether enjoyed next to a crackling fire surrounded by loved ones, or served alfresco as a taster of French country cuisine at a local bistro, aligot will leave you smiling from the inside out.
Everyone loves a croissant, but have you tried its deliciously decadent cousin, kouign amann? Hailing from Brittany, the name itself translates to “butter cake” in native language Breton, and it’s easy to see why. Layers upon layers of buttery, flaky pastry, each one crisp and golden on the outside, yet irresistibly soft and tender on the inside. Each one is generously sprinkled with sugar, creating a caramelized crust that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Enjoy it as a breakfast treat alongside a steaming cup of coffee, or savored as an afternoon indulgence with a glass of wine. Kouign amann is sure to leave you craving more with every buttery, sugary bite.
Beef bourguignon, a timeless French classic, is one of the country’s finest culinary exports, perfect regardless of what season you visit France. Succulent morsels of beef are simmered in a brothy, velvety sauce flavored with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and a plethora of aromatic herbs. Spooned on top of creamy mashed potatoes, or stepped up with crusty baguette slices, this dish is an iconic culinary masterpiece that will chase the chill away and wrap its arms around you. You’ll find this classic dish on the menu of practically every French bistro, so you won’t have to search far and wide.
Cosy up with a steaming bowl of soupe à l’oignon, also known as French onion soup. This meal is all about having your cake and eating it too. Devour this soul-soothing soup of caramelised onions and their deep, dark broth, sandwiched between toasted bread and melted Gruyere cheese. With every spoonful, this soup delivers a savoury, sweet complexity that makes it the ultimate comfort food for any time of year.
No culinary tour of France would be complete without a few choice libations, and Bénédictine — a herbal liqueur with a rich, complex flavor profile — is a fine candidate. Composed from a secret blend of 27 botanicals, bénédictine’s delightful state of affairs is very French. And to the confusion of many a skeptic, it doesn’t taste remotely like cough medicine. It’s aromatic with a hint of sweetness, most often enjoyed neat or on the rocks but is delicious in cocktails like The Ford and Greyhound’s Tooth. In French, it’s a “digestif” — which is to say, it’s meant to be enjoyed after dinner.
Introducing salade niçoise – a vibrant meal of Baroque beauty that originated from the sunny shores of Nice. This colorful ensemble features lettuce, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Nicoise olives, and anchovies, all dressed with a bright and zesty vinaigrette. Packed full of nutrients and as delicious as it is vibrant, salade Niçoise is the perfect meal for the discerning diner who’s after a healthy meal with loads of flavor. That’s what makes salade Niçoise a masterpiece of culinary design, perfect for a light lunch before climbing the stairs of Montmartre, or lounging on a boat along the French Riviera.
And there you have it - a tantalizing tour of the top food and drink to try while traveling through France. From the street-side crêpes of Paris to the sunny shores of Nice offering up its iconic salade niçoise, each culinary delight guarantees you a unique and unforgettable taste of French gastronomy. Bon appétit, and may your taste buds be forever enchanted by the magic of French cuisine.
