What & Where to Eat in France
France offers a diverse culinary landscape, reflecting its rich history and
multicultural influences. Here’s a guide to some must-try foods and where to
enjoy them across the country:
Traditional French Dishes
Croissant
Where: Bakeries (boulangeries) throughout France, especially in Paris and other
major cities.
What: A buttery, flaky pastry typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Coq au Vin
Where: Bistros and traditional French restaurants nationwide.
What: A classic dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, onions, and
garlic, often served with potatoes or crusty bread.
Bouillabaisse
Where: Marseille and coastal regions like Nice.
What: A hearty fish stew made with a variety of seafood, flavored with saffron
and herbs, served with rouille (garlic mayonnaise) and crusty bread.
Ratatouille
Where: Provence and southern France.
What: A vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers,
onions, garlic, and herbs, typically served as a side dish or main course.
Crêpes
Where: Crêperies throughout France, notably in Brittany.
What: Thin pancakes made from wheat or buckwheat flour, filled with sweet or
savory ingredients like Nutella, cheese, or ham and eggs.
Regional Specialties:
Aligot
Where: Auvergne region, especially in towns like Laguiole.
What: A creamy mashed potato dish blended with melted cheese (often tomme or
mozzarella), garlic, and butter, traditionally served with sausages.
Tarte Tatin
Where: Throughout France, but particularly in the Loire Valley.
What: An upside-down caramelized apple tart, served warm with a dollop of crème
fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
Cassoulet
Where: Southwest France, especially in Toulouse.
What: A rich, slow-cooked casserole made with white beans, duck confit, pork
sausages, and sometimes lamb, flavored with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic.
Alsace Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée)
Where: Alsace region, including Strasbourg and Colmar.
What: A thin crust pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche or fromage blanc,
onions, and lardons (bacon), often seasoned with nutmeg.
Multicultural Cuisine
North African Couscous
Where: Paris and other cities with large North African communities.
What: Steamed semolina served with a stew of vegetables, meat (often lamb or
chicken), and aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Vietnamese Phở
Where: Paris, particularly in the 13th arrondissement.
What: A fragrant noodle soup with herbs, spices, and either beef (phở bò) or
chicken (phở gà), typically served with bean sprouts, lime, and chili.
Lebanese Mezze
Where: Marseille, known for its large Lebanese population.
What: A selection of small dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, and
grilled meats, served with flatbread.
Iconic Food Markets
1. Marché Bastille (Paris): A bustling market offering a variety of fresh
produce, cheeses, meats, and prepared foods.
2. Marché Forville (Cannes): Known for its Provencal specialties including
olives, spices, and regional delicacies.
3. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (Lyon): A gourmet food hall with stalls
selling local cheeses, charcuterie, chocolates, and wines.
4. Marché aux Poissons (Marseille): A vibrant fish market near the Old Port,
offering a wide selection of Mediterranean seafood.
France's culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors and traditions, offering
a delightful journey through its regions and diverse cultural influences.
Whether savoring a buttery croissant in Paris or enjoying a hearty cassoulet in
Toulouse, visitors are sure to discover the country's rich gastronomic heritage
at every turn.
undo France Tourism