Few countries boast a culinary heritage that can rival France’s. Its cuisine was even placed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, showing how important food is to the country’s past and present.
It’s known as the home of “classical” cookery, but there are so many different gastronomic experiences to be had due to the incredible diversity across the country. It has to be experienced to be believed.
If you’re looking for a luxury holiday to France that’s full of the best food, here are the places you simply cannot miss.
Lyon
The first destination for foodies should be Lyon, which is widely considered to be the gastronomic capital of France – if not the world.
Its location means cooks can draw upon stellar local produce, including poultry from Bresse, cheese from Dauphine, crayfish from Bugey and the wines of the Rhone Valley and Beaujolais.
The city now boasts close to 100 restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide, so there’s no shortage of places to sample the local delights.
Bordeaux
Despite being located close to the Atlantic Ocean and with the Garonne and Dordogne rivers running through the region, Bordelaise cuisine is not primarily based on seafood; Magret de Canard (duck), Entrecote Bordelaise (beef), and Pauillac lamb a la Persillade are a few of the array of incredible local meat dishes.
Of course, if you’re more into seafood, the local oysters and lamprey dishes will be right up your street.
Provence
As if the south-east of France didn’t have enough to offer with its glorious coastline, glamorous towns and epic landscapes, the food is pretty good too!
Simple ingredients and powerful flavours are at the heart of Provencal cuisine, with the warm, Mediterranean climate also having a huge influence.
Try some bouillabaisse (fish stew) in Marseille, escabeche (sardines) at a seafront eatery or an omelette aux truffes in the countryside for an authentic culinary experience.
Toulouse
It may be simple, but there’s a reason that Toulouse sausage is famous the world over. It’s part of the iconic cassoulet, which typically includes beans, pork meat, duck confit, pork belly and lamb neck, but it’s also enjoyed on its own.
A gourmet speciality in this region is foie gras d’oie, which is made from goose liver and has a smooth, buttery texture. This is usually served as a starter, so you know you’re going to be in for some hearty meals when you order it.
Paris
If you’re keen to try an array of iconic French foods, Paris is the perfect destination. The city is home to plenty of boulangeries baking fresh baguettes and croissants. A croque-monsieur is great for a quick lunch, while steak and chips is a staple in most bistros – just beware that you can only have the meat cooked very rare, rare, medium rare or well done.
