France is a country that is well-known for its food. From delicate pastries to rich, hearty dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And, with so many different regions and cultures within the country, there is an endless variety of experiences to be had.
Whether you’re looking to try some traditional French fare or want to explore the country’s regional specialties, here are 12 of the best food experiences in France.
1. Tasting Fresh Oysters in Normandy
There’s something about the briny taste of a fresh oyster that can’t be matched. And if you’re looking for the ultimate oyster-tasting experience, there’s nowhere better to go than Normandy, France. The coastline of Normandy is dotted with oyster farms, and many of the farmers are happy to let visitors try their catch.
There are a few things to keep in mind when tasting oysters, though. First, make sure to eat them raw – cooked oysters just don’t have the same flavor. Second, give the oyster a gentle squeeze of lemon juice before eating – it really brings out the flavor. And finally, don’t be afraid to slurp! It may not be polite, but it’s the best way to get all the flavor from an oyster.
Where to try it:
The Calvadosienne Oysters
Address: 21 Rue de Grand Large ZONE ACTIVITE LES ROQUETTES-Meuvaines, 14960 Asnelles, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
La Cabane du Vivier
Address: 29 Bd maritime, 14880 Colleville-Montgomery, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Le New Haven
Address: 53 Quai Henri IV, 76200 Dieppe, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Eating a Croque Monsieur in Paris
There is nothing quite like enjoying a Croque Monsieur in Paris, France. This iconic dish is made with fresh baguette, Gruyere cheese, and ham, and it is grilled to perfection. The result is a warm, cheesy sandwich that is absolutely delicious.
Enjoying a Croque Monsieur in Paris is a truly unforgettable experience. The sights and sounds of the city add to the enjoyment of this fantastic meal. If you find yourself in Paris, be sure to enjoy a Croque Monsieur – you won’t regret it!
Where to try it:
Angelina Paris
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
FRIC-FRAC
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Les Deux Magots
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Savoring Some Melted Cheese in the Alps
There’s nothing quite like savoring a melted cheese dish in the French Alps. The experience is made even better when the cheese is Raclette, a traditional Alpine cheese that is melted and scraped onto diners’ plates. The best Raclette comes from the Savoie region of France, where it has been made for centuries.
The flavor of Raclette isutz is intense and slightly nutty, with a creamy texture that simply melts in your mouth. When paired with a glass of full-bodied red wine, it’s an experience that is not to be missed. So if you find yourself in the French Alps, be sure to try this classic dish. You won’t be disappointed.
Where to try it:
La Route des Fromages de Savoie
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
4. Trying Escargot in Lyon
If you find yourself in Lyon, France, be sure to sample some of the local cuisines. One of the city’s most famous dishes is escargot, a type of snail cooked in garlic butter and served with bread. While this may not sound appetizing at first, escargot is actually quite delicious.
The snails are tender and flavorful, and the garlic butter gives them a rich, savory taste. The dish is actually quite delicious and provides a unique opportunity to sample a traditional French delicacy. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to add escargot to your list of things to try when visiting Lyon, France.
Where to try it:
L’Escargot Montorgueil
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Allard
Address: 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Robert et Louise
Address: 64 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
5. Going on a Truffle Hunt in the Périgord Region
The Périgord region of France is renowned for its fragrant truffles, which have been prized by chefs for centuries. These elusive fungi can be difficult to find, but luckily there are trained dogs that can sniff them out. Going on a truffle hunt is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of gastronomy.
The Périgord region is home to several types of truffles, including the rare and highly prized white truffle. During the truffle hunting season, which runs from October to March, trained dogs are used to search for these precious fungi. The hunts take place in the early morning when the truffles are easier to smell. After the dogs have found the truffles, they are carefully dug up and taken to be sold at markets or auctioned off to the highest bidder. If you’re lucky enough to go on a truffle hunt, you’ll be able to taste these elusive delicacies for yourself and see why they are so prized by chefs around the world.
Where to try it:
L’Escargot Montorgueil
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Allard
Address: 41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Robert et Louise
Address: 64 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
6. Feasting on Fresh Seafood in Nice
When it comes to seafood, the French know best. The city of Nice, located on the Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its delicious seafood dishes. Visitors can feast on fresh fish, squid, and shellfish that have been caught that morning.
The city’s famous promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, is lined with seafood restaurants, making it easy to find a tasty meal. Whether you enjoy your seafood grilled, fried, or in a stew, you’re sure to find a dish to your liking in Nice. So next time you’re in France, be sure to check out the city’s seafood scene.
Where to try it:
Nice Sea Food
Address: 26 Cr Saleya, 06000 Nice, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Peixes
Address: 4 Rue Jacques Médecin, 06300 Nice, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Restaurant La Gauloise
Address: 28 Av. Malaussena, 06000 Nice, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
7. Indulging in a Traditional Cassoulet in Toulouse
A cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked casserole traditionally made with beans, pork sausage, and duck. The dish is said to have originated in the French city of Toulouse, and it remains a popular specialty there to this day. There are many different ways to make a cassoulet, but the most common method is to cook the beans and meat separately before combining them in a single pot.
This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a creamy, hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. While it takes some time to prepare, a traditional cassoulet is definitely worth the effort – especially when enjoyed in the city of its origin.
Where to try it:
Maison du cassoulet Toulouse
Address: 3 Bd de Strasbourg, 31000 Toulouse, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
L’Os à Moëlle
Address: 14 Rue Roquelaine, 31000 Toulouse, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Restaurant Emile
Address: 13 Pl. Saint-Georges, 31000 Toulouse, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
8. Sampling Some bouillabaisse in Marseille
There are few dishes more representative of Marseille than bouillabaisse. This traditional fish stew is loaded with the fresh seafood that Marseille is known for, including everything from monkfish to seabream. The dish is usually served with a garlic-infused broth, and a slice of toast is often used to soak up all of the delicious flavors.
Because bouillabaisse is such an iconic dish, it can be found on the menu of nearly every restaurant in Marseille. However, it is important to remember that not all bouillabaisses are created equal. When sampling this dish, be sure to visit a reputable restaurant that uses only the freshest ingredients. Otherwise, you may be left feeling disappointed.
Where to try it:
Rien de Semblable
Address: 185 Av. de Mazargues, 13008 Marseille, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Chez Fonfon
Address: 140 Rue du Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Restaurant Michel
Address: 6 Rue des Catalans, 13007 Marseille, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
9. Feast on Pintxos in Biarritz
Biarritz is a small town located on the southwestern coast of France. Though it may be best known as a surfers’ paradise, Biarritz is also home to some of the best food in the country. The town’s culinary scene is centered around pintxos, a Basque version of tapas.
Pintxos are small dishes that are typically served on slices of bread and topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, ham, or peppers. Visitors to Biarritz can find pintxos in nearly every bar and restaurant in town. Though they are often compared to Spanish tapas, pintxos are unique in their use of fresh, local ingredients. For visitors looking to enjoy the best that Biarritz has to offer, a stop at one of the town’s many pintxo bars is a must.
Where to try it:
Le Bar Basque Biarritz
Address: 1 Rue du Port-Vieux, 64200 Biarritz, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
El Callejon Biarritz
Address: 5 Rue Monhaut, 64200 Biarritz, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
La Bodega
Address: 11 Rue des Halles, 64200 Biarritz, France
10. Indulging One of the Best Chocolate in the World in Strasbourg
A trip to Strasbourg, France would not be complete without sampling some of the best chocolate in the world. The city is home to many acclaimed chocolatiers, and visitors can find everything from traditional bonbons to creative confections. Whether you prefer your chocolate dark or milk, there is sure to be a shop that has the perfect treat for you.
In addition to its delicious chocolate, Strasbourg is also known for its picturesque streets and atmospheric Christmas markets. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this charming city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
Where to try it:
Jacques Bockel Chocolate Creator
Address: 10 Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons, 67000 Strasbourg, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Chocolat Weiss Strasbourg
Address: 7 Rue des Orfèvres, 67000 Strasbourg, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Chocolat Noisette
Address: 18 Rue du Faubourg-de-Pierre, 67000 Strasbourg, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
11. Experiencing a Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
A wine tasting in Bordeaux, France is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The first thing that you will notice is the backdrop of stunning vineyards everywhere you look. You will be able to see, smell and taste the different wines that are produced in this region.
The knowledgeable staff will guide you through each wine, explaining the history and production process. They will also help you to understand how to properly taste wine. This is a unique opportunity to learn about one of the most famous wine regions in the world and to sample some of its finest wines. A wine tasting in Bordeaux, France is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
Where to try it:
Bordeaux Wine Trails
Address: 21 Rue du Chai des Farines, 33000 Bordeaux, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Olala Bordeaux
Address: 2ter Rue Mably, 33000 Bordeaux, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Bordeaux Wine Trip
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
12. Enjoying Lyon’s Culinary Heritage at a Bouchon
In Lyon, France, bouchons are a type of restaurant that specializes in the city’s traditional cuisine. This includes dishes such as quenelles (a type of dumpling), sweetbreads, and sausage. Bouchons are typically small and intimate, with a homey atmosphere.
The food is usually served family-style, and the menu changes daily according to what is fresh and seasonal. While there are many bouchons to choose from in Lyon, some of the most popular include Le Bœuf Rouge, Le Pralus, and Les Adrets. So if you’re looking to enjoy some delicious Lyonnaise cuisine, be sure to check out one of these top bouchons on your next visit to France.
Where to try it:
Bouchon Thomas
Address: 3 Rue Laurencin, 69002 Lyon, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Brasserie Bouillon Baratte
Address: 25 Rue du Bât d’Argent, 69001 Lyon, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
Bouchon Tupin
Address: 30 Rue Tupin, 69002 Lyon, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
In conclusion
If you’re looking for an amazing food experience, France is the place to be. With so many different regions and cultures, there is an endless variety of dishes to try. From traditional French fare to regional specialties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re planning a trip to France, be sure to add some of these food experiences to your itinerary. Bon appétit!
