If you know anything about food, you know that France has long been a world leader in all things culinary. Each region boasts its own delectable dishes, showcasing the best of home-grown French ingredients and bursting with flavour.
Whether you’re planning a winter city break to explore some French Christmas markets or starting a road trip through the country’s stunning countryside, food is the star of the show on any holiday to France. From sophisticated fine dining to hearty meals, discover typical French food through these must-try dishes.
French food history and traditions
French cuisine is a classic blend of local, seasonal ingredients, simple flavours and elegant composition. Popular ingredients in French food include garlic, onions, celery and fresh herbs, balanced with more rich additions like cream, wine, and high-quality meats and seafood.
Different regions boast different dishes, shaped by the ingredients that were readily available in medieval France. Over the centuries, more exotic ingredients became accessible and the culinary influences of other countries like Spain and Italy grew, helping to further enhance the cuisine. Modern French food stays true to its rustic roots, and seasonal produce, light and tasty sauces and an accompaniment of crusty bread are the staples of many dishes.
Boeuf bourguignon
Originating in Burgundy, boeuf bourguignon is a rich and comforting dish. It’s a casserole made from beef and red wine, stewed with local vegetables in a beef broth for a velvety sauce. Pair boeuf bourguignon with crusty French bread to mop up the delicious broth from your plate once you’re done!
Burgundy is also one of France’s premier wine regions, and much of the cuisine in this area is designed to be paired with local wines. Travel to the neighbouring Champagne-Ardenne region for more stunning vineyards nestled in the French countryside.
Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse began as a fisherman’s dish in Marseille using leftover fish that they didn’t sell on the market. It’s a hearty, warming soup that consists of any variety of fish or shellfish, from monkfish to mussels or prawns, and vegetables in a warm, delicately spiced broth.
France’s coastlines are must-visit destinations for foodies. From Marseille to Brittany, head to one of the country’s coastal gems to enjoy classic French and Mediterranean seafood.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a quintessential French dessert with a fascinating history. It’s named after the Tatin sisters who served it at their hotel in the Loire Valley in the 1880s. It’s a baked tart topped with soft and juicy caramelised apples – a rustic take on the classic apple pie.
This dessert has come a long way since Hôtel Tatin, and as well as being a staple of the region, it’s now an instantly recognisable French delicacy.
Escargot
Perhaps the most notorious of French delicacies, escargot or snails are a popular dish. Escargot was once considered a food for peasants, but over time it became a sophisticated meal for the upper classes. The snails are shelled and cooked with garlic butter, chicken stock or wine and then placed back into the shells with other ingredients like thyme or parsley.
Chocolate soufflé
Chocolate soufflé is one of the most difficult desserts to make yourself, so it’s well worth sampling a soufflé while you’re visiting France. The name comes from the French word ‘souffler’, which means to blow or puff – this is what happens as the soufflé bakes. A perfectly risen chocolate soufflé is light and airy, and slightly crispy on the outside for a unique dance of textures. Melted chocolate oozes from the centre to make this truly one of the most indulgent French dishes.
Salade Nicoise
Originating in Nice, Salade Nicoise is a light and colourful dish that makes the perfect lunch. It is made from lettuce, boiled potatoes, tuna, eggs, anchovies and olives and topped with a zingy Nicoise dressing made from olive oil, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
There are many variations of Salade Nicoise, but however you prepare it, it’s a refreshing and light summer salad that belongs on your menu of dishes to try during your visit to France.
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée is a sophisticated French dessert associated with fine dining. The first recipe for crème brûlée originated in a cookbook published in 1691, written by a chef at the Palace of Versailles.
It consists of a velvety custard base with a hard layer of caramelised sugar on top, two unique and contrasting textures. The name, crème brûlée, translates to “burnt cream”, which references the softness of the custard and the crispy shell of burnt sugar. It’s a must-try if you want to get a taste of traditional French cuisine.
French onion soup
French onion soup is a warm, rich and tasty option that’s been popular in France for centuries. It’s a soup made from gently fried onions that have been cooked in meat stock and then covered with a piece of bread and melted cheese. As you eat, the bread absorbs the moisture from the soup while the cheese mixes into the broth – it gets more delicious with every mouthful!
Restaurants to try in France
Whether you’re heading to several different locations as you drive through France or planning a break in one of the big cities, these are some of the best restaurants to try. There are options for every budget, so you can find the perfect spot to sample France’s delicious cuisine.
Le Panier (££). This chic restaurant in Nice offers the best of French cuisine, made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Le Bistrot Bourguignon (££). This restaurant is a must-visit if you want to sample the flavours of Burgundy, including the classic boeuf bourguignon.
Au Pied de Cochon (£££). This restaurant is an iconic brasserie in the heart of Paris, serving hearty portions of traditional French food.
Allard (££££). This old-school Parisian bistro serves authentic French cuisine to the highest standard in a cosy and intimate setting.
Our routes
Newcastle to Amsterdam
If you’re travelling to Holland from the north of England, our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry crossing is your best option. Sail overnight and enjoy maximum comfort, Duty Free shopping and fantastic entertainment throughout the day.
Dover to Dunkirk
With a journey time of just 2 hours, our Dover to Dunkirk ferry crossing gives you access to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and more. Enjoy dining and Duty Free shopping on board.
Dover to Calais
Kickstart your holiday with our Dover to Calais ferry crossing and arrive in France in just 100 minutes.
