The Best Destinations in France for Foodie Travelers
Anyone who knows France can understand that food here is not only a means of sustenance – it is a way of life! The French believe food is a way to express their identity, traditions, and values. Those coming here for a culinary adventure will surely be in for a treat. The French cuisine is incredibly diverse, and the restaurants and their offerings vary from region to region. To whet your appetite, we’ve rounded up the best destinations in France for foodie travelers.
Bordeaux
Renowned for its historical buildings and monuments, Bordeaux is home to fantastic restaurants serving some of the best food in France. If you want to go on a city break to Bordeaux and discover its incredible food scene, you might want to take in the world’s first wine museum while you’re at it. La Cite du Vin features interactive exhibits of wine, engaging anyone, from wine connoisseurs to casual wine drinkers. You can also sign up for classes that end with a wine tasting at the museum’s rooftop wine bar.
If you love food markets, you’ll find plenty in Bordeaux. Visit the Marché des Capucins covered market dubbed the “Stomach of Bordeaux.” Stuff yourself with delectable treats, such as oysters and foie gras. The market’s biggest attraction is the range of multicultural culinary offerings, from North African spices to specialty foods and freshly baked French pastries.
Your culinary adventure to Bordeaux won’t be complete without indulging in the mouthwatering vanilla and rum treats called canelés. Some of the best places to indulge in canelés are Cassonade, La Toque Cuivrée, and Baillardran.
The Loire Valley
Be sure to swing by the stunning Loire Valley on your foodie adventure in France. The region is renowned for its lush valley, where fruits and veggies have grown for thousands of years, and scenic vineyards producing some of the world’s best wines. And if you’re into cycling, you can experience some exciting cycling holidays in the Loire Valley, a fun way to explore the region’s gorgeous landscapes and discover its delectable food and wine.
Winemaking in the Loire Valley dates back to the 1st Century, reaching its peak around the Middle Ages. Nowadays, most of the production is white wine from the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc grapes. Some also produce red wines and rosés, especially around the Chinon region. Deciding which wineries to visit can be challenging due to the numerous options. One of the most famous wineries is Chateau La Cassemichere in Nantes, which offers a vineyard tour and a taste of the region’s local variety, Muscadet.
Farmer’s markets have become an everyday life in the Loire, and visiting one of these markets is the best way to soak up the local food scene. Every town and village have a weekly market, where you can experience the local life and taste traditional specialties, from the finest meat and cheeses to fruits and veggies. Those with a sweet tooth can tantalize their taste buds by sampling the region’s famous pastries, such as the delicate cookies called sablés.
Provence
Provence is a stunning region renowned for its scenic lavender fields, rich culture and history, and delectable food and wine. Nestled in southeastern France, Provence is home to charming coastal cities bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Nice and Marseille. If you’re here to eat, you are in for a treat!
Hit up the colorful markets of Provence, where you can gorge on fresh pastries, warm bread, and olives. You will find markets in various towns and villages, with the Arles Saturday market being the most popular. It’s one of the largest markets in Provence, with over 400 vendors occupying Arles’ winding streets.
Delicious and locally grown produce is abundant in Provence, so you can expect every meal to be a gastronomic treat. Most regional dishes feature aromatic herbs, veggies, and olive oil. The most popular are tapenade and ratatouille, often served with a glass of local wine.
No visit to Provence is complete without enjoying its locally produced wine. Although the South of France is renowned for its full-bodied reds and crisp white wines, Provence is best known for its rosé. The pale pink wine accounts for almost 90% of Provence’s wine production, and you’ll learn more about this when you visit local wineries.
Courchevel 1850
Courchevel 1850 is one of the world’s best ski resorts and a fantastic place to visit on your holiday in France. You will find beautiful chalets in Courchevel, allowing for an even more enjoyable ski holiday with your loved ones. While the incredible skiing is the highlight of your holiday, the dining scene in Courchevel 1850 will make your holiday even more exciting.
Courchevel has a variety of restaurants to suit all appetites and taste buds. You will find everything, from simple snack shops to Michelin-star restaurants offering fine dining experiences. As a matter of fact, Courchevel has the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the French Alps.
One of the best dining places in Courchevel 1850 is Le MontGomrie, housed in the K2 Altitude Hotel. The fancy restaurant has two Michelin star rating and has become a favorite among skiers seeking upscale dining experiences. Its menu features the incredible gastronomic creations of chef Pieter Riedijk, using innovative techniques and featuring local flavors.
Paris
Paris is an obvious choice for your foodie adventure in France. Besides, it’s considered one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. The French capital has over 40,000 restaurants, including boulangeries and patisseries selling everything from croissants to delightful chouquettes.
Aside from indulging in sumptuous lunches and dinners at some of the top restaurants in Paris, consider taking part in cooking classes to learn how to make delectable pastries like macarons and croissants. Visit the city’s bustling markets, enjoy the French aperitif with friends, and queue for tasty treats at street food stalls and bakeries.
If you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to a fine dining meal at one of the city’s numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Visit Le Cinq, a fine dining restaurant in the elegant Four Seasons Hotel. Boasting three Michelin stars, the food here is phenomenal.
