27 Food That You Must Try in France
People often ask me what they should eat when they go to France, so I decided to put together this ultimate 3 part guide on what you should absolutely try when visiting France. I chose the best of the national dishes and foods the country has to offer as well as some personal (and relevant!) recommendations. Remember food is also part of the traveling experience! P.S: this list is none exhaustive and depends on people's tastes. Please comment below with your favorite French dish. I would love to hear about your experience with French food!
15 Traditional Dishes That The Locals Love
#1 Cheese
Let's start with the Famous French cheese! Because cheese has such a long history in France, the art of making it has been perfected there and they are proud of having the best cheeses in the world with over 365 varieties. You can get some of these delicious cheeses at a cheese store, a farmer's market or any grocery store. A good way to sample some cheeses is to order a cheese platter at a restaurant for dessert or an appetizer. Tip: pair your cheese with some French wine. Red, or white! In fact white wine goes great with blue cheese.
#2 Charcuterie
Another thing the French love is their charcuterie which is cured meat. Jambon cru, pate, rillettes, and saucisson are some of the many varieties. Never heard of saucisson? It's our French version of the dry salami, and it's fabulous, you must try it! Tip: Buy some charcuterie at a local farmers market or supermarket along with bread, butter, and cornichons (French tiny pickles) to make a perfect French sandwich!
#3 Crepes
Another savory dish that's not to be missed during your time in France is the famous crêpe. Yes, I said savory, because in France we eat both: savory and sweet crêpes! The savory crêpe is often called Galette as it will be made with buckwheat flour, therefore it is gluten free. They can be garnished with many items from smoked salmon and cream cheese to curry chicken or for a more traditional one: ham and cheese. Good to know: If you order a crêpe with an egg the egg yolk will be runny! Tip: order some hard cider with your crepe, it's the tradition.
#4 Quiches
Try the freshly baked quiches from any local bakery (yes, you can buy quiches at any bakery!) They usually come in individual portions so you can get 2 or 3 and try the multiple flavors. The most popular are the regular Lorraine (bacon and cream), the cheese quiche, or my favorite the leek quiche. Tip: ask the baker to warm it up for you, they will gladly do it!
#5 Baked Camembert
A quintessential French comfort food, baked Camembert is as indulgent as it is simple. A whole wheel of this creamy cheese is baked until melty and oozing, often with garlic, rosemary, or honey for added flavor. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a perfect appetizer that showcases the artistry of French cheese-making.
#6 Mussels
Another national dish, Les moules marinières, is rated one of the French's favorite (that includes me!) Mussels are a staple in France and you can have them many different ways. This classic dish has them prepared in a simple but delicious French sauce which contains cream, garlic, butter, shallots, white wine, and fresh herbs. Tip: some restaurants even offer all you can eat mussels and fries!
#7 The Salad Complete
Since charcuterie is so good the French simply made a whole meal out of it and added some lettuce and tomatoes to make it look more healthy. When at a restaurant don't hesitate to order the salad complete as your main dish, it's very filling for a "salad".
#8 Ratatouille
A vibrant medley of summer vegetables, ratatouille is the soul of rustic French cuisine. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are slow-cooked with olive oil and fresh herbs until tender and aromatic. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish exemplifies the beauty of simple, seasonal ingredients.
#9 Onion Soup
Rich, caramelized onions and a hearty broth form the base of this iconic French soup. Topped with a slice of crusty bread and a layer of melted Gruyère cheese, onion soup is a timeless dish that warms both the heart and the soul. It’s a classic comfort food that has graced French tables for centuries.
#10 Duck Breast
The "magret de canard" (duck breast) is the French number one favorite dish as of 2017. With a consistency and texture similar to a steak, the magret holds amazing flavors. Usually served with a honey or fig sauce, this is a meal that you will remember. Tip: The magret always comes medium rare. Don't be too worried if it is a little red, well-done duck breast doesn't taste great plus the chef might even refuse to cook it this way!
#11 Fresh Oysters
Like the famous mussels, the French also love their oysters. Usually served plain, with lemon or red wine vinegar they are always very refreshing. Along with some dry white wine, they will make a delightful appetizer. Tip: If you are by the coast, find an oyster producer and go taste there oysters directly at the farm. It's an authentic and fun experience, plus the oysters are cheaper and as fresh as you can get. Call or check online to find oyster producers with restaurants on site.
#12 L'Entrecote
A classic French bistro meal, steak frites is beloved for its simplicity and elegance. Perfectly seared steak is paired with crispy, golden fries, creating a dish that’s both hearty and refined. For an exceptional experience, try it at L’Entrecôte, famous for its unique secret sauce. L’Entrecôte has locations in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Lyon, Nantes and Barcelona. Be careful: at "L'Entrecote", the Steak-Frites is the only thing on the menu, so if someone doesn't like meat in your group, pass on!
#13 Boeuf Bourguignon
Going to France and not trying the famous "Boeuf Bourguignon" is not an option. It is a tasty stew which combines red wine with beef, carrots, and onions in perfect matrimony. Tip: If you happen to visit the Camargue area we recommended trying the local version of Boeuf Bourguignon called "La Gardianne". They replace the beef with bull which gives it a more gamey taste but still very delicious if well prepared. Also make sure to check where the meat comes from, a high quality Gardianne should be make with bull from Camargue.
#14 Fish Soup, Aioli, Croutons
This Provençal classic is a celebration of the sea. Made with a medley of fresh fish, herbs, and aromatic vegetables, the soup is pureed to a velvety consistency. It’s traditionally served with a dollop of garlic-infused aioli, crunchy croutons, and grated cheese, creating a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. Tip: Make sure to ask if the soup is homemade or 'fait maison' otherwise I would not recommend it.
#15 Steak Tartare
Feeling a little adventurous? Try the famous steak tartare! It is well seasoned chopped up bits of raw steak served at room temperature. It is a departure from how people are used to eating beef in the States but if you try it you may actually be surprised to like -or even fall in love - with this authentic French dish. I personally love steak tartare! Tip: not feeling adventurous enough? Go for a tuna or salmon tartare, a little more like Japanese sashimi and very tasty as well.
9 Desserts That Will Make You Move to France
#16 Crême Brulée
A hallmark of French desserts, crème brûlée is as elegant as it is delicious. This vanilla custard is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar, creating a contrast between the creamy base and the crisp topping. Cracking through the golden crust with your spoon is a moment of pure indulgence.
#17 Profiteroles
Profiteroles, are cream puffs filled with pastry cream or ice cream and topped with chocolate. It's a perfect combination of different texture. Soft and sweet, this will be the end note to your excellent dinner.
#18 Ile Flottante
The ile flottante meaning “floating island,” features a fluffy meringue "island" atop a sea of creamy custard, or crème anglaise. Often garnished with caramel drizzles or slivered almonds, Île Flottante is a light yet satisfying end to any meal.
#19 Baba Au Rhum
Combining a rich, buttery cake saturated with rum, the Rum Cake, deeply rooted in French culinary traditions, reflects France's historical connection to the Caribbean. Introduced through colonial trade routes, this indulgent dessert became a beloved treat across France.
#20 Canelé de Bordeaux
This treat originated in the Bordeaux region during the 18th century. The unique copper molds, which give the Canelé its distinctive shape and crispy exterior, were key to its creation. Rum and vanilla infuse the soft, custard-like interior, creating a delicate balance between a crunchy caramelized shell and a tender center.
#21 Paris Brest
The Paris-Brest is a classic French pastry that marries delicate crispy choux pastry with a rich praline cream filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Shaped like a bicycle wheel, its distinctive circular design pays homage to the Paris-Brest bicycle race, which inspired its creation in 1910 by pastry chef Louis Durand.
#22 Cafe Gourmand
The cafe gourmand, is a modern French dessert concept that combines an espresso with a selection of 4 to miniature desserts. Originating in Parisian bistros in the early 2000s, the Café Gourmand is now a staple in every French restaurant, allowing patrons to sample multiple sweet treats such as a macaron, a chocolate truffle, a mini crème brûlée or a scoop of ice cream. Tip: some restaurants also offer the The Gourmand.
#23 Bakery Pastries
Any pastries from a French bakery will be a delight. From the delicate fruit tarts to the decadent chocolate Opera cake and the famous éclair, there’s a pastry for everyone. It can be hard to choose, as they’re all so beautiful and tempting. Tip: Go back a few times and try them all! Don’t forget to sample the viennoiseries—flaky croissants, buttery pains au chocolat, and almond-filled delights that are perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning treat.
#24 Sweet Crêpe
And again, the crêpe! The sweet version is often filled with sugar, chocolate or jam and we never get tired of it. Try the crêpe Suzette (sugar and lemon) or the crêpe Bretonne (salted butter and sugar) some of my favorite recipes. Tip: many cafés offer crêpes in the afternoon, inviting you to enjoy a relaxing and sweet moment while soaking in the charming French atmosphere.
3 Foreign Dishes Common in France
#25 Couscous
The Couscous is also one of the French's favorite. It was brought over from Northern Africa which was under French occupation. A very filling dish which can include lamb chops, chicken, spicy lamb sausages, veggies, and couscous, it is no wonder this tasty Northern African meal earned its place with the French people. Tip: the vegetarian option is the great option for the ones not eating meat.
#26 Paella
If you are in South of France you may find the paella on the menu. Southern France was long occupied by the Spanish and has kept many recipes from this culture. Paella is one of them to try! A very flavorful meal which is made to share and is one of the most famous national dishes of Spain. Tip: the paella is often available during market day. Order a portion to enjoy on the go or take back to your rental.
#27 Pizza
The Italian pizza is famous in the whole world. While most people believe the best pizza is still in Italy, you will be surprised at how good the French are at making pizza. Thin crust, delicious cheeses, and gourmet meats, no need to go all the way to Italy! My favorites are either the 4 cheeses which includes blue cheese or the goat cheese, honey and walnuts.
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