Fantastic French Food to Eat Across the Country
French food is renowned as some of the best cuisine in the world. France contains many regions in the country with bountiful resources that are cultivated into incredible dishes. The high quality ingredients help boosts France’s reputation as king of the foodie hill. Each province from Paris to Nice has their own unique specialty cuisine. We traveled across the country to taste the most delicious French foods we could find. Here’s our list of iconic meals you must try on your next trip to France.
Paris French Food
The capital of France is a world-class international hub for the most diverse cuisine. If you want to try anything, this is the city to do it. Each street is lined with decadent restaurants and chique cafes. Paris is an amazing destination to access other region’s specialty dishes too. Or you can join a food tour around the city to experience more authentic foods from a local’s perspective! Here’s some of the fantastic foods to try in the City of Light.
- Crepes – France’s flat version of a pancake with a large diversity of flavors that can be enjoyed as both a sweet dessert or a savory snack.
- Croissant – This flakey-buttery pastry is a clasic French food and should be the country’s national symbol. Do not leave France without tying this delicious golden bread.
- Pain au chocolat – This sweet pastry makes for a divine breakfast or light snack. The chocolate inside the bread is a perfectly balanced contrast of flavors.
- Soupe a l’oignon – French onion soup in the motherland is levels above expectations. Most restaurants offer it as an appetizer.
- Escargot – The emblematic snails of eccentric cuisine, It’s slightly chewy and similar to clams or mushrooms seasoned to perfection in a buttery garlic sauce.
- Croque Monsieur/ Croque Madame – This simple yet decadent ham& cheese sandwich makes for a great lunch snack at most cafes and bars. Croque Madame is identical in everyway but is topped with an egg.
- Boeuf Bourguignon – Beef Burgundy is a beef stew braised in red wine and beef stock garnished with pearl onions and other vegetables. A staple dinner option that never disappoints.
- Blanquette de Veau – This French comfort food is a signature of culinary traditions. The veal ragout is steamed in a creamy white sauce and adorned with an aromatic pilaf. One of the best main courses in France, but extremely filling.
- Steak Tartare – This raw ground beef adorned with an egg yolk is France’s take on Japanese sashimi. Has a bit of an acquired taste, but is a classic option at most places and always served with a side of fries.
- Steak Frites – While it may actually be considered the national dish of Belgium, the classic French food is always a safe and tasty bet. Steak and fries seems simple, but the accompanying sauce immensely extenuate the flavors.
- Confit de Canard – Also known as Duck Confit, this French food made from a whole duck. The meat is tender and a solid dinner option.
- Tarte Tatin – Tarte Tatin is the French superior version of the apple pie. Fruit is caramelized in butter and sugar before being baked which makes for an amazing dessert.
- Macaron – Macarons are the epitome of French sweets. Colorful, sweet treats available in a wide variety of unique flavors.
Cuisine Lyonnaise
Lyon is just 2hrs south of Paris, and is considered the Capital of Gastronomy. An elite food city like Lyon is a worthy stop for any foodie seeking the best French food. Here you can try the traditional Buchon Lyonnais for an authentic feasting experience. If you have time you can schedule a food tour for an even deeper dive into the gastronomic culture of the city. Check out this post for an in-depth guide to the treasures of Lyon.
- Salade Lyonnaise – This traditional salad comprises of frisée (a lettuce variant), cooked bacon, and a poached egg. A great starter in authentic restaurants.
- Rosette de Lyon Saucisson – A pork sausage that is famous in Lyon, cut thick and similar to salami. Indulge in this regional delicacy on a charcuterie board, often with other cured meats and cheese!
- Coq au Vin – Is chicken braised with wine, lardons, and mushrooms all mixed into a savory stew and served in a pot.
- Quenelle – A Quenelle is an egg-shaped fluffy mixture of creamed fish coated with a delicious sauce. This French food is a Lyon specialty!
- Tarte aux Pralines – This crimson short-crusted pie is a delicious tart made from the pink pralines. We found the best one during our Lyon bucket list vlog in Les Halles de Lyon.
- Coussin de Lyon – Coussin de Lyon is an iconic blue chocolate flavored with curaçao liqueur. It is very sweet.
Marseilles Meals
Continue for another 2hrs from Lyon, and you’ll reach France’s oldest city Marseilles. This enormous port rests on the Mediterranean coast and is the second largest city in the country. In Marseilles you can indulge in some of the freshest seafood France has to offer. Our travels through Vieux Port led us to a ton of amazing seafood restaurants you’ll definitely want to try.
- Omelette aux truffles – There’s no better way to start the day than with an omelet. As the undisputed king of breakfast foods, it is a must try while in France.
- Navettes – A simple boat shaped bread made from orange-flower water. Navettes originate in Marseilles so this is the place to try them.
- Aioli Provencal Complet – Native to the Provence region of Southern France Aioli is a creamy blend of garlic and olive oil. Aioli Provencal Complet is a complete meal consisting of potato, fish, shellfish, green bean, carrot, cauliflower, artichoke and whole boiled egg. Spread the Aioli on everything for the perfect tasty lunch.
- Bouillabaisse – Known as the signature dish of Marseilles, this fish stew is made from a thick broth and loads of shellfish. If you only try one thing in this city, let it be Bouillabaisse. A bit pricey but 100% worth it.
- Moules Mariniere – This traditional French dish is made from steamed mussels in a white wine sauce. Simple yet delicious.
Nice Signature Dishes
A 3hr bus along the coast of the French Riviera will lead to the beautiful city of Nice. This beach town is small, but packed with a diverse mix of cultures and amazing signature dishes to try. You can either stay along the luxurious Promenade des Anglais or adventure into Old Nice for a more authentic experience. Here’s some dishes you can’t miss in Nissa la Belle!
- Salade Niçoise – Probably one of the best salads I’ve ever eaten, the Salade Niçoise is a must try starter. The traditional dish is comprised of olives, tomatoes, anchovies, tuna, and green vegetables in a hefty bowl.
- Socca – Nice’s most traditional signature meal is a flat pancake-ish bread made from chickpea flour and prepared as a delicious snack to be eaten with your hands. We found a top tier Socca at Chez Pipo, which is still my favorite French food from Nice.
- Ratatouille – Another Nice originated signature meal, Ratatouille is a well presented mix of stewed vegetables. Its contents include eggplant, tomato, and a plethora of other veggies and most definitely not cooked by a rodent.
- Pissaladiere – Another mouthwatering flat bread that is very similar to pizza. The soft dough is commonly garnished with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies.
- Daube Niçoise – A beef stew that is similar to Boeuf Bourguignon, Daube Niçoise is cooked for 3 hours in wine with herbs and vegetables.
- Crème Brûlée – This succulent dessert consists of a rich custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. Crème Brûlée is a fantastic sweet you can’t leave France without trying.
French food extends across the gastronomic horizon with fresh vegetable cuisines, delectable desserts, and wine broiled meats of all varieties. I would say France excels with its colorful sweets and flavorsome pastries. If your goal is to dine in France, then the flavorful meals will pleasantly surprise you. Ah yes, and don’t forget about the delicious red, white, and Rosé wines to indulge in. Which food are you most excited about eating? Be sure to check out even more food blogs from the greatest cities around the world! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
And check out our France food tour vlog!
