The food culture of the French is also unique. The French gourmet meal has been registered in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists since 2010. French gastronomy is the fruit of an exceptional secular heritage, and it is constantly evolving thanks to France’s innovative chefs. From northern France to Provence, from Brittany to Alsace, through Burgundy, the south-west, or Corsica, there is a palette of flavors to discover in each region! Experience France’s “art de vivre” and enrich your stay by meeting farmers at local markets, or by meeting chefs at local restaurants.
You may be surprised to learn that the city of Paris is not, historically speaking, considered to be the world capital of gastronomy. This title has been held by the city of Lyon since 1935. However, by its diversity of epicurean hotspots, Paris is in many respects a key destination for anyone wishing to experience the culinary expertise of France. It’s no coincidence that the French TV show Top Chef is broadcast from the City of Light! Some of the contenders have even opened their first restaurant here.
The French are very attached to the three-meal day. Traditionally, breakfast is eaten in the morning, lunch at around 1 pm and dinner at around 8 pm.
If you have a sweet tooth, there is definitely a good pastry shop near you where you can melt for a chocolate éclair or lemon meringue tart. Restaurants also pay special attention to their dessert menus. It is far from uncommon to be offered a café gourmand – a coffee accompanied by tasty mini-pastries -at the end of a meal.
In France, wine is the perfect companion of gastronomy. It highlights the dishes and awakens the taste buds. There are vineyards everywhere: in the Bordeaux region, Burgundy, Alsace, the Rhône valley, the Loire valley and the Mediterranean coast. There are even a few in Paris, on the heights of Montmartre. Visit the countryside and try its wines as you sample its cuisine. But always in moderation, of course.
While the French are proud of their gastronomy and culinary specialties, they have also left room for cuisine from farther afield France is a multicultural country that is open to the world, and has varied and mixed cuisine. Most big cities have a large number of Chinese, Indian, Italian, North African, and African restaurants – and more. If you’re feeling homesick, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding specialties from back home. Vegetarian, pasta lover, meat-eater or fast-food fan, you will find what it takes to sate your appetite and taste buds.
