FranceFood and Drink

On your France vacation, you'll feast like a king. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its pastries, Michelin-star restaurants, and fresh ingredients. Ask a travel guide, or browse the weekly markets for locally-grown goods, or even follow the scent of fresh bread to your nearest bakery for a croissant, baguette, or both. Finish off your meals with a specialty cheese or glass of wine unique to the local area.

Food varies by region, with each area of France toting its own specialties and food tours. In the South of France, enjoy the Provençal herbs of ratatouille—stewed vegetables from Nice, or bouillabaisse—a traditional fish stew from Marseille. Pot-au-feu is a classic beef stew enjoyed across the country. France's drink and food traditions combine in coq au vin, a chicken-based dish stewed in Burgundy wine.

As one of the world's largest wine producers, French vineyards are ripe with flavourful grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and more. France's most famous wines come from Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhone, and the Beaujolais. The best time to visit vineyards during your France trip is May and June. Beers can also be found across the Hexagon, with local names like Kronenberg and 1664.

What is France's traditional cuisine?

Taking pleasure in food and wine is a large part of France’s national identity. France is renowned for its meticulously crafted and quality cuisine, prepared using local ingredients. Food such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, crepes, macarons, and eclairs are all must try essential French dishes. 

Be sure to try a charcuterie plate (a classic experience on France vacations), with traditional French preserved meats such as pates, jambon, sausages, and salamis. And of course, baguettes, with crispy crusts and soft interiors, are also synonymous with trips to France. They are readily available fresh at over 27,000 boulangeries, where the bread must legally be baked on the premises. Grabbing a baguette on the go for a quick snack, or on the way home from work is not uncommon for the French. 

What is the dining etiquette in France?

Expect meals to linger, as the French appreciate savouring mealtime and enjoying food, friends, and family. France tours often have a late dinner hour, with meals most commonly starting around 7pm. If travelling with children, ask your travel agency about vacation packages with family meal options, as it is rare for restaurants to have a kids menu.

If you’ve been invited to dinner at someone’s home, or at a restaurant, let the host indicate where everyone should sit. Prior to eating, it's common to start a meal with a customary bon appetite, a polite phrase to indicate it's time to eat. If there is bread or a baguette on the table, refrain from eating it until the starter has arrived, and break it into small pieces to consume. Be well-mannered at dinner; don’t start eating until everyone is seated, eat slowly, and rest your hands on the table. Do not use your hands to eat, the French use a knife and fork to eat most everything besides bread and frites (fries).

If enjoying a three-course meal, don’t be surprised to be served cheese after your main; it is traditionally served before dessert. You'll likely have to politely request your bill or pay at the counter when finished dining, as servers do not just bring it over, unless you are at a high-end restaurant. 

What is drinking etiquette in France?

Upon sitting down to a meal, you will likely find two glasses; one for water and another for wine. It is standard for the French to drink wine only with a meal, or beer at a pub. Other beverages such as liquor or cocktails are typically consumed as an apéritif (appetizer) or a digestif (after a meal). It is common to find the French filling the streets after work to indulge in a casual apéro, a pre-dinner drink said to stimulate hunger and relieve the fatigue of the day. Rather than overindulging, drinking is known in France for everyone to enjoy in moderation. Drinking wine during meals is an important part of French culture. Servers at restaurants will often willingly suggest wines that pair well with specific dishes. Before taking a sip of your drink, be sure to make eye contact with the person you are clinking with, and do not cross arms with another person simultaneously.

Does France cater to dietary restrictions?

Overall, Paris is your best option to find dining that can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. You can also find halal and kosher options. Other cities in France will offer some options too, while smaller towns are less accommodating. A knowledgeable travel guide can help you find places to accommodate your needs. 

French restaurants are less receptive to modifying menu items. It is best to present any dietary restrictions clearly as an intolerance or allergy versus a preference. France, being a part of the EU, ensures packaged food in grocery stores lists top allergens on their labels. 

What do meals typically cost in France?

France, especially Paris, can accommodate meals at all price ranges. In the morning, grabbing a fresh pastry and a coffee to go will cost around US $5 per person. Alternatively, if you sit down at a cafe for the ambiance and people-watching over a continental breakfast and espresso, expect to spend about US $15 per person. 

You’ll find delightful, fresh, quick-eat options abundantly available for lunch, such as take-and-go quiche, or fresh baguette sandwiches, which are often around US $10. Also, France travel means that you can usually find food carts offering pizza, waffles, and even hot dogs in just about any city. Consider picnic lunches too, as stunning gardens and parks are plentiful. 

For dinner, a mid-range bistro or brasserie will likely see meals costing about US $30 per person. Modestly priced wines are commonly available on tap too. If you’re looking for gourmet food at high-end restaurants, expect to spend nearly three times as much, closer to US $120 per person. Watch for prix fixe meals on menus that come with a starter, main, and dessert, allowing you to enjoy a complete meal at a reasonable cost. Especially in Paris, consider visiting less busy arrondissements to find spots that are lower priced, such as in Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.