France needs little introduction when it comes to fine food and wine, however some local delicacies are not so well known.
Here’s a list of seven regional favourites, to ensure cuisine loving Kiwi travellers to France get a heads up on what’s top of the pots when it comes to food in France.
France Travel: Alsace
Alsace, one of France’s best kept secrets, offers both world famous wines and wonderful gastronomy. Pork-butchery is one of the oldest surviving traditions in the Alsace region with choucroute garni undoubtedly the areas most acclaimed dish. Made from various cuts of meats, salted hams and sausages braised in local Riesling wine, it appears on every menu from local workers’ cafes to contemporary restaurants (although at the top end you’re likely to be offered the grander choucroute royale made with champagne instead of wine!).
France Travel: Burgundy Snail
Burgundy is renowned for its wine. And also for its snails! The tiny, subtle-flavoured Burgundy snail is considered to be among the finest in the world. Rather than drown it in tonnes of garlic – as is often the case – Burgundian chefs prefer a more refined approach, opting instead for lightly sautéing in a parsley butter, adding possibly a dash of cream just before serving.
France Travel: Oysters
Not many people know that there are no fewer than 13 varieties of oysters in Brittany! If you are a fan, then see if you can taste the difference between the nutty-flavoured Aven Belon oyster, the perfumed Cancale oyster and the beautifully smooth oyster found on the Bay of Quiberon.
France Travel: Massif Central Cheeses
Some of the best cheeses in France come from the relatively unknown Massif Central. Top cheeses to try include the dry and fruity Cantal, the smooth and mild Saint Nectaire, and the stronger blue Fourme d’Ambert cheese, easily identifiable by its tall cylindrical shape.
France Travel: Lavender Honey
With its warm sunny climate and proximity to the coast, Provence produces some of the freshest and tastiest food in France. If you’re looking to try something a little different, look out for the delicate lavender honey which is delicious served with roasted figs or eaten simply with fresh crusty bread.
France Travel: Black Truffle
The fragrant black truffle, also known as the “black diamond”, is used widely in the restaurants of the Lot & Dordogne, and is considered one of the pearls of French gastronomy. Chefs rely on it to turn a simple omelette into a gourmet dish, as well as often adding shavings to salads, hot cheeses and foie gras.
France Travel: Apple Tart
Tarte tatin, or caramelised upside-down apple tart, was apparently invented by two absent-minded sisters in the Loire where it remains a speciality dessert. Those who have a sweet tooth should also sample the almond patisseries from Comery and Poulain chocolates from Blois. Divine!
To experience the tastes of France for yourself, why not take part in a cycling or walking holiday, such as an 8 night Dordogne gastronomic walk or a 6 night Loire cycling tour? Contact our friendly team of France Travel experts at Adventure World™ on 0800 539 811 or visit our Free Quote page to request your no-obligation Free Quote.
