The Iconic Foods Of France – And How To Cook Them At Home

Foie gras from Dordogne, escargots from Burgundy, oysters from Brittany & baguettes from the corner boulangerie — France's culinary treasures await! Whether it's a simple sandwich jambon or a 5-course meal, food should be at the heart of your Parisian experience, and we're here to ensure it's a memorable one.

It's a truism that the best of the foods of France find their way to Paris, the capital of gastronomy. Food is one of the many reasons we adore Paris, from a spontaneous picnic on the Champs de Mars with a bottle of Bordeaux and creamy Camembert, to an elegant dinner at La Grande Cascade. Exploring the bounty of French cuisine will be both your duty — and your delight.

Food & Wine Activities

Food is woven into the fabric of French life — and it's no different in Paris. Naturally, it should also be an essential part of your visit. You'll get a head start with our guides, but if you're ready to immerse yourself in Paris' culinary culture, we highly recommend signing up for a couple of food activities while you're here. These hands-on experiences are the perfect way to dive into the city's vibrant food scene.

To help you plan, we've created a list of our top recommendations for the most enjoyable (and highly-rated!) food activities. A word to the wise: these gourmet experiences are popular, so book in advance, before you leave home.

The 10 Best Pastries to Savour in Paris

Visiting the City of Dessert? Time to leave your diet at the door and fully embrace the sweet side of Paris. The city's pastry scene is nothing short of legendary, and with so many delectable options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, we've narrowed it down for you with our list of the ten best pastries you absolutely must try while in Paris. You'll thank us later!

The Food Markets of Paris

Curious about the iconic French foods you'll find at a typical Paris street or covered market? You're in luck! The tradition of food markets in France dates back to ancient times, and today they remain a cornerstone of French culinary life. Markets offer the freshest, most vibrant produce and products, showcasing the very best of French fare.

Join us on a virtual tour through the top Paris food markets. We'll unravel the mystery behind French food classifications, decode those intriguing produce signs, and introduce you to a world of fresh, local ingredients.

The 10 Top Cheeses Of France

With nearly 1,000 varieties of cheese produced across France — and at least 56 proudly wearing the prestigious AOC label — it's easy to feel overwhelmed at a fromagerie. To help you navigate this sea of deliciousness, we've put together a guide to the top ten French cheeses, from the nutty Comté to the creamy, aromatic Pont l'Évêque. It's the perfect starting point for your cheesy adventure!

The 10 Best Cheese Shops In Paris

Now that you're in the know about France's finest cheeses, the next step is finding them! Thankfully, Paris is home to hundreds of dedicated fromageries, and we've handpicked the top ten cheese shops you won't want to miss. Each one is a treasure trove of France's best cheeses, offering quality and expertise you won't find just anywhere.

By the way, most of them are run by women. No surprise there, really.

Bread Winners – The Best Baguettes in Paris

Bread is taken seriously in Paris. Every year, the Office of the Mayor holds a competition for the best baguette, the results are published, the list is debated in the media, and Parisians flock to the winning bakeries. The grand prize winner of the Grand Prix de la Baguette de la Ville de Paris has the honor of supplying baguettes to the President of France at the Élysée Palace for the entire year.

Guide to Paris Gourmet Food Stores

Caviar, foie gras, oysters, cheese, champagne, truffles — for many regular visitors to Paris, these French food specialties exert an irresistible pull to the City of Light. To get the biggest bite of French gourmet food, plan your culinary itinerary in advance, start your food fantasy planning with our guide to the best of Paris food stores, including icons like Ladurée and La Grande Epicerie de Paris.

Eat Drink Paris – Top Parisian Culinary Tips

Paris is not only the center of French food, but a world culinary capital. You may not have realized just how much food and wine are vital parts of the country's culture — but you certainly understand it once you get to Paris and discover the sheer number of quality food sellers. We've put together eight ideas to help you get inside the culinary culture of Paris.

The Aligre Market in the 12th Arrondissement

Paris is filled with street markets — where stalls line the street on certain days of the week — and market streets — les rues where food shops have concentrated. They are found in every arrondissement and every neighborhood. But perhaps the greatest food market experience in the city is in the 12th Arrondissement along Rue d'Aligre.

Here you'll find stalls and stores and even a covered market, all of them filled with the best products of France. A true food-lovers paradise.

9 Foods Not To Miss At Your Local Epicerie

It's no secret — Paris cuisine is a major reason we keep coming back. And the best part? You can find French gourmet staples at nearly every epicerie (small grocery store) around the city. From decadent duck confit to delicious crêpes, our list of nine foods not to miss will have you shopping like a local. And yes, there might be a surprise or two in store — pun intended!

Scoop Up the Best Paris Ice Cream

In Paris ice cream isn't some gaudy-colored industrial product. It's made with the same skill and care and attention to flavors that goes into all the best French foods. Let's find out where to scoop up the best ice cream on the Right Bank and on the Left Bank and even on the Paris Islands.

Iconic French Foods

As everyone knows, the food of France is word famous, and justly so. No matter where it originates in the country, the best French foods make their way to Paris where the largest hungry population awaits.

So, it's worthwhile before you hop on the plane to learn a little bit about some of the fabulous foods you'll find that may not be all that common — or quite as good — back home.

Our Guides to the Most Iconic French Foods

• French Cheese…	• Baguettes…
• Croissants…	• Caviar…
• French Butter…	• Oysters…
• Truffles…	• Beef, Poultry & Seafood…

Easy French Recipes to Make at Home

With all this talk of French food, we bet you're craving it right now! The good news? You don't have to be in Paris to bring a taste of France to your table. We've put together a collection of easy-to-make recipes that will transform your kitchen into a French bistro. From comforting stews to classic bistro favorites, these ten dishes are our go-to staples, and they'll soon be yours too.

Easy French Recipes to Make at Home

• Quiche Lorraine…	• Quiche Pastry Dough…
• Steak au Poivre…	• Coquilles Saint-Jacques…
• Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing…	• French Bread…
• Parisian Roast Chicken…	• Sole Meunière…
• A French Omelette…	• Duck Magret…

French Dessert Recipes You, Too, Can Make

The perfect ending to any French meal? A decadent French dessert, of course. While some of those restaurant creations may look intricate, many are surprisingly simple to make at home. We've selected four recipes that are sure to impress your guests. (Just don't let on how easy they are!) Get ready to create sweet Parisian magic in your own kitchen.

Four Fabulous French Desserts

• Crême Brûlée…	• French Chocolate Truffles…
• Profiteroles…	• Molleux – Chocolate Cakes…