Everybody should visit France at least once in their lives. World famous for its unique cuisine, rugged countryside and sophisticated culture, it's easy to see why France has a reputation for being one of the most alluring countries in the world. You simply cannot visit France without drinking in its rich culinary heritage. From the rustic charm of Provençal home cooking to opulent Parisian Michelin Star restaurants, there is so much to discover. Read on to find out more.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Hailing from Burgundy, this warming, hearty stew has long been considered the national dish of France. The two primary ingredients - red wine and Charolais beef - are some of Burgundy’s finest offerings, making for a deliciously deep, savoury dish with humble, rustic origins. Beef bourguignon is traditionally served with boiled baby potatoes or velvety mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of rich red wine sauce. If you’re travelling to Burgundy, make sure you get an authentic taste of this world-famous French strew.
Escargot
When you think of French cuisine, escargot is often one of the first dishes that spring to mind. While the idea of eating snails isn’t for everyone, escargot is a delicacy that may just surprise you. Far from slimy, the texture of escargot is delicately chewy, firm and meaty - not dissimilar to seafood such as shrimp. Escargot is typically cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce and fresh crusty bread to soak up the complex, earthy flavours.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a quintessential rustic Provençal dish often served as a side or as a main with rice, pasta or potatoes. A coarse stew comprising courgettes, aubergines, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes and onions with a bright, herby tomato sauce, ratatouille showcases the freshness of summer Mediterranean produce. Ratatouille recipes vary throughout France, although travelling to its homeland of Nice is arguably the best place to sample its simple brilliance.
Fresh Bread
You simply cannot visit France without experiencing the intoxicating scent of fresh baked goods. Every French town features at least one boulangerie, offering all manner of hand-crafted baked goods, from rustic, crusty baguettes to light, fluffy brioche. Perfect served alongside locally-made French cheese and cured meats such as saucisson sec and Bayonne ham, freshly baked bread truly is a treat for the senses.
French Wine
Of all its culinary specialities, France is arguably most famous for its wine. French wine varies considerably depending on the region, from the bright, zesty sparkling wines of Champagne to the deep, full-bodied reds of Bordeaux. You could even make your trip a wine tour of your favourite regions, where you can visit vineyards and wineries, sampling some of the finest beverages the country has to offer and learn about its rich history of winemaking.
Coq Au Vin
Coq au vin is another excellent example of a dish that showcases exceptional French produce, namely, wine. The combination of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic makes for a light yet warming dish brimming with flavour. This traditional dish is said to have its roots in ancient Gaul, although the recipe was not documented until the early 20th century. It has since become a world-renowned dinner party classic and a staple of rustic French cuisine.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is another hearty, rustic dish as comforting as it is elegant. A regional bistro classic hailing from Normandy, this dish dates back to the 17th century. The humble onion often takes a back seat as a base flavour and texture for many dishes; however, it takes centre stage for French onion soup. Rich and earthy, this soup is traditionally topped with a thick slice of toasted French bread and Gruyère cheese and grilled until perfectly melted.
Frogs Legs
Although frogs legs may seem like a stereotypical cliché of French cuisine, this delicacy has a rich cultural significance. French monks began eating frogs' legs around the 12th century during Lent, as they decided that frogs, being amphibians, qualified as fish; therefore, their flesh was safe to eat during Lent. Frogs legs have a soft, meaty texture and a mild flavour, often likened to chicken wings. This divisive delicacy is usually served alongside potatoes with a butter, garlic and parsley sauce.