A Foodies Guide to France
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French cuisine is famous the world over for enticing, classic dishes to sophisticated Michelin starred fine dining. So many of the regions can boast an abundance of locally grown, fresh seasonal produce: distinctive cheeses, baguettes, pastries, herbs, olives, fruits and vegetables…the list is endless. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned some the world best wines and champagnes.
The bustling markets are foodie heaven and events like Beaujolais Day in November are a delight. With fireworks, music and many festivals across the region to mark the first Beaujolais of the season, this is a treat visitors and locals will not want to miss. If you are a considering a move to France, a rich gastronomical experience awaits. Here we explore France for foodies and a few of those French classics that are sure to appeal
Classic Crème Brûlée
There is some debate over the origins of this custard based desert with a top layer of hard caramel but one thing is certain: it tastes delicious. The current French name first appears in Francois Massialot’s (the King’s Cook) 1691 cookbook. Usually served in ramekins, it’s a popular classic served across France.
Soupe a l’Oignon - French Onion Soup
Dating as far back as Roman times, the modern version as we know it today originates in Paris in the 18th century. Essentially, it’s a beef and onion based broth with croutons and a delicious melted gruyère topping. The onions are cooked slowly until they become caramelised and the soup is served piping hot.
Quiche Lorraine
Situated in the north-east region, Lorraine is home to one of the best- known dishes in France. Quiche Lorraine remains a popular favourite on French menus served as a starter with a lovely crisp salad or as a brunch. It originally comes from the German culture in which the quiche was an egg custard pie baked in a brioche pastry. Quiche Lorraine consists of eggs, cream and smoked bacon - it was only later that cheese was added. When it comes to France for foodies, it remains a mouth-watering speciality of this region.
Potatoes Dauphinoise
Believed to have originated from the historic Dauphiné region in south-east France, this traditional French classic is based on potatoes and crème fraiche or cream. Garlic gives the dish plenty of flavour and it’s the perfect accompaniment to meat or fish dishes.
Beef (or Boeuf) Bourguignon
French classical cooking wouldn’t be complete without this rich, hearty stew of red wine, shallots, streaky bacon, mushrooms and beef. A hearty yet elegant dish originating from Burgundy in the east of France. The red wine of this wonderful region is the key ingredient! We have some beautiful properties in the Bourgogne if you are looking to move here to enjoy the culture of French food.
Ratatouille Provençale
Found throughout Provence and a speciality cuisine of Nice, this French vegetable stew’s star ingredients include tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, onions, garlic, herbs and spices. The Mediterranean climate of the region combined with seasonal, locally grown produce make for a sublime dish.
Crêpes Bretonnes
French for pancake, crêpes originate from Brittany in the northwest of France. These sweet and savoury delights are popular across France and the world over. The famous desert, Crêpe Suzette Flambé, consists of a hot sauce of caramelised sugar, orange juice and Grand Marnier. It’s a true classic that foodies discovering the joys of French cooking are sure to love.
Dont Forget the Wine
The enduring appeal of classic cooking is all part of the rich culture of living in France. We haven’t even touched on fine dining but that’s a whole other story of immense flavours and phenomenal cuisine. Matching food and wine is a very serious business in France, especially around Christmas and New Year. Browse through the Great Wine Co’s extensive selection of beverages from France, Europe and all over the world. Take a look at our properties for sale if you are feeling inspired to immerse yourself in a country where food and wine take centre stage.
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