Inspiration

The best regions in France for foodies – a culinary guide to eating like a local

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

Anyone who has spent time travelling in France knows that food isn’t just an interesting feature – it’s a way of life. From rustic village markets to Michelin-starred menus, each region offers something unique for food lovers. To whet your appetite, we’ve rounded up some of the best regions in France for foodies – perfect for culinary holidays, gastronomic adventures and unforgettable regional dishes.

Tagged with:

Paris

A culinary capital of France

The most romantic city in the world is a dream for hungry travellers and is one of the best cities in France for food lovers, who can take their choice from the bistros, cafés and restaurants that line the streets. Parisiennes aren’t worried about having a lot of choice, you’ll often find just three or four options, but you can never go wrong with classic dishes like boeuf bourguignon, vegetable tart or onion soup, all of which play an important part of French food culture. There’s a whole variety of restaurants in the city to try, from modern spaces serving Michelin-starred dining to local dishes served up at charming bistros in the backstreets.

Montmarte is one of our favourite areas to explore for foodies – don’t miss the family run, hole-in-the-wall Le Poulbot for traditional French cuisine, or while away a summer afternoon over lunch in the courtyard of Le Moulin de la Galette. In October, this Parisian region hosts an annual fruit festival showcasing the very best vines. Over 40 bars and restaurants in the 18th arrondissement take part, so you can expect to find a whole host of markets and stalls lining the streets.

See our places to stay in Paris >

Normandy

For cheese, cider & coastal French flavours

Normandy is one of the top foodie regions in France, known for the more rustic end of the French food spectrum – seafood, cheese and cider, served simply and in lavish quantities. Spending a day in one of the family-run orchards, testing locally produced calvados or ciders, is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Normandy’s food culture before settling down to a picnic of local French cheeses and breads. Head to the coast for moules frites on the beach, there are dozens of beach shacks serving up locally caught seafood.

If you really want to get under the skin of Normandy, visit one of the many cookery schools in France. Wilde Kitchen, in Benoîtville, teaches you how to cook traditional Norman dishes such as poulet Vallée d’Auge (chicken with cream and apples) and teurgoule (rice pudding), but any of them will give you a good grounding in harnessing the magnificent local flavours.

See our places to stay in Normandy >

Provence

A dream destination for foodie holidays in France

Staying in Provence sometimes feels like living in a famous picture. Food takes centre stage on the canvas, and it’s all about simple flavours from spectacular fresh produce. Head to the fruit and veg markets, in famous old towns or by the side of the road, for the fresh seasonal produce Provence is known for. The region’s most famous dish is Bouillabaisse; the signature dish of Marseille. It requires a minimum of four types of fresh fish cooked in a rockfish stock with onions, tomatoes, garlic, saffron and herbs.

Amongst the zig-zag of idyllic side streets in Provence’s villages, you’ll find a host of amazing restaurants serving up the region’s dishes. Try world-famous truffles in the region of Vaucluse, particularly delicious in the ripened months of January and February. The “black diamond” truffles feature in a variety of dishes, shaved onto pasta or infused in oil over a salad. One of our favourite spots to try them has to be Le Petite Café in Oppede le Vieux, an eclectic dining spot set under a tree, perfect for anyone seeking an authentic foodie holiday in Provence.

See our places to stay in Provence >

Receive our guides, destination ideas and insider travel tips straight to your inbox

Burgundy

Wine & rich flavours in the heart of France

Burgundy is a must-visit for foodies in France. The local wine in this region is, of course, a highlight, but that isn’t all there is to Burgundy, which is one of the best regions in France for food lovers. Traditional restaurants serve up well-known dishes including boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin and l’escargot. Wine lovers can explore the Côtes de Beaune vineyards, by bike or even balloon, for a literal fresh perspective one of France’s finest gastronomic regions.

Again, there’s a great mix of fine dining and relaxed restaurants in the region. For incredible fresh food featuring seasonal, local produce try Au Fil du Zinc. Or, to try your hand at cooking some of the well-loved dishes, head to The Cook’s Atelier. Set in the heart of Beaune, this is a prime spot for food and wine lovers, and the cooking school uses only ingredients from local artisan producers.

See our places to stay in Burgundy >

Languedoc

Oysters, wine & regional specialities

The regional food of Languedoc is all about showcasing local flavours, from herb-infused olive oils, to anchovies from Étang de Thau, a large lagoon in the region. A food and wine holiday here might include a visit to the charming town of Limoux, where you can find local wineries producing sparkling Crémant de Limoux before a leisurely lunch in one of the restaurants at Place de la République in the heart of town.

One of the best known specialities in the Languedoc are the Thau Basin oysters as well as mussels, both of which are cultivated in the shallow lagoons on the coastal strip. Whilst in the upland areas, there’s greater emphasis on dishes with figs and goats cheese – ask any local resident which is their favourite chèvre and they’ll loyally tell you it’s the one produced in their own village!

See our places to stay in Languedoc >

Browse all our places to stay in France >

About foodie places in France

What are the best regions in France for foodies?
Provence, Lyon, Brittany, Alsace, Dordogne and Burgundy are among the top foodie destinations in France. Each offers a unique culinary heritage, signature dishes, and local ingredients, from truffle-infused dishes and creamy cheeses to fresh seafood, rustic stews, and world-renowned wines. If you’re planning a foodie holiday in France, these regions are packed with flavour and local character.

Where should I stay in France for a food-focused holiday?
Choose a characterful stay in a region known for its cuisine. Many of our stays are close to local food markets, vineyards or traditional bistros, and some even offer cookery classes, wine tastings or food tours. Whether you’re in search of rustic farmhouse kitchens or chic town apartments, there’s a perfect base for every gourmand.

What kind of food can I try on a holiday in France?
France is a food lover’s dream. Try seafood platters in Brittany, coq au vin in Burgundy, Bouillabaisse in Provence, or cheese and tarte flambée in Alsace. Each region has its own distinct dishes, seasonal ingredients and culinary festivals, making every visit a new adventure for your taste buds to discover.

Alice Cottingham

Sawday's Expert

Alice is part of our awesome PR team and is always one step ahead when it comes to finding up-and-coming destinations. While her focus is Europe-wide, she’s got a soft spot for UK towns and villages with a strong independent feel, especially foodie ones. She loves a hotel with a great restaurant, a B&B that does a brilliant breakfast or anywhere she can stroll to local shops and cafes. Triple points if there’s an honesty bar or a good cocktail list.

View more articles by this author