Four amazing meals to try in France

Photo by Fenne Buitenrust Hettema on Unsplash 

From the diverse, world-renowned cuisine of Paris to the authentic Bouchons of Lyon, dining in France is a mouth-watering experience. Whilst images of warm croissants and sweet breakfast pastries may spring to mind when you first think of French food, there’s a range of traditional dishes and meals to suit all tastes across the country. Whether you’re a foodie or just plain hungry, you’ll find an array of dishes on your visit to France which are sure to give you a new appreciation for its unique cuisine. 

On your next trip to France, be sure to try these four amazing plates.

Omelette aux truffes

This regional recipe from Perigord features one of the rarest and most expensive ingredients in the world. The black truffle is a fungus that grows underground near the roots of certain trees in France. Many delectable dishes contain the rich flavour of the truffle, from pasta bowls to risottos, but one of the best ways to sample this classy ingredient is with an omelette, best enjoyed on a sunny terrace as a delicious brunch-time meal. The omelette aux truffes is a simple yet tantalising way to experience the iconic French savoury truffle.

Coq au Vin 

Far from an average stew, this hearty and comforting dish is a classic French meal well worth trying when in the country. Made from pieces of rooster marinated in aromatic herbs and vegetables, it’s buttery, rich and filling. Best enjoyed with a glass of red wine and a side of potatoes, plenty of authentic restaurants and brasseries across the country will be serving Coq au Vin, a dish that's symbolic of French haute cuisine.

Tarte aux Pralines

The city of Lyon is known for its Bouchons serving an array of full-flavoured savoury French dishes, but the area is also famous for its unique dessert – rosy pink pralines. These irresistible little balls of heaven are often used to create Tarte aux Pralines, a sweet, sticky tart that is sure to satisfy the taste buds. As any good food tourist knows, eating at authentic restaurants that use fresh, local ingredients is the best way to taste your way across a new destination.

Bouillabaisse 

Known as the signature dish of Marseille, Bouillabaisse is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Somewhere between a soup and a stew, this fish-based dish is loaded with shellfish bubbling in a thick, flavoursome broth. Originally made by fishermen using the bones and bits of fish they didn’t sell, the dish has been developed and transformed into a signature meal of the oldest city in France. 

Plan ahead

To truly experience the flavours of France, it’s best to plan your meals ahead of time. Book tables at local restaurants and check they use authentic recipes and local ingredients. Of course, eating out every day can become expensive – but as a land bursting with fresh, delicious produce, there are plenty of farmer’s markets in France where you can purchase the ingredients to create your own mouth-watering, French-inspired meals at your hotel.