The best food in France: 10 classic dishes to remember

France is famous for many things — the Eiffel Tower, Edith Piaf, and its cuisine. The food in France is a vibrant celebration of history, technique, and passion. From flaky croissants in Paris to rich coq au vin, French cuisine has earned its reputation as a cornerstone of global gastronomy.

This guide to 10 must-eat dishes highlights the country’s culinary darlings, from the cobbled Lyon neighborhoods to sunny Marseille. Pour yourself a glass of wine and get ready to savor the most iconic foods to try in France, from entrée to dessert.

1. Croissant

Flaky, buttery, and irresistibly light, the croissant is a breakfast icon worldwide. This crescent-shaped pastry traces its origins to Austria but was perfected in France, where it’s a morning staple. Made with layers of dough and butter folded repeatedly, the croissant’s crisp exterior and soft interior are a testament to French baking finesse.

How to eat the best croissant in France?

Head to a Paris neighborhood boulangerie (bakery) early in the morning for freshly baked croissants, which you can pair with a café au lait. For something sweeter, opt for the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) or almond croissant.

2. Escargots de Bourgogne

Escargots de Bourgogne, or Burgundy snails, are a classic example of how the French turn humble ingredients into gourmet delights. These tender snails are cooked in a luscious blend of garlic, parsley, and butter. Traditionally served in their shells, escargots are a delicacy where half the fun is scooping them out.

How to eat the best escargots de Bourgogne in France?

For the freshest experience, visit Bourgogne, where the dish originated. Pair them with a crisp Chablis or a light Pinot Noir during a Bourgogne wine tasting. Most restaurants provide bread for mopping up the garlicky butter.

3. Baguette

No discussion of food in France is complete without the baguette. While this long, golden loaf is made simply with flour, water, yeast, and salt, its art lies in achieving the perfect balance between a crackling crust and a soft, airy interior. Every boulangerie has its own secret technique, ensuring no two baguettes are exactly the same.

How to eat the best baguette in France?

Visit an award-winning boulangerie with a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (Best Craftsman of France) award, such as Poilâne in Paris’ 6th arrondissement. Alternatively, master the perfect baguette yourself at a Paris cooking class.

4. Ratatouille

Forget the animated rat — the real star here is Provençal produce. Ratatouille combines zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs de Provence, slowly cooked until their flavors meld into a rich, fragrant dish. Often served as a side or a light main course, it embodies the rustic charm of southern France’s culinary traditions.

How to eat the best ratatouille in France?

Savor this popular food in a Provençal village like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and pair it with a crisp rosé from the surrounding vineyards. Consider joining a Provence winery tour to explore the region’s world-class rosés.

5. Coq au vin

Rustic, hearty, and deeply comforting, coq au vin is the quintessential French food to eat in winter. Translating to “rooster in wine,” this dish originated in Bourgogne, where farmers simmered tough meat in local Pinot Noir. The result is tender chicken in a rich sauce enhanced with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. A Bourgogne food tour is perfect for learning more about the region’s mouthwatering cuisine.

How to eat the best coq au vin in France?

Pair your meal with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a twist, try coq au vin blanc made with white wine.

6. Bouillabaisse

This famous food is as dramatic as Marseille itself, even though it began as a humble fisherman’s stew, combining unsellable fish with herbs and saffron. Today, bouillabaisse is a decadent dish that mixes fresh sea bass, monkfish, and mussels in a rich, aromatic broth. A dollop of rouille — saffron garlic mayo — and crusty bread complete the experience.

How to eat the best bouillabaisse in France?

Head to Marseille’s Old Port, where establishments like Le Miramar serve authentic versions of this dish. Before dining, build up your appetite with a Marseille walking tour to explore the city’s unique streets and local markets.

7. Crêpes

The humble crêpe has royal roots, originating in Brittany in the 13th century. Sweet crêpes are filled with sugar, fruit, or Nutella, while savory galettes, made with buckwheat flour, feature hearty fillings like ham, cheese, or eggs. These versatile treats are a staple of French cuisine, enjoyed as a sit-down meal or street food. Exploring cozy crêperies is the perfect rainy-day activity in Brittany for plenty of warmth and flavor.

How to eat the best crêpes in France?

For authenticity, head to Brittany. Try a galette at Crêperie Saint-Georges in Rennes, paired with a glass of Breton cider.

8. French onion soup

Born in the Parisian markets of Les Halles, French onion soup was once a late-night staple for traders. This humble dish of caramelized onions, beef stock, and cheesy croutons became a bistro classic, perfect for warming cold hands on winter nights. The melted Gruyère atop golden baguette slices is irresistible.

How to eat the best French onion soup in France?

After a late-night Paris Seine River cruise, cozy up at Au Pied de Cochon, which has been famous for serving this dish since 1947. Pair it with a glass of Beaujolais for a warming Parisian treat.

9. Tarte tatin

This caramelized upside-down apple tart was a happy accident at the Tatin sisters’ hotel in the Loire Valley. Apples cooked in sugar and butter were mistakenly topped with pastry and baked — and the rest is delicious history. A Loire palace and castle tour is perfect for immersing yourself in the region’s heritage before savoring this classic dessert.

How to eat the best tarte tatin in France?

Taste this must-eat dish in the Loire Valley, where patisseries honor its origins. Pair it with a sweet Riesling or Chenin Blanc wine for a delightful finish.

10. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is the epitome of French comfort food, originating in Languedoc. Slow-cooked white beans, duck confit, garlic sausage, and pork meld together in a traditional cassole (casserole dish). Linked to medieval sieges, this hearty dish embodies warmth and tradition.

How to eat the best cassoulet in France?

Castelnaudary claims the title of “cassoulet capital,” but Toulouse also offers irresistible renditions. Enjoy it at a cozy bistro after exploring Place du Capitole. Pair with a Corbières red wine to elevate the dish’s rich flavors.

FAQs: Food in France

Generated with the help of AI.

What is a typical French menu?

A typical French menu often begins with potage (soup) or hors d’oeuvres, followed by a salade verte (green salad). The main course usually features viande avec garniture (meat with vegetables) before concluding with cheese and dessert. This sequence reflects the traditional structure of a French meal and is a must for first-timers in Paris, offering a balanced and flavorful dining experience.

What is a popular delicacy in French cuisine?

Cassoulet is a famous food from southern France, known for its hearty, slow-cooked preparation. It typically includes duck, garlic sausage, pork skin, and white beans. However, modern variations you may sample during a Lyon food tour might feature different meats like beef.

Is wine culture strong in France?

Wine culture is deeply ingrained in French history and society, with each region known for its unique varieties. From the bold reds of Bordeaux to the sparkling wines of Champagne, wine represents French heritage and pride. For those enjoying a solo trip in Nice, exploring local vineyards or sipping rosé by the sea is a must. Meals often include wine thoughtfully paired to enhance the food’s flavors.

What food is France known for?

France is celebrated for its rich culinary heritage, featuring must-eat dishes like coq au vin, cassoulet, and steak tartare. Savoring these hearty dishes in a local bistro is among the best things to do at night in Paris. Escargots and croque monsieur are also popular, alongside beloved French desserts such as macarons and crème brûlée. The country is also famous for its diverse cheeses.

Is the food in France expensive?

The cost of food in France varies depending on where and how you dine. Eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant or in a tourist-heavy area can be pricey. However, budget-friendly options like neighborhood bistros, crêperies, and local markets, like the popular Aix-en-Provence market, offer fresh, affordable ingredients. Prix fixe menus, which provide several courses for a set price, are a popular and economical way to enjoy authentic French cuisine.