1. Croissants & Pastries

A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a freshly baked croissant. Light, flaky, and buttery, these pastries are best enjoyed with a café au lait in a Parisian café. Be sure to try pain au chocolat, a croissant filled with rich chocolate, or kouign-amann, a caramelized pastry from Brittany.

2. Baguette & French Bread

French bread is world-famous for its crispy crust and soft interior. The traditional baguette is a staple in French daily life, often eaten with butter, cheese, or as part of a sandwich. If you’re looking for something heartier, try pain de campagne, a rustic country bread.

3. Cheese (Fromage)

France is home to over 1,000 varieties of cheese, making it a haven for cheese lovers. Some must-try cheeses include Brie de Meaux (creamy and mild), Roquefort (a sharp blue cheese), and Camembert (rich and earthy). Enjoy them with a fresh baguette and a glass of wine for the ultimate experience.

4. Escargots de Bourgogne

For an adventurous culinary experience, try escargots, or snails, which are typically cooked with garlic, parsley, and butter. A specialty of Burgundy, this delicacy is surprisingly tender and packed with flavor.

5. Coq au Vin

A classic French dish, coq au vin is a slow-cooked stew made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon. This dish originates from the Burgundy region and is perfect for those who enjoy rich, comforting flavors.

6. Bouillabaisse

This flavorful seafood stew from Marseille features a mix of fresh fish, shellfish, tomatoes, saffron, and aromatic herbs. Traditionally served with rouille, a garlicky mayonnaise, bouillabaisse is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

7. Ratatouille

A vibrant and healthy dish, ratatouille is a Provençal vegetable stew made with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and herbs. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that pairs well with bread or as a side dish to meat or fish.

8. Steak Frites

A simple yet satisfying dish, steak frites consists of a perfectly cooked steak served with crispy French fries. Found in many Parisian bistros, it’s often accompanied by a rich béarnaise sauce or classic peppercorn sauce.

9. Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)

One of France’s most beloved dishes, duck confit is a slow-cooked duck leg that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Originating from the southwest of France, it is often served with roasted potatoes or vegetables.

10. Crepes & Galettes

Crêpes are thin pancakes that can be enjoyed sweet or savory. Try a crêpe sucrée with Nutella, sugar, or fruit, or opt for a galette, a buckwheat pancake from Brittany, filled with ham, cheese, and egg.

11. Tarte Tatin

A delightful dessert, tarte Tatin is a caramelized upside-down apple tart that is both buttery and sweet. Best served warm with a dollop of fresh cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a must-try for dessert lovers.

12. Macarons

These delicate, colorful meringue-based cookies filled with ganache or buttercream are a Parisian specialty. Available in a variety of flavors like raspberry, pistachio, and salted caramel, macarons from renowned patisseries such as Ladurée or Pierre Hermé are a true treat.

13. Creme Brulee

A classic French dessert, crème brûlée consists of a rich vanilla custard topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. The contrast between the crisp caramel topping and the creamy custard makes it an irresistible indulgence.

14. French Wines & Champagne

No culinary journey in France is complete without sampling its world-famous wines. From Bordeaux reds to Burgundy whites and Champagne from the Champagne region, each glass tells the story of French winemaking heritage.