France
French Food Guide for Travelers
French cuisine has shaped the way the entire world cooks and eats. From flaky croissants at a Parisian cafe to bouillabaisse on the Marseille waterfront, French food rewards both the big splurge and the casual bistro meal.
How French Meals Are Structured
A French meal follows a rhythm: aperitif, entree (starter), plat principal (main), fromage, dessert, and cafe. You're never expected to order everything. At lunch, the formule is extraordinary value.
Regional Cuisines of France
Provence does olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and seafood. Burgundy is wine-braised dishes. Brittany specialises in crepes, oysters, and cider. The southwest is duck and truffles. Alsace blends French and German. Lyon is the gastronomic capital.
The Boulangerie and the Market
The boulangerie and the weekly market are where France really shines. Pick up supplies for a picnic lunch and eat in a park — cheaper, often better, and absolutely what the French do.
Wine Without Intimidation
French wine is by region, not grape. House wine is almost always good. Ask for 'un verre de rouge/blanc'. In wine regions, order local. Lucy explains any wine list and suggests pairings.
Must-Try Dishes
Croissant au Beurre
$Shattering crisp layers outside, soft and buttery inside. Eat from a boulangerie, ideally still warm.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
Steak Frites
$$Perfectly cooked steak with hand-cut fries. The benchmark bistro meal. Order 'a point' (medium-rare).
Naturally gluten-free (fries may be cross-contaminated)
Moules Marinieres
$$Mussels steamed in white wine, shallots, garlic, and parsley, with crusty bread and frites.
Contains shellfish, dairy, gluten
Coq au Vin
$$Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and lardons. A rustic Burgundian dish.
May contain gluten (flour thickener); contains meat
Crepes
$Paper-thin pancakes — galettes (buckwheat, savoury) or dessert crepes (wheat, sweet). Brittany's gift.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs; buckwheat galettes are wheat-free
Bouillabaisse
$$$Marseille's fish stew — Mediterranean fish in saffron-tomato broth with rouille and croutons.
Contains fish, shellfish, gluten, eggs
Confit de Canard
$$Duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat until falling off the bone, then crisped. Southwest France.
Naturally gluten-free; contains meat
Tarte Tatin
$$Upside-down caramelised apple tart baked with butter and sugar.
Contains gluten, dairy
Menu Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Entree | Starter (NOT main course — a classic English-speaker confusion) | Courses |
| Plat principal | Main course | Courses |
| Formule / Menu | Fixed-price set meal — the best value | Dining |
| Carte | A la carte menu | Dining |
| Poisson | Fish | Proteins |
| Volaille | Poultry | Proteins |
| Boeuf | Beef | Proteins |
| Agneau | Lamb | Proteins |
| Braise | Braised/slow-cooked | Cooking Methods |
| Gratine | Topped with cheese and browned | Cooking Methods |
| L'addition | The bill | Dining |
Dietary Restriction Guide
Vegetarian
Improving but still challenging. Cheese plates, omelettes, salads, ratatouille, quiche, and crepes with cheese and vegetables are reliable. 'Je suis vegetarien/ne' is now widely understood in cities.
Vegan
Historically difficult, now better in Paris and Lyon. Ratatouille, green salads, bread (typically vegan), and vegetable soups are safer bets. Say 'sans viande, sans poisson, sans produits laitiers, sans oeufs'.
Gluten-Free
Challenging given French reliance on bread, pastry, and flour sauces. Grilled meats, fish, salads, and cheese plates are safe. Buckwheat galettes are naturally wheat-free.
Common Allergies
Dairy in almost everything. Nuts in pastries and some sauces. EU law requires allergen information. Say 'J'ai une allergie a...'.
Ordering Tips
- •Always order the formule at lunch — dramatically cheaper than a la carte and what locals eat.
- •Start with 'Bonjour' when entering any establishment. Skipping this is considered very rude.
- •Bread arrives automatically and is free. It sits on the table — this is normal.
- •Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water. Just 'eau' may get expensive bottled water.
- •Service is included by law. Tipping is not expected, but 1-2 euros is a nice gesture.