Getting Oriented
Food is an important aspect of travel, offering a view into the very heart of a place—its traditions, cultural norms, and values. France, of course, takes it to another level. The entire world applauds French cuisine, mostly for its high-quality standards. You'll find farm-fresh everything—cheeses, olive oils, cider, and wine—and markets offering some of the world's best produce. Inside cafes, you'll find tasty pastries at all hours of the day and restaurants offering traditional fare and unusual dishes, such as snails, frog legs, and duck liver.
Northern Tastes
France is a large country with a diverse history, meaning that much of its famed cuisine can vary depending on the region. Find the culinary mecca of Paris in the north, plus much of the country's precious farmland.
Pastry Tour of Le Marais in Paris
Why not pair the hip neighborhood of Le Marais with a delicious pastry tour? Known for some of the best shops, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in the city, you'll taste all the French goodies: crépes, crème brûlée, pain au chocolat, espresso, hand-made chocolates, macarons, and more. With the help of a resident, end your excursion with a visit to the city's oldest food market, Marché des Enfants Rouges. Although it may seem intimidating, join the locals and barter for your favorite treat as a true Parisian! Read More
Unique French Food Tour in Paris
The world knows and loves French cuisine, but some of the country's most famous dishes don't appeal to all! Challenge your taste buds with some of the most unique specialties in France, including snails, frog legs, duck liver, and more. After learning the history behind these dishes and how to prepare them (and taking a few bites), you might walk away from the experience with a few new favorites—or at least with an entirely new perspective on French cuisine! Read More
Gourmet Cheese & Cider Tasting in Normandy
Learn why the French love Normandy with a cider and cheese tour through this adored agricultural region. You'll first discover the production of Camembert, meeting the dairy cows, and tasting a few varieties of other Norman cheeses. Then head to an apple orchard to observe how the region creates its famed apple cider and brandy (some that are 45 years old). En route, you'll stop at an idyllic farmhouse for lunch featuring regional specialties, including salad, andouille, baguette, teurgoule (a rice pudding specific to Normandy), butter, cheeses, ciders, and more. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Southern Treats
The south of France offers a true smorgasbord of farm-fresh fare. With endless outdoor markets, olive groves, and vineyards, it's easy to indulge.
Food & Market Tour of Nice
Discover the famous culinary scene of Nice with a tasty food tour. After strolling through Nice's Old Town (Vieille Ville), passing ancient buildings, and traversing expansive plazas, get off the beaten path and explore a more authentic side of the city. Stop at beloved spots, such as Liberation Market, local hangouts, and favorite mom-and-pop shops to taste the region's delicacies. While enjoying the flavors of Niçois cuisine, you'll also learn what makes the city's gastronomy so unique and special. Read More
Olive Oil & Wine Estates of Provence
Within the scenic Alpilles Nature Reserve, you'll find long stretches of olive groves and vineyards set against a backdrop of rocky peaks. Start the day in a typical Provençal farmhouse and taste different varieties of olive oil. Then take the famed Route de Vins and visit three wine estates: the luxurious Estoublon Chateau, the massive Grand Castelet, and the family-run Mas Carlin. Taste organic varietals, robust reds, and refreshing rosés while learning about the region's unique wine heritage. Read More
Cassis & Bandol Rosé Wine Tour
Along the coast of Provence, you'll find the scenic villages of Cassis and Bandol, known for their wines, particularly crisp rosés, refreshing whites, and solid reds. Set on the edge of the picturesque Calanques National Park, enjoy scenes of vineyards meeting rocky limestone cliffs that plunge into the turquoise sea. You'll tour the estates' facilities, learning more about the region's wine heritage while tasting a few different varietals. End the excursion with lunch in Cassis. Read More
Provençal Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence
Discover the buzz around Provence's signature cuisine by touring Aix-en-Provence's famous markets and taking a cooking class. After enjoying the markets, tasting regional specialties, and purchasing your supplies, you'll drive through the scenic Montaiguet Forest, stopping to pick up some wine at a locals' favorite shop. Then, join your host in a cozy farmhouse and learn how to prepare some of the region's famed recipes. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Culinary Itinerary in France
If you're a foodie, France is the perfect hub for you. Regardless of where you choose to travel in the country, you'll find France's signature cuisine awaiting you. When deciding on how many days to spend in France, give yourself enough time to pair cities and countryside. This way, you'll enjoy both the country's famed cafe and restaurant scene and all that its agricultural heartlands have to offer. At least one week in France will do the trick, but additional time will allow you to experience more culinary diversity.
Combine foodie cities like Paris, Nice, or Lyon with agricultural areas like Normandy and Provence. Complete a wine trip with visits to Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, Alsace, and the French Riviera. Or, simply go wherever you want in France and know that you'll find the country's beloved cuisine in every corner!
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following itineraries that include culinary experiences in France: