Top 12 French Dishes You Should Try on Your Trip to France

France is undeniably popular for its tourist destinations, fashion, and culinary industry. French dishes are often considered the most delicious food in the world.

French dishes not only satisfy your taste buds but also your eyes with their beautiful presentation. The delicious taste will make you want to revisit France. Although culinary tours in France can be expensive, especially at fancy restaurants, the quality of the dishes justifies the prices. Here is a list of 12 must-try French dishes when visiting the country.

1. Soupe À L’oignon

Soupe À L’oignon, or French Onion Soup, is a classic French appetizer made with onions, meat stock, eggs, and flour. It is usually served with cheese and croutons.

Although of French origin, French Onion Soup gained popularity in America during the 1960s. Many restaurants in France, like Le Marché in Paris, offer this dish with unforgettable flavors.

Le Marché is located at 2, place du Marché-Sainte-Catherine – 4e.

2. Coq Au Vin

Coq Au Vin is a delicious French stew made with chicken, red wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. Each region in France has its own variation of this dish based on the type of wine used.

La Jacobine in Paris is known for serving some of the best Coq Au Vin in the city.

La Jacobine is located at 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris.

3. Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a flavorful French dish made with beef, red wine, onions, garlic, and seasonings. It is a popular dish that has stood the test of time.

For a taste of authentic Beef Bourguignon, visit Le Café des Musées in Paris.

Le Café des Musées is located at 49 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.

4. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a hearty French stew made with beans, meat, and spices. It is a perfect dish to enjoy during winter for its warming properties.

Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes in Paris is renowned for its delicious Cassoulet.

Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes is located at 106 Rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 Paris.

5. Escargot

Escargot is a traditional French dish enjoyed by many. While its appearance may deter some, its unique flavor is worth a try.

Escargot, a land snail dish, is a popular delicacy not only in France but also in Portugal, Spain, and the northern coast of Africa, including Morocco and Algeria. Typically served as hors d’oeuvre or appetizers, escargot can be prepared in various ways using snail species such as Helix pomatia, Cornu aspersa, Helix lucorum, and Elona quimperiana. For an authentic taste of escargot, visit Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie in Paris, known for its cozy ambiance and late-night dining options.

Foie Gras, another must-try French dish, features goose or duck liver cooked with traditional French spices, offering a rich and buttery flavor. Various preparations of Foie Gras, such as Foie Gras Entier, Bloc de Foie Gras, and Pâté de foie gras, highlight the versatility of this dish. To savor the best Foie Gras in Paris, consider dining at L’Avant Comptoir or Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie.

Confit de Canard, a renowned duck-based dish in France dating back to the 16th century, offers a divine taste and tender duck meat. The lengthy cooking process involves marinating the duck in oil before preserving it in goose fat for optimal flavor. For an unforgettable Confit de Canard experience, visit Les Philosophes in Paris.

Tarte Tatin, named after the hotel that created it, features caramelized fruit atop a shortcrust pastry base. Originally made with specific apple varieties, Tarte Tatin can now incorporate various fruits like pears, peaches, and even onions. Ble Sucre in Paris is known for its special Tarte Tatin recipe, providing a delightful dessert option.

Bouillabaisse, a popular seafood stew originating from Marseille, France, combines a variety of fish and seafood with vegetables to create a flavorful dish. Traditionally made with bony rockfish for its stock, Bouillabaisse stands out for its unique taste and use of Mediterranean ingredients. Many restaurants and stalls in Marseille offer Bouillabaisse on their menus, starting at €25 per portion. Croissant

One of the most beloved French pastries is the croissant. This buttery, flaky, and perfectly toasted bread is a favorite for breakfast, especially when paired with a cup of coffee. Made of layered dough rolled into a crescent shape, the croissant has been a staple since the renaissance era and became more widely available in the 1970s when factories started producing semi-finished frozen dough for quick consumption. La Croissanterie is one of the most popular brands, supplying a significant percentage of bakeries in France.

In Paris, one of the best places to enjoy a croissant is at Des Gâteaux et du Pain, located at 63 Boulevard Pasteur, Paris 15eme or 89 Rue du Bac, Paris 7eme, where you can savor a piece for €1.5.

Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is a decadent French dessert known worldwide for its rich custard cream topped with burnt sugar that forms a caramelized layer. Best served chilled with warm sugar for a contrasting texture, this dessert typically features a vanilla-flavored custard, but variations with different flavors are also available. Many restaurants and cafes in France offer Crème Brûlée, including Le Coupe Chou at 11 Rue de Lanneau, 7505 Paris, known for its cozy atmosphere and budget-friendly menu.

Chocolate Mousse

Another popular French dessert is Chocolate Mousse, a must-try for chocolate enthusiasts. This dish features a fluffy and creamy mousse with a variety of textures and flavors, ranging from sweet to savory. Sweet mousse is made with whipped egg whites, cream, or both, while savory mousse incorporates ingredients like meat, fish, or vegetables and is served warm. Chez Janou at 2 Rue Roger Verlomme (Rue des Tournelles) 75004 Paris is a recommended spot to indulge in soft, sweet, and delicious chocolate mousse.

When visiting France, be sure to sample these authentic French dishes for a truly delightful culinary experience. French cuisine is known for its quality over quantity, offering just the right portion sizes to satisfy your taste buds. Which of these dishes are you most excited to try when you visit France?

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