A gastronomic way of life: France travel tips from a local expert

Inspired by the flavors of the terroir, our local expert Lucie brims with a passion for exploring her home country through its gastronomy. Here, she shares her top culinary favorites with us, alongside some inspiring France travel tips to get you thinking about making a journey of your own…

What’s your favorite thing about living in France?

My favorite thing about living in France is the way of life around the gastronomy. I love starting my weekend by strolling through the local market of Montpellier, picking up fresh and seasoned produces, and chatting with vendors. They are all so friendly that grocery shopping becomes a real pleasure.

In France, the food culture is truly amazing, with delicious traditional dishes and a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, not to forget the wine. You know what they say about French families: while having lunch, they discuss the dinner menu.

Do you have a top recommendation for first-time visitors?

If you’re visiting France, I highly recommend doing a food-related activity! A food tour could be the best way to explore local flavors, while learning about the culture and history behind French gastronomy.

If you like cooking, then a cooking class is a hands-on experience where you can learn traditional recipes from local chefs and take home new culinary skills. Otherwise, a wine tasting is perfect for discovering regional wines, understanding the terroir, and learning all the subtleties of wine.

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone visiting your country?

While you’re visiting France, I’d recommend taking the time to truly soak in the local atmosphere. Start your day with a visit to a local market, take time to wander through the stalls, buy a few products for a picnic, and don’t be afraid to chat with the vendors.

Then, to end on the perfect note, find a cozy café, order a coffee or maybe a glass of white wine (with fresh oysters if you are close to the sea), and simply enjoy the moment. Watching people pass by, feeling the rhythm of the place—it’s the best way to experience the authentic way of life in France.

Could you share your top three personal highlights?

That’s a difficult question, there’s so much to see… But my heart would first go to l’Île de Ré. A true gem on the Atlantic coast, this island is a paradise of charming villages, long sandy beaches, and pleasant cycling paths. Whether you’re exploring the villages made of whitewashed houses with green shutters, enjoying fresh seafood in a harborside restaurant, or simply soaking up the ocean air at the beach, ‘lÎle de Ré is a must-visit.

Then I would highly recommend the region in Provence around Sainte-Croix Lake and the Verdon Gorge. This area is breathtaking, with its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you’re kayaking on the lake, hiking along the Verdon Gorge, or just admiring the stunning views, this area showcases France’s natural beauty at its best.

Finally, I highly recommend visiting at least one castle. The most famous is of course Versailles, near Paris. But there are also Renaissance castles in the Loire Valley, such as the Château de Chambord, and medieval fortresses in the South of France, like Carcassonne.

Read more: A guide to Paris’ best arrondissements

When would you say is the best time to visit France?

The best time to visit France is in spring. At that time of the year, the weather gets nice and the days are longer. I truly love the blooming trees and flowers in the countryside. This season is less busy than summer, as well, so even better to enjoy the places you visit.

What is a must-try dish that you’d recommend to all travelers?

For a non-vegetarian, blanquette de veau is a must-try! It’s a rich and creamy French veal stew with tender meat, simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and finished with a luscious white sauce. It’s a comforting, classic dish that captures the essence of French cuisine.

For vegetarians, soupe au pistou is an excellent choice. This vibrant vegetable soup from Provence, flavored with a fragrant pistou sauce, offers a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it both hearty and delicious. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean in a bowl!

Make it happen

Our local experts are on hand and ready to help you put together an epic France travel experience that’s entirely tailor-made for you. From immersive activities and authentic encounters, you’re guaranteed a memorable time away. Get in touch with them for even more France travel tips and to start planning…