What are the best destinations for foodies in France?

French gastronomy is renowned for its richness and diversity. The French gastronomic meal has even been listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.

When travelling in France, it is therefore essential to explore its incredible gastronomy and all the flavours and regional specialities the country has to offer. To truly experience the full breadth of French cuisine, you’ll need to travel to every corner of the Hexagon, as each region boasts its own distinctive dishes and traditions.

Some cities, however, stand out as unmissable stops on any culinary journey through France. In this guide, we reveal the secrets of France’s great gastronomic cities and their specialities.

 

Key Takeaways:

• France is a true culinary paradise, with each region offering its own specialities — from Lyon’s hearty local cuisine to Paris’s refined dishes, the wines of Bordeaux, and the Alsatian flavours of Strasbourg.
• Lyon, regarded as the gastronomic capital, is famous for its traditional bouchons, its emblematic dishes such as quenelles or saucisson brioché, and the legacy of the celebrated “Lyonnaise Mothers”.
• Paris combines prestige and creativity with its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic bistros, and historical influence on the evolution of French cuisine.
• Dijon, at the heart of Burgundy, captivates visitors with its mustard, renowned wines, cheeses such as époisses, and signature dishes like boeuf bourguignon and escargots.
• Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Marseille complete this culinary panorama, each with its strong regional identity: wine and cannelés in Bordeaux, choucroute and flammekueche in Strasbourg, and bouillabaisse and Mediterranean cuisine in Marseille.

Nicknamed the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon is known for its many culinary specialities, served in its famous bouchons lyonnais.

These typical local restaurants date back to the 19th century, when the city was a major centre for the silk industry. The silk workers, known as canuts, worked on the Croix-Rousse hill and would go for lunch in small eateries serving hearty, homemade, affordable dishes — the first bouchons lyonnais.

Towards the end of the 19th century, many women who had worked as cooks in wealthy households became self-employed following the economic crisis. Known as the Mères lyonnaises (Lyonnaise Mothers), they opened small restaurants serving dishes made with fresh market produce. Among the most famous were Mère Guy, Eugénie Brazier and Mère Léa.

Originally frequented by workers, craftsmen and shopkeepers, the bouchons have retained their popular charm — think red-checked tablecloths, a friendly atmosphere and generous portions.

Several typical dishes have made Lyon and its bouchons famous:

• Saucisson brioché: a cooked sausage wrapped in a brioche pastry.
• Pâté en croûte: a seasoned meat filling baked in a golden crust.
• Tablier de sapeur: breaded beef tripe, served with sauce gribiche.
• Quenelles de brochet: a light pike dumpling served with sauce Nantua.
• Poulet aux morilles: chicken with morel mushrooms.
• Boudin aux pommes: black pudding served with apples and butter-fried potatoes.

Among the most famous bouchons lyonnais, we recommend:

• Chez Paul
• La Mère Léa
• Chez Chabert
• L’Auberge des Canuts
• Daniel et Denise
• La Tête de Lard

Paris is not only the capital of France — it’s also one of the country’s greatest gastronomic destinations! It was here, in the 18th century, that the first modern restaurants appeared, along with France’s great culinary houses and the most prestigious cooking schools.

Many of France’s greatest chefs trained here, including:

• Auguste Escoffier
• Paul Bocuse
• Joël Robuchon
• Alain Ducasse
• Guy Savoy
• Anne-Sophie Pic
• and many more.

Today, Paris is an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience French gastronomy at its finest. Between its grand classic establishments, traditional bistros and creative restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The city boasts over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, where dishes are masterfully crafted to offer a truly exceptional dining experience. Among the most renowned are:

• Guy Savoy – a three-star restaurant voted “Best Restaurant in the World” in 2024.
• Arpège by Alain Passard – a three-star venue serving exclusively plant-based cuisine.
• Le Meurice by Alain Ducasse
• L’Ambroisie

Parisian bistros perfectly embody the soul of French cuisine and contribute greatly to the city’s unique charm. They offer authentic French fare, often at more affordable prices. Typical dishes include escargots, oeuf mayonnaise, rosette de Lyon, homemade terrine de campagne, roast free-range chicken, black pudding and confit de canard.

Some emblematic addresses worth visiting:

• Le bouillon Chartier
• Bistrot Paul Bert
• Le Comptoir du Relais
• Chez Georges

Located in the heart of Burgundy, Dijon is world-famous for its mustard, prestigious wines and regional produce. Once the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, the city has enjoyed a rich culinary heritage since the Middle Ages.

In 2022, Dijon inaugurated the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, celebrating this remarkable legacy.

Dijon is the gateway to the Route des Grands Crus, one of the world’s most famous wine routes. It passes through several legendary villages, including:

• Gevrey-Chambertin
• Nuits-Saint-Georges
• Beaune
• Pommard
• Meursault, and more.

Several emblematic dishes originated in Dijon, such as:

• the famous Boeuf Bourguignon;
• Oeufs en meurette (poached eggs in red wine sauce);
• Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails);
• and Poulet Gaston Gérard, to name but a few.

Burgundy’s cheeses are also celebrated worldwide: Époisses, Soumaintrain, Ami du Chambertin and Cîteaux are just a few examples.

For those with a sweet tooth, Dijon is also known for its pain d’épices (spiced bread), crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and nonnettes (honey cakes).

Here are some unmissable addresses during your stay in Dijon:

• Loiseau des Ducs – located in the city centre near Place de la Libération, this Michelin-starred restaurant represents the excellence of Burgundian cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Le Pourquoi Pas – a cosy restaurant offering a menu that changes every fortnight; it’s very popular, so make sure to book ahead!
• L’un des Sens – a superb venue showcasing modern and inventive French cuisine.
• Foodies – just a few steps from Place François Rude, this restaurant won the 2023 award for Best Traditional Burger. Its founder, Julien Chauvenet, combines classic burger style with local produce; the Époisses burger is a must-try.
• Le Bouillon Notre-Dame – located opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral, this bouillon serves traditional dishes at affordable prices. No booking required — just turn up and enjoy!

The world capital of wine, Bordeaux is also an unmissable gastronomic destination. Here you’ll find a convivial, authentic and generous cuisine that perfectly reflects the art of living in the South-West of France.

A port city open to the world, Bordeaux became famous as early as the 18th century for its wine and spice merchants. Its gastronomy naturally developed around wine — the cornerstone of local culture — as well as around the many regional products of Gascony. The city’s cuisine has also been shaped by neighbouring regions such as the Landes, the Basque Country, the Périgord and the Atlantic coast.

Today, Bordeaux is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its culinary scene has earned international acclaim.

As the wine capital of the world, sampling Bordeaux wines is essential to truly understand the city’s gastronomic richness. With over 7,000 wine estates, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Among the most famous vineyards are:

• Médoc (Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien)
• Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
• Graves & Pessac-Léognan
• Sauternes
• Entre-Deux-Mers

You can also visit the châteaux themselves for wine tastings directly at the source.

The Cité du Vin, a world-famous interactive museum, is another must-see for anyone wishing to learn more about Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage.

But Bordeaux is not just about wine — several iconic dishes have also contributed to its reputation, including:

• Entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak in red wine and shallot sauce)
• Lamproie à la bordelaise (lamprey stewed in red wine)
• Duck confit and magret de canard
• Cèpes à la bordelaise (sautéed porcini mushrooms)
• Goose cracklings and rillettes
• Oysters from the Arcachon Bay

The region also produces a range of excellent cheeses, such as Tomme de Bordeaux, Chèvre du Lot-et-Garonne and Bleu de Gex, best enjoyed with a glass of full-bodied red wine.

Bordeaux also has a sweet side: cannelés, the city’s signature pastries, are small cakes caramelised on the outside and soft inside. Other regional treats include dunes blanches, Saint-Émilion macarons, and tourtières (apple or prune tarts).

During your stay in Bordeaux, several spots deserve a visit. The city is home to numerous lively markets and food halls, such as:

• Marché des Capucins
• Halles de Bacalan
• Marché des Chartrons

A few emblematic restaurants also stand out:

• Le Pressoir d’Argent Gordon Ramsay – a two-star Michelin restaurant offering refined and creative cuisine.
• La Tupina – a Bordeaux institution serving authentic South-West dishes cooked over a wood fire.
• Symbiose – both cocktail bar and restaurant, offering sustainable gastronomy and beautifully crafted dishes.
• Le Chapon Fin – a historic fine-dining restaurant with a rococo ambience, serving menus based on local ingredients and an exceptional wine list.

The capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament, Strasbourg is also one of the great centres of French gastronomy.

A strategic crossroads between France and Germany since the Middle Ages, Strasbourg still bears the mark of this dual cultural heritage — something clearly reflected in its cuisine. White wine, beer and hearty dishes dominate the local table.

Strasbourg’s unique Franco-German identity is evident in its culinary traditions. Among the city’s emblematic dishes are:

• Choucroute garnie: sauerkraut served with sausages, smoked ham, bacon and potatoes.
• Flammekueche (tarte flambée): a thin-crust tart topped with cream, onions and bacon — or with cheese for an even richer version.
• Baeckeoffe: a white wine and herb-marinated meat stew with potatoes and vegetables.
• Foie gras d’Alsace: best enjoyed with onion confit or spiced bread.
• Coq au Riesling: a local variant of coq au vin made with Alsatian white wine.

Cheese also plays a part in the local cuisine, notably Munster, a strong, aromatic cheese often enjoyed on rye bread with a glass of white wine.

Strasbourg is also known for its sweet delights, such as:

• Bretzels, the true symbol of the city.
• Kougelhopf, a brioche cake with raisins and almonds.
• Strasbourg pain d’épices (spiced bread), especially popular during Christmas.
• Plum or blueberry tarts.
• Alsatian macarons made with almonds or hazelnuts.

Drinks are equally central to Strasbourg’s culture. Among the most typical are:

• Alsace white wines, perfect with local dishes and cheeses.
• Crémant d’Alsace, ideal as an aperitif or with dessert.
• Alsatian beers such as Kronenbourg, Fischer or Météor.
• Fruit brandies and liqueurs made from Williams pear, mirabelle or cherry (kirsch).

Among Strasbourg’s most noteworthy addresses:

• Bistro Polo – a modern, budget-friendly option ideal for lunch or a casual dinner.
• La Fignette – perfect for discovering regional cuisine without breaking the bank.
• Aux Armes de Strasbourg – a typical brasserie serving homemade Alsatian dishes.
• Maison Kammerzell – a historic building and true city landmark; slightly pricier but an absolute must for authentic Alsatian cuisine.
• Chez Yvonne – a warm, traditional setting offering an excellent taste of local fare.

Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is both a bustling fishing port and a vibrant, popular city. A true cultural crossroads, its cuisine reflects a melting pot of influences.

Marseille is famous for its many culinary specialities, which embody the essence of French Mediterranean cuisine. When in the city, make sure to try these iconic dishes:

• Bouillabaisse: the city’s signature fish stew, served in two courses — first the broth, then the fish — accompanied by garlic-rubbed croutons. Expect to pay a little extra for this authentic experience.
• Aïoli: a Provençal garlic and olive oil sauce, ideal with steamed vegetables, fish or boiled eggs.
• Pieds paquets: a traditional dish made from stuffed tripe and sheep’s feet, slow-cooked in wine or tomato sauce.
• Tartinades: olive tapenade, anchovy paste or caper spreads — essential for a true Marseillais aperitif.
• Navettes: crisp orange blossom biscuits typical of the city.
• Panisse: chickpea flour fritters, another local classic.

To fully appreciate the flavours of Marseille, it’s best to book tables at the city’s reputable restaurants — and whenever possible, venture away from the most touristy areas for a more authentic (and affordable) experience.

A pastis or glass of rosé accompanied by tapenade makes for a perfect introduction to the city’s relaxed lifestyle.

Some recommended spots include:

• Chez Fonfon – set in a charming little fishing port, this long-established restaurant serves excellent bouillabaisse in a picturesque setting. Booking essential.
• Chez Michel – opposite Place des Catalans, this elegant venue specialises in seafood and traditional Provençal dishes. Expect a higher price range.
• Chez Madie les Galinettes – offers Provençal cuisine at more accessible prices, with regional dishes such as pieds paquets. Less touristy, but reservations recommended.
• Le Bouchon Provençal – a typical bistro offering classic Provençal fare in a friendly atmosphere.
• L’Avant Cour – located in the Vallon des Auffes, this restaurant offers a fine selection of local seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful setting.
• La Poule Noire – a reliable choice for discovering regional cuisine in an inviting atmosphere, perfect after exploring the old town.

French cuisine is exceptionally rich and remains one of the defining elements of the country’s unique identity. Whether you’re seated at a bistro table, enjoying a café terrace, or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, the experience is always worth it.

From Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille to Dijon and Strasbourg, every city offers its own distinct flavours and traditions. Of course, many other destinations could have been mentioned — such as Toulouse, Nantes, Bayonne or Brest — not to mention the countless villages across France filled with hidden culinary gems.

We hope this guide helps you experience the full richness of French cuisine — and that you leave France with a full stomach and a smile on your face!