Image 1 - Food guide, France, Source: pixabay.com

 

France is heaven for food lovers, especially its wine regions. While they are known for viticulture, regions like Bordeaux or Provence have so much to offer to foodies who are more interested in solid than a liquid diet. So, if you wish to explore the secrets of French wine regions, here’s a little culinary guide that will teach you a thing or two about the way French love to eat.

 

Provence

Provence is a place for everybody: romantics, adventurists, wine lovers and foodies. Provencal cuisine is quite simple, yet very lively and high-spirited, focusing on tastes and textures of ingredients that are in season like tomatoes, peppers, olives, saffron and garlic. The food of Provence is a lot of things, but it’s first and foremost Mediterranean and familial—the cuisine of the grand-mère (the grandmother). While France is famous for modern restaurant cooking, Provence concentrates on tradition. But, if you find a restaurant where someone’s gran happens to be in the kitchen (or served as an inspiration to the younger chefs) you’ll get to taste the real Provencal cooking! Make sure to try Ratatouille, a fantastically fresh vegetable stew with eggplant, zucchini and other veggies and Bouillabaisse, the most popular Provencal dish with all kinds of fish and seafood (try it in Marseille).

 

Image 2 - Food guide, Provence, France, Source: pixabay.com

 

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is probably the most famous wine region in France (maybe even in the whole world) and it’s packed with thousands of vineyards and wine estates, so one thing is clear—you’ll wet your beak with some quality vino. However, you can also enjoy the world of tastes when it comes to food. In the past 2,000 years, so many people passed through this region, from Romans and Dutch merchants to Chinese travelers. All came to take a piece of Bordeaux with them, but they also left their mark on the cuisine of the region. While you can find everything from earthy mushrooms to the most tender lamb, there’s one thing you must try in Bordeaux—fresh oysters. Also known as Gigas Medulli, these estuary oysters are creamy and fleshy and enjoyed best with red wine vinegar and shallots.

 

Image 3 - Food guide, Bordeaux, France, Source: pixabay.com

 

Burgundy

Are you looking for a perfect food pairing with your unique, berry-infused pinot noir? Burgundy will provide you with both! This wine region needs to be on every wine lover's and foodie’s list of must-see destinations. While you can explore this region with a car, it’s best to pamper yourself with something completely lux like a relaxing barge holiday in France that will take you down the Burgundy Canal and show you all the best spots to enjoy village gastronomy and sample some red and white Burgundy. Some barge tours are specially designed to allow you to experience French gastronomy, so choose your cruise wisely. But, if you opt for Burgundy, make sure to try any sort of meat braised in wine. Chicken braised in wine can be found along your way, but don’t leave without trying cuisses de grenouille (frog legs). Additionally, cheese and wine pairings you’ll be served on your barge and off of it will truly blow your mind!

 

Image 4 - Food guide, Burgundy, France, Source: pixabay.com

 

Champagne

The name Champagne awakens something special in every wine-lover and foodie. This is where the most famous sparkling wine in the world is made, so you can come across a staggering number of Champagne houses, growers and producers bottling bubbly. But, people from Champagne know how to pair their wines with amazing food. Reims ham, a ham prepared with nutmeg, parsley and shallots, is probably the most famous culinary product from Champagne. The region is also rich in truffles that are best consumed raw and enjoyed for their hazelnut flavor.

 

Image 5 - Food guide, Champagne, France, Source: unsplash.com

 

Corsica

Corsica is France’s most underrated wine region despite its 2,500 years of wine-making tradition. This picturesque island isn’t your typical French region. It’s sort of trapped between French and Italian influences, yet it has many aspects which are uniquely Corsican. The cooking style on the island draws inspiration from nature and the plates are often filled with sun-loving veggies and fruits, seafood, charcuterie and cheese, all of which mix excellently with both white and red wine. The island also has its own beers which will come as a breath of fresh air when you get a bit tired of all the wine (even though that’s pretty much impossible).

 

Image 6 - Food guide, Corsica, France, Source: pixabay.com

 

Timeless cuisine of French wine regions and their top-shelf products will definitely inspire you to repeat your trip and experience the tastes of France over and over again!

Guest post by Marie Nieves

 

 

About the Author

Marie Nieves is a student and lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. She is an avid lover of photography interested in interior and exterior design and a regular author for several blogs. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter, G+ and Pinterest.

 

 

 

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