Let’s get one thing straight—when you go to France, you’re not just sightseeing… you’re belly-seeing. The Eiffel Tower is great and all, but the real tower of dreams is a flaky croissant stacked with creamy brie and paired with a glass of wine so smooth it could charm your mother-in-law.
If your tummy could book its own vacation, it would be on the next flight to France. So buckle up, buttercup. This is your Tummy Traveler guide to eating your way through France, one delicious bite at a time.
Ready to eat your heart out? Book your food-filled French escape through — flights, hotels, cheese-fueled dreams included.
1. Bonjour, Butter – Welcome to Paris
Let’s start in the capital, where carbs are an art form and butter flows freely.
Must-Eat:
- Croissants & Pain au Chocolat – Your breakfast will never recover.
- Duck Confit – Slow-cooked duck that falls off the bone and straight into your soul.
- Crème Brûlée – A dessert so fancy you’ll feel underdressed in sweatpants.
Tummy Traveler’s Favorite Spots:
- Du Pain et des Idées (10th arrondissement): Possibly the best croissant in Paris. Your mouth will weep.
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte – Steak, fries, secret sauce, repeat.
- Angelina Café – Famous for hot chocolate so rich, it probably owns a vineyard.
→ Stay near the action with a hotel in Le Marais or Saint-Germain
2. Cheese, Please – Say Oui in Normandy
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve eaten cheese in the region that basically invented dairy happiness. Normandy is home to Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, and creamy butter that makes toast weep with joy.
Don’t Miss:
- Camembert Village – Yes, it’s a real place, and yes, you can eat cheese while standing in a cheese-named town.
- Local Fromageries – Pop into roadside cheese shops and thank your taste buds.
- Apple Cider & Calvados – Sip and snack in orchards like a classy Tummy Traveler.
→ Book a rustic countryside stay in Normandy
3. Wine Not? Head to Bordeaux
Bordeaux isn’t just wine—it’s liquid gold in a glass, and every sip pairs perfectly with belly-filling bites.
Tummy-Friendly Pairings:
- Duck Magret + Merlot – Duck breast so tender it makes you question chicken forever.
- Cheese Plates + Cabernet Franc – If you’ve never paired wine with five kinds of cheese in one sitting, now’s the time.
- Canelés – Tiny caramelized pastries from Bordeaux, perfectly snack-sized for 87 servings.
Where to Go:
- Marché des Capucins – Local food market with oysters, charcuterie, and wine by the glass.
- Vineyard Tours – Book tastings at Saint-Émilion or Médoc estates through.
→ Stay close to the grapes:
4. Lyon – The Belly of France
Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, and once you eat here, your belly will send a thank-you card.
Signature Dishes:
- Quenelles – Light, fluffy fish dumplings in a creamy sauce.
- Saucisson Brioche – A whole sausage baked inside buttery bread. Tummy magic.
- Cervelle de Canut – Cheese dip that literally translates to “silk worker’s brain.” Don’t worry—it’s delicious.
Tummy Tip:
- Visit a traditional bouchon (Lyon-style bistro) where locals eat like kings and you can pretend to be one.
→ Book a foodie weekend in Lyon:
5. Provence – Where Every Bite Smells Like Lavender
If sunshine had a flavor, it would be found in Provence. Think: rustic countryside, lavender fields, olives, herbs, and slow-cooked stews that hug your insides.
Taste These:
- Bouillabaisse – Rich seafood stew from Marseille, full of fish, saffron, and joy.
- Tapenade – Olive spread so addictive you’ll put it on toast, crackers, maybe your passport.
- Ratatouille – Yes, like the movie. No, the rat won’t cook it (hopefully).
Where to Wander:
- Aix-en-Provence markets – Fresh produce, goat cheese, and artisanal bread under sunny skies.
- Local vineyards and lavender farms – Book scenic food & wine tours through.
6. Dessert Detour – Sweet Stops Across the Country
If you’re traveling France and not stuffing your face with sweets at every corner, are you even traveling?
Sweet Stars:
- Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé – Delicate, colorful, heavenly.
- Tarte Tatin – Upside-down caramelized apple tart invented by happy accident.
- Éclairs – Long, creamy, chocolaty, and gone in 3 bites.
Pair every sugar rush with a strong café crème, sit at a café terrace, and people-watch like a belly-driven Parisian.
Wrap It Up Like a Crêpe: Final Thoughts
France isn’t just a country. It’s a buffet with castles. Whether you’re devouring duck in Bordeaux, smearing cheese on crusty bread in Normandy, or sipping wine in a lavender field like a foodie aristocrat, your belly will leave this country both cultured and slightly rounder.
So go ahead. Eat like no one’s watching. Travel like your gut is the guide. And book it all through Expedia — because your tummy deserves a vacation, too.
Bonus Travel Packing Tip:
Bring:
- Loose pants
- Extra Tupperware
- A secret cheese pocket (we won’t judge)
📚 Recommended Reads for the Hungry Traveler
Want to keep the foodie adventure going even after the trip? Here are some top-rated France-inspired foodie travel books you can devour from your couch—or your café table in Paris.
1. “French Regional Food: The Best of Country Cooking from Provence to Alsace” by Loic Bienassis
A deep dive into the traditional foods of every region in France. Great for planning your stomach’s itinerary.
2. “Hungry for Paris (Second Edition): The Ultimate Guide to the City’s 109 Best Restaurants” by Alexander Lobrano
An insider’s restaurant guide that mixes reviews with mouthwatering storytelling. Like Yelp, but with elegance and a napkin tucked in.
3. “My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories” by David Lebovitz
A blend of recipes, travel tales, and culinary culture from one of the most beloved expat food writers in Paris.
4. “A Table in Paris: The Cafés, Bistros, and Brasseries of the World’s Most Romantic City” by John Donohue
A charming illustrated tribute to the dining culture of Paris, featuring interviews, stories, and sketches of famous eateries.
5. “The New Paris: The People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement” by Lindsey Tramuta
Explore how modern Paris is reinventing its food and drink scene without losing its old-school charm.
Tummy Tip:
Bring one of these along on your trip—it’ll give you even more spots to eat, dishes to try, and food nerd facts to impress your dinner companions. And if you’re not flying to France just yet? These books are your ticket to a belly-fueled escape from your couch.
Paris – The Heartbeat of French Cuisine
Why go: It’s the epicenter of French food, from street-side crêpes to haute cuisine. Every corner smells like butter, espresso, or freshly baked bread.
Top Food Experiences:
- Morning croissant runs at local boulangeries
- Chocolate eclairs and mille-feuille from world-class patisseries
- Cheese tastings and wine pairings in Le Marais
- Food tours through Montmartre’s historic food streets
When to go: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Ideal trip length: 4–5 days
Where to stay: Boutique hotels or apartments near Le Marais or Saint-Germain for easy café access.
Bonus experience: Take a pastry-making class or macaron workshop.
Explore Paris stays on Expedia:
Bordeaux – Where Wine Meets Fine Dining
Why go: Bordeaux is a wine lover’s heaven, but the food scene is equally rich—with refined bistro fare, cheese markets, and artisanal desserts like canelés.
Top Food Experiences:
- Duck magret and foie gras dinners
- Cheese and charcuterie boards with Cabernet Franc
- Vineyard day trips in Saint-Émilion and Médoc
- Try oysters with white wine at Marché des Capucins
When to go: May–October is perfect for vineyard tours and market hopping.
Ideal trip length: 3–4 days
Where to stay: Wine estate hotels in nearby countryside or boutique hotels in the historic city center.
Bonus experience: Book a guided wine tasting and food pairing through local chateaus.
Book Bordeaux getaways on Expedia:
Normandy – Cheese, Butter, and Coastal Charm
Why go: Normandy is for comfort food lovers—think creamy sauces, velvety cheeses, and the best butter you’ve ever tasted.
Top Food Experiences:
- Cheese tasting in Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque villages
- Seafood feasts by the coast (try moules-frites!)
- Apple cider and Calvados tastings at local orchards
- Visit fromageries and local farms for authentic dairy experiences
When to go: June–September for sunny farm visits and apple season.
Ideal trip length: 2–3 days
Where to stay: Countryside bed & breakfasts, seaside inns, or historic farmhouses.
Bonus experience: Take a scenic cider route tour through the region.
Discover Normandy deals on Expedia:
Lyon – The Gastronomic Capital of France
Why go: Lyon is the best place in France to experience traditional, hearty French cuisine in authentic bouchons (local eateries).
Top Food Experiences:
- Quenelles in creamy sauce
- Saucisson brioche and Lyonnaise salads
- Cervelle de canut cheese dip with fresh bread
- Explore Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (the iconic indoor market)
When to go: Spring and autumn are ideal for food festivals and mild weather.
Ideal trip length: 3 days
Where to stay: Old Town (Vieux Lyon) for charm and easy market access.
Bonus experience: Book a chef-led food tour or market tasting through Expedia.
See Lyon packages on Expedia:
Provence – Where Food Feels Like Sunshine
Why go: Provence serves sunshine on a plate. Its flavors are bright, rustic, and deeply rooted in nature—lavender, herbs, olives, tomatoes, and fresh seafood.
Top Food Experiences:
- Bouillabaisse in Marseille
- Tapenade and goat cheese from farmer’s markets
- Ratatouille from a cozy countryside café
- Wine tastings in vineyard villages like Châteauneuf-du-Pape
When to go: May–July for lavender season, or September for wine harvests.
Ideal trip length: 3–5 days
Where to stay: Stone cottages, vineyard villas, or quaint bed & breakfasts.
Bonus experience: Book a guided food and wine tour in Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
Plan a Provence trip on Expedia:
