With the World looking at the Paris Olympics, here is a guide to France by Train Written
With the World looking at the Paris Olympics, here is a guide to France by Train
This week our Tour de France is heading from north to south and east to west for platefuls of French deliciousness. Whether it be mussels and frites in Normandy or stinky-yet-yummy cheeses in Bordeaux, every region in France serves up a wide variety of flavours and cooking styles.
Classic French dishes are known for using local meats, vegetables, cheeses and other fresh ingredients. Whether you are headed to Michelin-starred hotspots or the small quartier boulangerie, one thing is for sure: your taste buds will not be disappointed. Ready? Set? Gastronomy!
Is a gastronomy Tour de France not to your taste? We have more coming up! For the next few weeks, we will be covering all different Tours de France that you can take, including:
- Gastronomy: you’re here!
- The scenery and outdoor experiences: stay tuned!
- Medieval sites: stay tuned!
Gastronomy: the 4-day “Tour de France”
One does not simply think of exceptional global cuisine without longing for at least one dish that has French origins. From the exceptional ingredients to the perfected technique, food is a language all its own in France. So, if you don’t speak fluent French, at least you can speak the most globally understood language that unites people around the world: a yummy bite of food. It’s time to set off on this tour of taste.
Starting point: Marseille, France
Home of the iconic bouillabaisse, other local specialities include pistou soup, poutargue, aioli and anchoiade, Marseille cuisine has a melange of Mediterranean and other cultural influences.
A taste of what’s to come:
- Bouillabaisse: If you’re not a fish fan, you can skip to the next dish on this list right now. For the rest of us who go to beach locations for the seafood, you cannot miss a hot bowl of this Provençal fish stew when in Marseille. The stew has complex flavours from the fish, shellfish, vegetables, spices, and rouille sauce (which is made with egg yolk, olive oil, breadcrumbs, garlic, saffron, and cayenne).
- Pistou Soup: Pistou, or pesto, soup is a chunky soup full of all the summer vegetables in your garden plus white beans, potatoes, and pasta with a base taste of, you guessed it, pesto! Don’t miss the sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Aioli: Garlic and mayo, what’s not to love?
Next stop: Dijon, France
Train travel time: 3h40
Most well-known for its mustard and Burgundy wines, the city is also home to one of the most impressive food markets in France, Les Halles.
A taste of what’s to come:
A taste of Dijon mustard is a mouthful of history that dates back to the 1300s. Smooth yet sharp, the local recipe typically includes mustard seeds (black or brown), white wine or wine vinegar, water and salt. If you are a Dijon mustard enthusiast like us, head to the local Musée de la Moutarde, or Mustard Museum, to learn about the history and production up close.
Next stop: Strasbourg, France
Train travel time: around 2h16
Famous for its choucroute (similar to sauerkraut), Alsatian wines and cheeses, the city is also superbly picturesque.
A taste of what’s to come:
For a region that has alternated between German and French rule, it will come as no surprise that the local cuisine is influenced by both cultures. Take choucroute, or sauerkraut, for example. For weeks, shredded cabbage ferments in large wooden barrels with salt. Enjoy this local speciality alongside meats like sausages and bacon.
Final stop: Reims, France
Train travel time: 1h51
Apart from enjoying countless champagne tastings, the city’s art-deco architecture and famous cathedral are must-sees as well.
A taste of what’s to come:
From well-known champagne houses to lesser-known but equally decadent brands, Reims offers an experience that can only be found in the region. If there is a particular house you wish to visit, be sure to check availability and book your tastings and tours well in advance. Pro tip: While planning in advance is key, some of our best experiences in Reims have involved strolling up to small champagne houses (literally, this time) of local small growers that offer a more intimate experience.
Gastronomy: the 7 day “Tour de France”
If you have the extra time, opt for the 7-day “Tour de France” because there is so much to see – and taste – on this Tour de Cuisine.
Starting point: Lille
A city of art, history and culture, Lille’s Flemish roots have given rise to its famous craft beer culture, mussles and Belgian style fries and Maroilles cheese.
A taste of what’s to come:
Considering that Lille is a mere 16 kilometres from Belgium, it’s understandable that the region shares culinary commonalities. And for fans of yummy food, this is good news! Take Belgian frites, or fries, for example. It doesn’t get much better than twice-fried potatoes with accompanying sauces like aioli and ketchup. Be sure to pair these frites with their seafood counterpart, moules marinières, or seafood mussels, which are expertly cooked in white wine, garlic and local herbs.
Next stop: Lyon
Train travel time: 3h
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon is the gastronomical capital and the third largest city of France bursting with world-class restaurants.
A taste of what’s to come:
Just like the Champagne region strictly manages what can be considered Champagne, Lyon has its own version of this for food. Les Bouchons Lyonnais is an official organisation that strives to preserve the heritage of the local bouchons, or classic restaurants that serve the famous Lyonnaise cuisine.
Next stop: Valence
Train travel time: 1h26
An elegant and charming cultural city, Valence is a foodie destination famous for high quality food at reasonable proces and the Suisse, an orange-flavored shortcrust pastry biscuit.
A taste of what’s to come:
Whether you are looking for an elevated experience or a casual meal, it is certain to be a world-class dining experience. For those looking to impress, Maison Pic, the three-Michelin-star establishment, sets a new standard in innovative, gourmet cuisine. For a more accessible taste of Valence, head to one of the bustling markets, like the Marché de Valence, to try local cheeses, meats, pastries and the ever-popular fruits synonymous with the Drôme region like peaches and melons.
Next stop: Marseille
Train travel time: 2h34
Apart from the local specialty soups, other must-tries include their tapenade, pastis, and navettes.
A taste of what’s to come:
Pastis, you either love it or hate it, but you certainly have to try it. The official drink of the summer in southern France (and beyond, many would argue), the aperitif pastis has a liquorice flavour thanks to its anise base. When mixed with water and ice, the clear liquor turns to a milky-white colour.
Next stop: Toulouse
Train travel time: 3h50
Full of history, flavours and creativity, typical foods include cassoulet, garbure, Toulouse sausage and pastis.
A taste of what’s to come:
Pastis again? The sweet speciality of Pastis Gascon is not to be confused with the popular summer aperitif from southern France. Instead, pastis from the Gascony region is a flakey pastry made with apples and brandy. Typically reserved for special occasions, we think that taking a gastronomy tour around Toulouse is a special occasion enough. Enjoy!
Next stop: Bordeaux
Train travel time: 2h16
World famous for its wines, local delicacies include confit de vin de Sauternes au safran, Arcachon Bay oysters, mushrooms and truffles and Bordeaux lamprey.
A taste of what’s to come:
The forests surrounding Bordeaux are filled with wild mushrooms and truffles that pop up in the iconic dishes of the region. The local fertile land is optimal for varieties like:
- Cèpes or Porcini Mushrooms: Known for their nutty flavour.
- Girolles or Chanterelles: Famous for their striking yellow colour.
- Pied-de-Mouton: Great for grilling or adding a hearty bite to a vegetarian stew.
Final stop: Reims
Train travel time: 4h22
Delight your palate at both world-famous cellar doors and boutique ones in the champagne capital filled with art-deco architecture.
A taste of what’s to come:
Beyond the legendary bubbles of the region, Reims offers lovely bites for a local pairing. Take the Biscuits Roses de Reims, for example. These light biscuit cookies, which have been enjoyed in the Champagne region since the 1600s, are made specifically to be dipped in champagne. Their charming pink hue, which comes from a natural dye, makes these treats a feast for both the stomach and the eyes.
Trains: the key to our gastronomic “Tour de France”
Our Tour de France was built around train travel because going by rail makes ‘getting there’ part of the delicious experience. You can even try delightful local snacks aboard the convenient trains that connect you to your next delicious meal. Start booking your culinary quests across the country that does it better than almost any other.