France

France is probably the most iconic destination to visit in Europe thanks to the Tour Eiffel, the baguettes and the haute-couture brands. But it has a lot more to offer from bustling cities such as Lyon, Marseille or Paris to delicious food and an amazing cultural heritage.

Funnily enough, I lived in the country half of my life, in the cute seaside village of Hendaye. And yes, I speak French too because I went to school there! 🙂

Have you visited France already? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below.

WELCOME TO France!

Basic facts

Population: almost 65 million (as of July 2024)
Currency: France belongs to the Eurozone, hence the euro (€) is its official currency. Check the current exchange rate here.
Language: French.
Territories: the country is divided into 18 regions, 13 out of which are located on the European continent.
Main cities: Paris (capital), Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Lille, Bordeaux.
Fun fact: did you know the Tour de France bicycle race has been running for over 100 years?

Things to do

Visit the Tour Eiffel in Paris and stroll along the Champs Elysées.

Departing from Marseille, explore the nearby French Riviera!

Are you a wine lover? Then head to Bordeaux.

Browse the following French regions on my blog

FOOD IN FRANCE

French cuisine is famous all around the world for a reason. Its uniqueness originates from its finesse and flavor, characterized by the use of high-quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, seasonality and rich culinary traditions. Furthermore, French cuisine offers a great regional diversity, with local ingredients featuring high on specialties across the country.

Let me walk you through the vast French food culture, from food etiquette and the various places where you can eat out, to the more traditional French dishes.

Traditional French dishes

Boeuf bourguignon (marinated beef cooked with red wine, mushrooms, onions, carrots and bacon)

Bouillabaisse (fish stew made with various kinds of fish, shellfish, and aromatic herbs)

Cassoulet (slow-cooked casserole containing white beans, duck confit, pork, and sausages)

Confit de canard (duck cooked in its own fat)

Coq au vin (chicken is braised with wine along with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and sometimes bacon)

Crêpes (thin pancakes made of wheat flour that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients; galettes are similar but elaborated with buckwheat instead)

Entrecôte (thin, boneless fillet)

Escargots (snails cooked in garlic and herb butter)

Quiche lorraine (savory tart with a filling of cream, eggs, cheese and bacon)

Ratatouille (vegetable stew made from tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and herbs)

Sole meunière (sole cooked in butter and lemon)

Tarte Tatin (upside down apple pie)

Food etiquette

In terms of attire, French people usually dress in an informal yet elegant way, placing great importance on personal style above all else.
Bread and wine are integral to French meals, with a vast variety of them tailored to specific dishes.
If you’d like to drink water while you’re eating, ask for a jug of tap water (‘carafe d’eau‘), which is free. Otherwise, your waiter might offer bottled water.
When eating out in France, you’ll find that there are various menu types: à la carte (where you can order several items on a menu), formule or menu (fixed-price menu, which includes two or more courses with limited choices for each; it’s usually the least expensive way to eat out), menu dégustation (tasting menu), menu enfant (kids’ menu) or plat du jour (daily special).
The tip (‘pourboire‘) is not mandatory in France since the service is included in the bill, although rounding up the amount is rather common when eating out.

Food locations

Food culture is so big in France, that you might need this little introduction first in order to navigate it as a local. The various establishments below reflect the rich culture of French dining, each offering a unique experience.

Apéro (short term for ‘apéritif‘): pre-dinner drink accompanied by small snacks. Rather informal setting, often at home or in bars/cafés, featuring drinks like wine or cocktails and snacks like olives, nuts, or cold meat (charcuterie).
Bar: place primarily serving alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails, often accompanied by light snacks, in a social atmosphere.
Bistrot: small, informal restaurant serving simple, hearty, and typically French food, with a cozy atmosphere and daily specials.
Bouillon: traditionally serving inexpensive, hearty soups, stews and classic French comfort food at affordable prices in a casual setting.
Boulangerie: bakery selling freshly baked bread such as the iconic baguettes, and viennoiseries like croissants and chocolate croissants (pains au chocolat).
Brasserie: large, informal restaurant offering a wide variety of food and drinks in a bustling ambiance and with a diverse menu featuring traditional French dishes, seafood, and grilled meats.
Café: casual place to enjoy coffee and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere, often with outdoor seating.
Confiserie: confectionery shop, which includes a wide variety of sweets and candies such as chocolate, fruit jellies, or lollipops.
Épicerie: grocery store or deli selling a variety of food items, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and pantry staples.
Pâtisserie: bakery specializing in pastries and desserts like éclairs, tarts, macarons, and cakes.
Restaurant: it can range from casual to fine dining, with menus featuring a wide array of dishes.