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Food And Drink Guide
Paris is one of the world’s great culinary capitals, a city where food is woven into everyday life. From neighbourhood bakeries and historic cafes to bustling markets and elegant bistros, eating in Paris is about more than the food itself: it is about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and experiencing a tradition that has shaped French culture for centuries.
Whether you are grabbing a warm croissant in the morning, lingering over lunch at a terrace cafe, or ending the evening with wine and cheese, Paris offers some of the most memorable food experiences in Europe.
Cafe & Bakery Culture
One of the simplest pleasures in Paris is starting the day at a local boulangerie. Fresh bread and pastries remain an important part of daily life, and many Parisians still visit their neighbourhood bakery each morning.
Cafes are equally important. Rather than rushing through a coffee, locals often sit, read, meet friends, or simply watch the city go by from a terrace table.
Paris Food Markets
Markets remain an essential part of Parisian life and offer a glimpse into how locals shop and eat.
The historic Marche des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris, while Marche Bastille is one of the city’s largest open-air markets.
Here you will find fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, pastries, charcuterie, and regional specialities from across France.
What To Try
Croissant
The symbol of a Parisian breakfast. A proper croissant should be buttery, flaky, and light, with crisp golden layers that shatter slightly when bitten.
Pain Au Chocolat
A buttery pastry filled with dark chocolate. One of the most popular breakfast treats in France.
Baguette Tradition
Fresh bread is central to French life. A traditional baguette has a crisp crust, airy interior, and is often purchased daily.
French Onion Soup
A rich soup made with slowly caramelised onions, beef stock, toasted bread, and melted cheese. A classic Parisian bistro dish.
Croque Monsieur
A toasted sandwich filled with ham, cheese, and bechamel sauce. Simple, comforting, and found in cafes across the city.
Steak Frites
One of the most popular bistro meals in Paris: quality steak served with crispy French fries.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Beef slowly braised in red wine until exceptionally tender. One of France’s most famous comfort dishes.
Coq Au Vin
Chicken cooked slowly with wine, mushrooms, onions, and herbs. A classic of French home cooking.
Duck Confit
Duck leg cooked slowly in its own fat until tender and flavourful, usually served with potatoes.
Escargots
Snails cooked with garlic butter and parsley. One of France’s most famous traditional specialities.
Crepes
Thin pancakes available with both sweet and savoury fillings. Perfect for a quick snack while exploring the city.
Macarons
Colourful almond-based pastries with delicate fillings. One of Paris’s most iconic desserts.
Eclair
A light choux pastry filled with cream and topped with icing, traditionally chocolate or coffee flavoured.
Creme Brulee
A silky vanilla custard topped with caramelised sugar that cracks under your spoon.
Tarte Tatin
A caramelised upside-down apple tart that has become a French dessert classic.
French Cheeses To Try
France produces hundreds of cheeses, but a few are particularly worth seeking out in Paris:
- Brie de Meaux - Soft, creamy, and traditionally associated with the region surrounding Paris.
- Camembert de Normandie - Rich, earthy, and one of France’s most famous cheeses.
- Comte - Nutty and complex, often aged for many months.
- Roquefort - A bold blue cheese made from sheep’s milk.
- Chevre - Traditional French goat’s cheese available in many styles.
French Wines To Try
Paris is one of the best places to explore wines from across France.
- Champagne - France’s most famous sparkling wine.
- Bordeaux - Elegant reds known throughout the world.
- Burgundy (Bourgogne) - Prestigious reds and whites with exceptional reputation.
- Sancerre - Crisp and refreshing white wine.
- Chablis - Mineral-rich Chardonnay, perfect with seafood.
- Cotes du Rhone - Versatile and approachable wines often found on Parisian wine lists.