Sorges
Sample Sorge's local specialty, black Périgord truffles, at Auberge de la Truffe, or stay over in one of its guesthouse rooms (doubles with separate…
Must-see restaurants in France
Burgundy
Mâcon's most venerable gastronomic sanctuary is the Michelin-starred Restaurant Pierre, where chef Christian Gaulin juggles creativity and tradition to…
Nice
Straddling a prime stretch of beachfront at the heart of the Promenade des Anglais, Sporting serves up unbeatable Mediterranean views along with pizza,…
Calvados
Poissonnerie Pillet Saiter, proud of having operated its own fishing boat since 1887, sells platters of seafood (by weight) and oysters (by the six or…
Honfleur
A traditional food market on Saturday, a biologique (organic) market on Wednesday. There's usually a vendor selling made-to-order crêpes. The market is…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Tuck into excellent pizzas, burrata, salads and wine at this friendly Italian eatery in the Haut Marais. Each day, the blackboard is chalked up with a…
The Dordogne
Simple, no-nonsense fare is served at this central cafe, one of the only places in town that caters to both locals and tourists. Croque monsieurs, pizzas…
Toulouse
This market-hall lunch spot gets crowded with diners eager to sample Toulouse specialities, like cassoulet with duck confit, in an unfussy setting. Arrive…
The Dordogne
Au Fil de l’Eau specialises in fish, and is one of the two bistros of renowned Moulin de l'Abbaye. Its terrace faces the emerald green River Dronne.
The Pyrenees
Cheesy raclettes and fondues are the mainstay at this zero-fuss brasserie – there are more than 15 on offer, all served to share, and you can add meats…
Limousin
Sup on dishes created from locally sourced ingredients, such as Limousin beef, served by friendly staff on a lively terrace, or in a contemporary dining…
The Lot
Climb up to the mezzanine in this ornate and airy townhouse to feast on lamb tajine, confit de salmon and sheep’s milk fondue. They also run an adjacent…
The Dordogne
In high season reserve ahead for a spot on the sunny terrace in the centre of Beynac village, where you’ll get an array of seasonal, local specialties…
Fontainebleau
With wooden panelling, red banquette seating and atmosphere to spare, the Franklin keeps locals well fed: the salades composées (salads with meat or fish)…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
The Marais branch of famous Parisian bread-maker Poilâne sells its signature sourdough loaves and scrumptious pastries, as well as beautiful glazed…
Bayonne
It might not look like much from the outside, but this is a great place to try classic bistro dishes shot through with some southwestern flavours. The…
Corsica
Modelled on a Greek temple, with its open sides, tiled roof and 21 classical columns, Île Rousse’s covered food market opens every morning. Outside summer…
The Dordogne
Sweet potato soup, leek curry and three varieties of tartines (open-faced sandwiches) – plus ice cream and milkshakes in summer months – make this address…
Colmar
Buy local wine, pâté and charcuterie in the downstairs épicerie (specialist grocer) or dig into tartines (open-face sandwiches) and daily specials in the…
Avignon
Over 40 food stalls showcase seasonal Provençal ingredients. Cooking demonstrations are held at 11am Saturday. Outside on place Pie, admire Patrick Blanc…
Côte d'Or
This unpretentious back-roads gem creates traditional Burgundian cuisine with the freshest ingredients. Look for it on the D122, a bit west of Vougeot in…
Toulouse
Treat yourself to roasted monkfish in lemon sauce, duck with truffles and artistically presented desserts at this sumptuous restaurant crowned with a…
The Pyrenees
Pau’s once unsightly produce market will soon be housed in a new, beautifully designed, light-filled building adjoining its previous location. Look for…
Lyon & the Rhône Valley
Pair off-the-beaten track La Platine with a visit to the adjacent Cité du Design to enjoy an under-the-radar winner. It serves super-fresh dishes prepared…
Normandy
Locals keep coming back for Le Plouc 2’s creative versions of traditional French favourites, prepared with seasonal ingredients and served in a cosy, wood…
Bonifacio
A Bonifacio institution, this cavernous old-town joint has a tantalising menu that showcases the classics of Corsican cuisine, from tripe to chestnut cake…
La Passerelle du Clair de Lune
Brittany
This intimate little restaurant serves up inventive and delectable French dishes with mouth-watering views over the water, coupled with welcoming service…
Rouen
The down-to-earth menu is stuffed with gratins (cheese-topped dishes), salads, œufs cocottes (eggs with grated cheese baked in cream) and homemade…
Savoie
A small-town gem of a patisserie, Chaumontet is a pleasant spot to nurse a pot of tea while deliberating between macarons, zesty 'Exotik' gateau and nutty…
Côte d'Or
The speciality at this historic patisserie is granit rose de l'auxois, a pink confection laden with sugar, orange-infused chocolate, cherries, almonds and…
Golfe du Morbihan
This interior isn't much to write home about, but the menu has some delicious and reasonably priced Afghani fare, with a very tasty vegetarian selection…
Biarritz
This marketside place serves an impressive selection of hams, cheeses, wines and, our favourite, sardines in oil. There's a raised wooden outdoor terrace…
Toulouse
Follow the tangy scent of ripe Brie into this exceptional cheese shop. Browse its good-value selection of goat cheese and bleu (blue cheese), among other…
Reims
Winningly fresh seafood is the big deal at this tiny eatery set above a fishmongers: try sardines tossed in chilli butter, home-smoked salmon or hot…
Biarritz
First opening its doors in 1938, this is an authentic and high-quality tapas bar beside the market. It also does full meals, which can be eaten out on the…
Strasbourg
Happy days for anyone looking for quick, healthy and tasty gluten-free and vegetarian grub: La Pause Quinoa rustles up meat-free burgers, tabbouleh and…
Lectoure
An institution among locals and visitors alike, this appealing restaurant is renowned for its rustic Gers cuisine – try the hambur'gers, the house…
Latin Quarter
Japanese-style crêpes? You heard it here first. Inexpensive and served cone-style, Mayya's crêpes make for a great quick lunch or ice-cream-stuffed snack…
Marché Biologique des Batignolles
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Abuzz with market stalls, this busy boulevard in northern Paris is renowned for its organic produce. Many of the stalls offer tastings and everything is…
Limousin
For a town of its size, Brive has little to offer in the way of casual, affordable restaurants. If you're saving your centimes, La Tavola is one of the…
