French Basque Country
Set on the banks of Hossegor’s lake, it offers the kind of view to get married to, and a shellfish and seafood menu you’d also marry if you could.
Must-see restaurants in France
Biarritz
A cute fishing-shack restaurant by the port, good for tuna, sardines or squid, with plenty of friendly banter from both the staff and other customers.
The Lot
Simple but charming, this little restaurant is best not for its basic local cuisine, but for its wonderful panoramic terrace overlooking the fortress.
The Luberon
Ménerbes’ tobacconist-newsagent-bar is the hub for all the village gossip, and a good bet for lunchtime plats du jour (dishes of the day).
Atlantic Coast
Find this traditional address in an old stone building in the heart of Arçais. Decor is crisp white and modern, while fare is refined French bistro.
Perpignan
Held on the old town's main square, this lively food market is especially popular on Saturday, when it's filled with stalls selling organic produce.
Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne
A short walk east of the tourist office, this deli sells local cheese, cold cuts, sandwiches and regional products including honey, jam and liqueur.
Paris
Berlin-style currywurst (chopped sausage slathered in curry sauce), fluffy pretzels and caffeine-packed Fritz-kola are sold from this food truck.
The Lot
Just on the Carennac side of the bridge, with drinks all day, and assiettes (platters) of local goat’s cheese, salads and charcuterie.
Latin Quarter
Excellent Italian gelato comes in 36 flavours at this seasonally opening boutique – a small gets you two scoops, shaped to resemble a flower.
Parc National du Mercantour
Beamed, small and snug, this unassuming restaurant in the old part of Digne makes a decent stop for Provençal staples and flame-grilled meats.
Amiens
Two dozen stalls sell picnic supplies, including cheeses, breads and wine, at this covered market within Amiens' Les Halles shopping complex.
Marseille
You can still buy the fresh stuff here at the Vieux Port, among the vestiges of what would once have been a thriving quayside fish market.
Lourdes
Lourdes’ covered market occupies most of the square. It's a fine spot for cheeses, charcuterie, antipasti and other good picnic fare.
Marseille
This lively market sells a good range of fresh produce and is the place for picnic supplies. On Monday there are also flowers.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne’s beautiful stone-columned covered market, dating from 1768, sells local wines, cheeses, shellfish and produce.
The Lot
Dig into simple platters of cheese, meats and salads under a grape-covered pergola at this quick and casual place.
Montpellier
Montpellier's farmers market is held in the Antigone quarter. It has wine, cheese, charcuterie and shellfish.
The Dordogne
Stop in for a crêpe or overnight in the B&B (double €60), at the foot of the Château de Castelnaud.
Paris
Pizzas by the pie and the slice (with a truffle topping!) along with arancini, antipasti and panini.
Parc National des Pyrénées
Cauterets’ covered market is a turn-of-the-century beauty, and a great place to assemble a picnic.
Var
Grab a coffee at the green-canopied Bar Central – you won't get more local and unfussy than this.
Metz
At Soupes á Soups, Patrick ladles out homemade soups, from mussel to creamy mushroom varieties.
Gorges du Verdon
A good lunch spot in the village, with crispy pizzas, filling crêpes and generous salads.
Montpellier
The largest of Montpellier's food markets spreads across place de la Comédie.
Chantilly
Chantilly’s twice-weekly open-air market is good for picking up picnic fare.
Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau's market sets up three times a week on place de la République.
