Food and Drink

In the Rhône-Alpes there are several “Routes des Vins” winding their way through the different wine areas. Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais and Savoie wines all have their own itinerary or circuit which will take you through pretty villages, each with their own cellars renowned for a certain vintage.

Whether you choose to eat at a table d'hôtes, or sitting outside a small restaurant, a restaurant that has stars in the Michelin guide or simply within the country atmosphere of a farmhouse inn, you'll enjoy deliciously local culinary specialities in which the local produce and the natural warmth of the Midi-Pyrenees find their expression.

The Rhône-Alpes region is literally bursting with fresh, natural produce. Its gastronomic flair is based not only on the solid foundations of regional cooking, whether from the Savoie, Ardèche or Forez, but also on the skills of the region’s great chefs and the quality of its local products.

From win stubs to star-rated restaurants, and not forgetting the region's farm-inns, an impressive range of establishments welcome visitors and Alsatians alike to enjoy authentic regional dishes.

A wine producing region “par excellence”, the Rhône-Alpes boasts one of France’s best wine charts, comprising 36 “appellations d’origine contrôlée” and vintages, which guarantee its worldwide renown.

In Picardy, there is a deep attachment to the land, to sure and certain values dictated by a common sense of joy and sharing. The people of Picardy have a taste for the “good” and the “fine” things in life, always with this notion of a pleasure shared – swapping recipe tips for a special dish or a culinary knack, or good places to eat nearby.

Honey, apples, cheeses, artisan-made dried meats, vegetables... the Rhone Alps region seems to grow markets, both covered and open air. Some are a definite must for visitors.

The food produced in Languedoc-Roussillon is as diverse as the region’s natural landscape. From the mountains to the sea, there treasures to be found. Cheese from Lozère, mushrooms and chestnuts are found in the mountain heights. Olives are plentiful while other fruits, vegetables and herbs are bountiful in the orchards and valleys. Countless seafood is available along the coast such as tuna, sea bass, oysters, mussels and clams.

There are lots of well-known cheeses from Ile de France. Two of the most widely recognised cheeses from Ile de France are Brie and Brie de Meax. Brie is a round soft cheese with white mould and is often described as having a somewhat fruity taste with a hint of mushrooms.

For over four centuries, Cognac has constituted one of the "fleurons" of Poitou-Charentes. So as to allow one to uncover all the secrets if this 'liqueur of the gods' as Victor Hugo termed it, the large trade houses propose guided visits and 'les étapes du cognac' will allow you to discover the vineyards of cognac.

The abundance of apples which flavour both savoury and sweet dishes also means that Normandy boasts a wide range of apple bi-products, most notably  cider, poiré or Pear liquor, pommeau and calvados.

The restaurants of the region will extend to you the warmest of welcomes, ensuring the time spent here is unforgettable. Relaxing over a great meal, discover the wonderful local wines and give your holiday glasses an inimitable ruby red colour.

All year long, traditional Alsatian festivals and events present opportunities to get together and enjoy culinary specialities and customs. Christmas in Alsace would simply not be the same without the famous bredele, the Christmas cakes with countless shapes and flavours.

There are increasing numbers of “Sunday lunch cooks” who want to learn how to carve, emulsify or seize just like professional chefs. There are many cookery courses springing up throughout the region, involving weekend or short break stays in “chambres d’hôtes” or pretty little hotels.

From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.

Escape into the enchanting countryside and enjoy cycle tours, bird-watching, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing and kayaking.

If you are a food lover then the Loire Valley is the place for you from fresh fish to goat’s cheese, delicious wines and more delicious local specialities.

An hour's drive South of Paris, the Loire Valley offers holiday experiences to suit everyone. Experience its astonishing châteaux open to the public, many with extensive, lush gardens. Be seduced by 740 religious monuments such as the impressive Chartres and Bourges cathedrals. The Loire Valley boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just an hour south of Paris, here you are in the land of canals and vineyards, fertile hills and huge forests. A land, named after a river, that features a seldom-seen natural diversity.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.

The Haute-Marne département/ county, is an intensely rural department, which has approximately 3 acres of forest per inhabitant, this area was the birthplace of the philosopher Diderot and is the final resting place of Charles de Gaulle. In the north west of the departement is the lac du Der-Chantecoq, which claims to be the largest man made lake in Europe and is a magnet for bird watchers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The town of Langres also gives us one of France’s most distinctive cheeses, which tastes better than it looks!

The Lozère department covers the southern part of the Massif Central, including the mountainous regions of Aubrac, la Margeride, le Gevaudan and the Cevennes.

Rouen is the Capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime department. The city, also known as the ‘Ville aux cent clochers’ has preserved much of it’s historical centre which is now largely composed of pedestrian streets.

Aude is known for its wine, castles and abbeys. Often referred to as 'the land of the Cathars' it is here that you'll find the unconquerable mountain sites of Rennes-le-Chateau and Peyrepertuse. The coast provides a sharp contrast with miles of sandy beaches for family holidays and isolated inlets for those looking to escape the crowds.

Bordering Belgium, the rural Ardennes departement/county is a nature lovers paradise. Largely covered by ancient deciduous forests it provides a fantastic playground for outdoor types. The emblem of the departement is the wild boar (Sanglier) which also features heavily in local dishes. The capital, Charleville-Mézières, has a very attractive main square modelled on the Place des Vosges in Paris (pictured).

Le Havre is multi-facetted, as important a commercial port as it is a popular yachting destination. Its 2 km of beach open onto the Seine estuary, once the backdrop for Impressionist artists who loved the effect of light and painted many famous paintings, including Monet’s “Sunrise at Le Havre”.

The Marne is quite simply ‘Champagne Central’! The departement contains both Reims and Epernay, which between them are home to almost all of the well known Champagne houses. As you might imagine, the landscape is dominated by vines although part of the lac du Der-Chantecoq sneaks into the bottom south west corner. The Marne is also home to the administrative capital of the region, Chalons.

The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand. Both along the coast and inland, a living heritage awaits your exploration – castles, humbler dwellings, tourist sites. Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. A comprehensive network of walking and riding trails and of cycle paths covers the length of the coast and the hinterland.