In France, food is a star more than a sustenance. Coming in all shapes and forms, the country’s culinary delicacies use art and ritual to celebrate a diverse landscape. From the earthy truffles of the vineyard-covered Burgundy region to Paris’ pastel-hued macarons and the flavourful wines of the Chablis, you’re in for a treat at every stop of your adventure in this top European destination.
We at TourTailors are ready to show you that this tour is the ideal way to savor France! Over 12 days, you will embark on a sensory journey through the country’s most delicious corners, ensuring you tick off your bucket list some of the most popular foods and hidden gems. Prepare to indulge in French gastronomy with a tour of iconic flavors brimming with new textures, tastes and tales! Shall we explore the land that defines gourmet?
Begin your food lover’s trip to France in a city of great romance and atmospheric Michelin restaurants – Paris! With two days on your hands, the French capital will reveal its soul through its riveting architecture and cosmopolitan flair, which blends medieval charm with modern-day luxury.
Let the warm scent of freshly baked baguettes and indulging “pain au chocolat” lead you to the most incredible vistas – the shimmering Eiffel Tower at sunset, the imposing Louvre Museum and the lush Tuileries Gardens! A guided walking tour will perfectly end your exploration of the city by introducing you to this destination’s past, where history lingers in the most beautiful corners. Seize this opportunity to admire Sainte-Chapelle's spellbinding stained-glass windows and step inside Notre Dame to encounter timelessness in its soaring arches and ancient stone.
As the day comes to an end, trade cathedral spires for piping bags and prepare yourself for a hands-on macaron-making class. From whisking to folding, the wise words of an experienced baker will help you find the way to the iconic meringue shells that make this sweet unforgettable. Scented with raspberry, pistachio or rich chocolate, tasting these French delicacies will be the best reward!
Day three brings a new stop to your French gastronomy itinerary! Hop on a train to Strasbourg and embrace the opportunity to visit a city where France’s demarked elegance meets German charm in a postcard-perfect landscape of half-timbered houses, meandering canals and winding cobbled lanes. Surely, Strasbourg is the heart of the Alsace – fear not, food is part of the scene!
Alsatian cuisine is a cornerstone of French gastronomy. Considered one of the country’s most “traditional tables”, this region’s food combines high-quality produce with soul-warming flavors. Embark on a guided food tour showcasing Alsatian cuisine and brace yourself for an experience to remember! Sample the freshly baked "flammekueche" and tuck into "choucroute garnie", a hearty dish of sauerkraut and sausages that will leave you craving more. Bite after bite, you will unveil more layers of a unique culinary identity that transcends seasons and heritage. This delicious dive in Alsace offers a taste of some of the best food tours in France!
Why not welcome another adventurous day with a scenic drive from Strasbourg to Dijon, the mustard capital of the world? As you pass through bucolic countryside, plains, and sprawling vineyards, stop in Colmar. Pastel-hued houses with carved wooden beams expand on Alsace’s picturesque architectural beauty. Amidst a scenery of fairytale-like beauty, venture on a crawl along the town’s restaurants and patisseries to try local delicacies – think buttery pastries, spiced sausages, and the famous pretzel!
As the afternoon ticks by, find your way to Dijon, where you dive deeper into the heart of French gourmet travel. Here, the Burgundy region’s culinary reputation comes to life in the taste of bold mustards and aged cheeses - the perfect pairing for a traditional meal. From Liberation Square to the Church of Our Lady, make Les Halles Market one of your stops of the day! This market is a hallmark of Dijon’s vibrant food scene, perfect for tasting French delicacies.
Looking for a true experience of luxury food and wine in France? Let’s spend a day dedicated to the mysterious world of truffles. Near Beaune, you will encounter the ideal estate to venture on a memorable truffle-hunting activity. See how dogs scavenge through the sun-dappled woodlands to unearth the precious truffles. After the job is done, indulge in a tasting session where these prized gems are presented to you in decadent bites!
After this sensorial experience, venture to Beaune and uncover this town at your own pace. Amidst narrow lanes and storied buildings, you will encounter a charming destination of compelling medieval charm. After visiting Hôtel-Dieu, a Gothic masterpiece of unique architecture, find the roots of Burgundy wine at the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne. As the sun dips low, we recommend a peaceful walk along Beaune’s ancient city walls while you reminisce on your magical tour of macarons and truffles in France!
Day seven of this France food and wine tour is about celebrating Burgundy’s treasured wine! A scenic drive from Dijon to Chablis will reveal a transforming landscape that slowly shapes into rolling hills draped in vines. Rows of Chardonnay and silvery-green leaves announce your arrival to Chablis.
Join a local expert in a guided walking tour through this historic village of renowned terroir. Step after step, you will feel more connected to this town’s wine-producing heritage. Learn about the techniques and traditions that make Chablis wine so distinct – crisp and mineral-rich. Ultimately, the Chablis wine-tasting tour will awaken your palate with its subtlety. Before heading back to Dijon, consider visiting Auxerre, a town of Gothic spires and vine-covered hills. Saint-Germin Abbey is one of the town’s main attractions!
Ready for an exciting gastronomic rendezvous in Lyon? As you drive to this city, allow Cluny and Mâcon to tempt you with their Romanesque abbeys and cobbled lanes, whispering tales of bygone eras. Yet, soon, Lyon will prove to be the star. Known as France’s culinary capital, this destination promises to steal your heart with its food.
On days 8 and 9, settle into this gastronomic paradise and join one of the best food tours in France. Every bite and every sip tells the most compelling tales of evolution, tradition, and immaculate technique. Whether you are indulging in silky “quenelles” in a hidden bouchon (typical restaurant) or experimenting with the town’s vibrant street food scene, this tour will show you the heart of Lyonnaise cuisine, which is all about modern reinventions as well as tradition. After your France gourmet tour, take the time to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the intricate astronomical clock of St. Jean Cathedral and the mesmerizing glass-and-steel magnificence of the Confluence Museum.
Onto your final destination on your French gastronomy itinerary! Nice is a sun-kissed town in southern France, known for its Mediterranean blue waters and endless summer ambience. Upon arrival, wander through the old town’s ochre-hued alleyways and bask in the sea breeze with a stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Palm trees swaying, people chattering – this is the French Riviera, a region of natural beauty and mouthwatering seafood!
To continue to discover the best culinary experiences in France, day 11 is marked by a guided food tour of the town. Wind your way through Nice’s bustling markets and charming cafés, and let the local guide’s knowledge lead you to the most traditional tastings. “Socca,” a crispy chickpea pancake, and “Pissaladière,” a savory onion tart with anchovies and onions, are among two of the local favorites.
As the time of departure approaches, take time to reflect on your favorite bites, each of them so unique and packed with flavors to remember!
Is food one of your favorite ways to discover a country and its unique identity? As we travelled from northern to southern France, we encountered this gem’s different flavours, stories and soul. From learning how to bake macarons in Paris to exploring Chablis’ acclaimed wines and diving into Lyon’s vibrant culinary scene, each stop on this journey has shown that tasting French delicacies is the perfect way to discover stunning landscapes and picturesque towns.
Ready to turn this into your very own gastronomic voyage through France? Our tours are fully customizable to match your interests and pace. With the help of our knowledgeable travel consultants, we can turn your dream vacation into reality. Let’s start planning – your France gourmet tour awaits!