• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Epicurean Traveler

Inspiring Cultural Exploration Through Culinary Travel

  • About
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Latin America
  • Travel
    • Accommodations
    • Apparel, Gear & Packing Guides
    • Attractions
    • Couples Travel
    • Destination Guides
    • Travel Tips
    • Trip Ideas
  • Food & Drink
    • Drink Travel
      • Beer & Breweries
      • Coffee
      • Spirits & Distilleries
      • Wine & Wineries
    • Dining Guides
    • Foods Around The World
    • Recipes
  • Travel Experiences
  • Shop Gear & Gifts
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Cup of espresso coffee and croissant pastry on outdoor table of cafe in Paris, France

12 Famous French Foods in Paris — and One to Avoid!

Eating French cuisine is as quintessential as seeing the Eiffel Tower when visiting Paris, France. In this Paris food guide from the video-editing platform VEED, you’ll learn which 12 famous French foods in Paris you should eat — and one delicacy you shouldn’t!

If you seek out local cuisine when you travel, check out the rest of our Foods Around the World series. We have food guides for China, Dubai, Ireland, Japan, Latin America, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Singapore.

Now, continue reading to find out which 12 popular foods from France are worth eating when you visit Paris.

Disclosure: This foodie guide to eating the most popular French foods in Paris contains affiliate links. When you click on or make a purchase via one of these links, I may earn a commission. 


Why Should Food Lovers Visit Paris?

Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.

Though there is plenty to see and do in Paris, eating the most famous French foods is a must. Paris is such a food lover’s destination that foodie visitors are even making slow-motion videos to demonstrate how delicious the food from France is.

France’s food culture has a long and rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, and French cuisine is widely regarded as one of the first modern cuisines. Did you know the first cookbook was published in France in 1393? It contained over 600 recipes!

Of course, French food has evolved since then, yet it has retained its reputation as one of the world’s most delectable. French chefs are famously known for using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and cooking in France is an art.

Due to its famous cuisine, visitors from around the world travel to Paris and other renowned food and wine regions in France to savor authentic French cooking.

12 Famous French Foods in Paris

Now that you know a little bit about the history of French food and what makes it so special, it’s time to talk about some of the most popular French foods to try while visiting Paris. Here are 12 famous French foods that you must try at least once, but we certainly wouldn’t blame you for wanting second helpings.

Baguettes

French baguettes
Baguettes (© Friedberg/Adobe Stock)

The baguette is a well-known French staple. This long, thin bread loaf is typically made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. It’s perfect for sandwiches or enjoying simply with a bit of butter.

Coq au Vin

Coq au vin, a French dish of chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and vegetables braised with red wine (© beataaldridge/AdobeStock)

Coq au vin is a traditional French dish that you’ll often see on menus at Parisian restaurants. This famous French dish is chicken braised in red wine until it’s incredibly tender, accompanied by mushrooms and lardons. You’ll find it mouthwateringly delicious once you tuck into this wholesome dish.

Crêpes

French crepe with strawberries and whipped cream
French crêpe with strawberries (© ilolab/Adobe Stock)

Another popular food in France that you’ll easily find in Paris is the French crêpe. In France, crêpes are thin pancakes commonly served for breakfast or dessert. Typically, French crêpes are made with wheat flour, milk, eggs, and a small amount of sugar. Crêpes in Paris can be eaten plain or filled with fruit, chocolate, or cheese.

Croissants

Cup of espresso coffee and croissant pastry on outdoor table of cafe in Paris, France
Cup of fresh hot coffee and a traditional French croissant on a table of a Parisian outdoor cafe in Paris, France (© Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Adobe Stock)

Indeed, the croissant is one of the most iconic French foods. This flaky, buttery pastry is absolutely delicious and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can find croissants at pretty much any bakery in Paris, so be sure to pick up one (or two!) during your visit.

Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur sandwich on a white plate in breakfast setting
Breakfast with French cheese and ham croque monsieur sandwich (© Анна Журавлева/Adobe Stock)

The croque monsieur is a savory hot sandwich of ham and cheese, usually Gruyère. It’s said to have originated at Parisian cafés. So, why not give this famous Parisian sandwich a try at one of the best places to eat croque monsieur in Paris?

Escargot

Escargot (traditional French snails with herb butter)
Escargot, traditional French snails, prepared with herb butter (© michael spring/Adobe Stock)

Escargot is a traditional French hors d’oeuvre of cooked snails, most often prepared in herb or garlic butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to give escargot a try while you’re in Paris!

French Cheese

French cheese
French cheese in a market in Paris (Pixabay Stock)

Did you know France is home to more than 400 different types of cheese? With so many varieties, it’s no surprise that cheese is one of the most famous French foods! Whether you prefer a creamy brie, a salty comté salé, or a tangy Roquefort, you will likely find a famous French cheese to suit your taste. While in Paris, try to taste as many different types as possible!

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup and beer at Parisian cafe
A delicious bowl of French onion soup and a beer at an outdoor cafe in Paris. (© Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Of course, another popular food in France is onion soup. It is a hearty soup made with onions, beef broth, and various spices. Usually, it is topped with a piece of bread and cheese. It’s a tasty winter meal, but you’ll find French onion soup served year-round at restaurants in Paris.

Macarons

French macarons displayed in shop window in Paris, France
French macarons displayed in a shop window in Paris, France (Pixabay Stock)

In addition to croissants, macarons are another popular French pastry. These colorful meringue-based confections have a thin crust and a soft, chewy center. They’re often filled with flavored creams or jams. You can even learn how to make this famous French confection during a macaron cooking class in Paris!

Ratatouille

Ratatouille in brown bowl
Ratatouille (© Ruslan Mitin/Adobe Stock)

Ratatouille is a classic French dish of vegetables—such as eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes—cooked in a tomato sauce and often served with rice or pasta. It is a healthy and delicious meal that you should definitely try while you’re in Paris.

Soufflés

French baked cheese soufflés in brown ramekins
French baked cheese soufflés in ramekins (© Bera_berc/Adobe Stock)

Soufflés are light, airy French desserts of egg whites, sugar, and flavored custard. They’re usually served hot out of the oven, and they come in a variety of flavors. Chocolate soufflés are particularly popular French desserts, but you can also find fruit-flavored soufflés or savory ones made with cheese.

Steak Frites

Steak Frites with greens and dipping sauce on white plate
Steak frites (© Andrew Ferguson/Adobe Stock)

Steak frites is a well-known French dish. It consists of steak and fries, usually cooked to perfection. This simple but incredibly delicious dish is one of the most famous foods in France.

French Delicacy to Skip: Foie Gras

Foie Gras dish at Parisian fine-dining restaurant
Foie gras dish at a Parisian restaurant (© EyeEm/Adobe Stock)

Among the many delicacies of French cuisine is foie gras, which is made from the fatty liver of a duck or goose. Sought after by gourmands for its rich, buttery flavor, foie gras is said to be unlike any other duck or goose meat. In French cuisine, it is often prepared as a mousse or pâté.

Why don’t we recommend eating foie gras in Paris? Unfortunately, the livers of ducks and geese are fattened through a process called gavage, a form of force-feeding.

For about two weeks before slaughter, the birds are fed more than they would typically eat on their own through feeding tubes placed through their beaks and down their throats. This practice can cause a bird’s liver to swell up to 10 times its normal size and has been deemed cruel by animal rights groups.

To protect animal rights, foie gras production has even been banned in at least 20 countries. We encourage you to skip eating foie gras in Paris, and we don’t think you’ll miss it, considering there are so many other classic French foods to try in Paris. However, if you want to try this delicacy while traveling in Europe, this Spanish farm produces foie gras from wild geese without using force-feeding methods.

How Do I Pick a Restaurant in Paris?

Restaurant in Paris with outdoor seating
Parisian café (© Ekaterina Belova/Adobe Stock)

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic French meal in Paris, you’ll need to know how to pick the right place among more than 44,000 Paris restaurants.

Whether you plan to dine at a French restaurant awarded a Michelin star or one of the famous Paris cafes, here are a few tips for dining in the French capital.

Look for a Crowd

The hottest French restaurants are usually popular with the locals, so be sure to check out some of the neighborhood spots. It’s typically a good sign if a restaurant is full or a crowd is waiting to eat there.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Many restaurants in Paris cater to tourists, but they often lack the quality and authenticity you’re likely looking for. Instead, focus on finding hidden gems that are off the beaten path. 

Check Menus Beforehand

Many restaurants in Paris post their menus online. Look at the menu ahead of time to see what kinds of dishes the restaurant offers. This will give you a general idea of whether or not the restaurant is right for you.

Trust Your Instincts

If you walk into a restaurant and it just doesn’t feel right, it’s probably best to move on. There are so many excellent restaurants in Paris that you’ll surely find one you love.

Ask the Locals

Lastly, consult the local Parisians you meet if you’re unsure where to eat. Your hotel concierge will likely direct you to a high-quality French restaurant and may even make a reservation for you.

With these tips, we hope you’ll have a delicious and authentic French meal while traveling in Paris.

Paris Food Tours & Activities

Colorful French Macarons
Macarons (© olgaperevalova/Adobe Stock)

In addition to dining at French restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and markets in Paris, you can taste French cuisine on a Paris food tour.

Sample French cheeses, wines, pastries, and chocolate on a food tour of Montmartre, or meet local artisans as you eat your way through the oldest neighborhood in Paris on a Saint Germain des Prés food tour.

When in Paris, why not learn to bake like a pâtissier? Taking a cooking class, you can learn to make macarons, chocolate éclairs, or other famous French desserts.

Is a Parisian food tour or French pastry cooking class not the ideal activity for you? Paris offers even more culinary activities, including wine-tasting events, dinner cruises on the Seine, and guided day trips from Paris filled with food and wine tastings.

Find and Book Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

Where Foodies Should Stay in Paris

If you are craving a buttery croissant or savory cheese soufflé after reading about the famous foods from France featured in this post, then perhaps it’s time to book a trip to Paris! To start planning your trip, explore our recommendations below for highly rated Paris hotels.

La Réserve Hotel & Spa

Located near the Champs-Élysées, this luxurious five-star hotel, housed in a 19th-century mansion, features a world-class spa, a private library for hotel guests, suites with wine cellars, and chef Jérôme Banctel’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gabriel.

Book La Réserve Hotel & Spa

Saint James Paris

At this French château in the quiet and elegant 16th arrondissement, you can relax in the Greco-Roman-style thermal baths of the Guerlain Spa and dine at the Michelin-starred Bellefeuille, where chef Julien Dumas crafts seasonal dishes using the freshest ingredients, including vegetables from the hotel’s organic garden.

Book Saint James Paris

Hôtel Henriette

A hidden gem near the Latin Quarter, this three-star boutique hotel receives rave reviews for impeccably clean and stylish rooms, a delicious daily breakfast, and welcoming staff.

Book Hôtel Henriette

Paris is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for amazing art and history at the Louvre or want to see the Eiffel Tower light up the sky, there’s no shortage of things to do in this City of Lights.

Which popular French food would you like to try in Paris?

Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without tasting croissants, macarons, and the other French foods mentioned in this post. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on French food. Please share with us your favorite French dish or which one you’d like to try in Paris by leaving us a comment below!

Read More Culinary Travel Articles

  • Bagels, Bloody Marys, and Brunch Spots in New York City
  • Where to Eat in Chicago
  • 10 Culinary Experiences to Savor in Atlanta
  • Lunch in Ann Arbor, Michigan: Five Local Spots Where You Should Eat
  • Where to Eat Like a Local in Saugatuck, Michigan
  • Best Restaurants in Door County: 18 Places to Eat & Drink Recommended by Locals

Read More About European Destinations

  • Packing for Europe: The Best Shoes to Wear in Europe [Summer Edition]
  • Five Restaurants Where You Should Eat in Amsterdam
  • Top 8 Copenhagen Seafood Restaurants
  • Cyprus Dining Guide: Best Restaurants in Five Top Cyprus Travel Destinations 
  • Italian Coffee Guide: 15 Things You Should Know Before Drinking Coffee in Italy
  • Paros Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting the Greek Island
  • 10 Photos of Ireland to Inspire Your Trip
  • 10 Photos of Switzerland to Inspired Your Trip

Save the pin below to your Paris travel board on Pinterest for later!

12 French Foods to Eat in Paris — and one to avoid! with photos of French Onion Soup and a Parisian restaurant

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Like this:

Like Loading...

Read More

Written by:
Erin Klema
Published on:
January 9, 2023
Thoughts:
No comments yet

Categories: Foods Around The World, FranceTags: Food in Paris, French Cuisine, French food, Paris

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hello!

Welcome to The Epicurean Traveler! I help culinary travelers plan trips to explore the world and its diverse cultures and cuisines through unique, local, and delectable food and drink experiences. — Erin, Founder & Editor

Subscribe Now!

Get the latest from The Epicurean Traveler

Recent Posts

  • Best Donuts in Dearborn, Michigan: 6 Places to Satisfy Your Doughnut Craving
  • 25 Cool Travel Gifts for Him Under $25
  • Where to Eat in Amsterdam: Five Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (According to a Netherlands Expert)
  • 10 Beautiful Photos of Greece to Inspire Your Trip
  • 15 Best Brewery & Beer Tours in Colorado for Beer Lovers

Popular Posts

27 Best Summer Sangria Recipes for Refreshing Sips
13 Charmingly Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
30+ Best Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
Peach Sangria Recipe
Where to Eat in Saugatuck: 7 Spots to Dine Like a Local Foodie
Five Tips for What to Wear in Colorado: A Size-Inclusive Packing Guide for Women

Footer

Popular Posts

  • 27 Best Summer Sangria Recipes for Refreshing Sips
  • 13 Charmingly Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
  • 30+ Best Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
  • Peach Sangria Recipe
  • Where to Eat in Saugatuck: 7 Spots to Dine Like a Local Foodie

Copyright © 2025 · The Epicurean Traveler

Latest Posts

  • Best Donuts in Dearborn, Michigan: 6 Places to Satisfy Your Doughnut Craving
  • 25 Cool Travel Gifts for Him Under $25
  • Where to Eat in Amsterdam: Five Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (According to a Netherlands Expert)

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Pinterest

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

  • About
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Us
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
%d