Visiting France is always a wonderful experience. From the beautiful architecture to the great culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
But one of the best things about traveling to France is getting to try all of the delicious snacks they have on offer. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, French snacks will keep your taste buds entertained throughout your trip.
Here are eighteen traditional French snacks that you should try when visiting this amazing country – from classic favorites like crepes and croissants to more unusual treats like bugnes and boudin noir. Bon appétit.
1. Croissants
Croissants are a must-try snack when visiting France, and they should definitely be included in your itinerary. With their flaky, buttery texture, sweet taste, and delightful aroma, it’s easy to understand why they are one of the most beloved French snacks. Not only are they delicious, but their complexity and unique preparation is a beautiful expression of French baking culture.
2. Pain au Chocolate
Besides croissants, pain au chocolat is another beloved French pastry. They are a delectable treat that tantalizes the senses with their flaky texture, buttery flavor, and sweet aroma. This classic pastry captures the essence of French baking culture with its intricacy and unique preparation.
It’s made with layers of puff pastry and filled with chocolate in the center. The result is a delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, and sweet that will surely have you coming back for more.
3. Macarons
France is known for its delicate and flavorful macarons. These French cookies come in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to more unique options like lavender or rose. The shells are made of almond flour meringue and have a light but crunchy texture. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the cookie shell, making it the perfect snack for any occasion.
4. Madeleines
Madeleines are a classic French pastry with a unique, shell-like shape and delicate flavor. They are made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. After baking in special molds, the resulting cakes have a golden-brown crust with an airy inside that melts in your mouth.
A traditional French snack, madeleines are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ll definitely want to try these classic French snacks.
5. Galettes Bretonnes
Galettes Bretonnes are a type of savory French pancake typically made with buckwheat flour. These pancakes have a thin, crispy texture on the outside and a fluffy, moist center. They are typically served with a variety of toppings such as cheese, ham, eggs, or vegetables. The traditional version is called galettes complètes, which includes ham and cheese.
Galettes Bretonnes are a delicious snack for any time of day, but for a truly authentic experience, try them with some traditional French cider.
6. Baguette
Everyone knows about the iconic French baguette, and it’s an absolute must-try when visiting France. This classic bread has a golden, crunchy crust with an airy and light interior. Baguettes can be eaten plain or topped with butter and jam for a delicious snack.
You can also use them to make sandwiches or toast – it’s an incredibly versatile snack for the whole family. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly-baked baguettes wafting through the streets of France.
7. Tartes aux Fruits
These fruity tarts are a classic French dessert you won’t miss. Each tart is made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a variety of fruits. Depending on the recipe, they can be topped with custard, whipped cream, or even chocolate ganache.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes these tarts irresistible – perfect for a light snack or dessert.
8. Crepes
Crepes are a French classic and a must-try snack when visiting France. These thin pancakes can be served either savory or sweet, depending on your preference. For the sweet version, they can be filled with chocolate, jam, honey, or even Nutella.
On the savory side, they are usually filled with cheese and vegetables. Crepes make a great snack, but they can also be served as an elegant dessert. No matter how you serve them, crepes are sure to please.
9. Monégasque
This type of French pastry is a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s definitely worth trying. Monégasque are small, round pastries filled with ground almonds and orange juice. They have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs nicely with a cup of tea or coffee.
Originating in Monaco, these little pastries make for a great snack or dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something a bit different, then Monégasque are the way to go.
10. Beignets de carnaval
For all of the fans of doughnuts, beignets de carnaval are a classic French snack that you won’t want to miss. These deep-fried treats are made from a choux pastry dough and are usually covered in powdered sugar.
These treats’ sweet and airy texture makes them the perfect accompaniment for coffee or tea. During carnival season, these fried morsels are a must-have snack.
11. Soupe à L’oignon
Changing gears from sweet to savory, soupe à l’oignon is a classic French soup made with caramelized onions and beef broth. The sweetness of the onions combined with the savory flavor of the broth creates a unique flavor profile that can’t be beaten. Soupe à l’oignon is often served with croutons and a sprinkle of cheese, making it a comforting and filling snack.
12. Escargots
Escargots, or snails, may not sound like an appetizing snack to some, but it’s a classic French dish that you must try during your visit. These traditional snails are usually cooked in garlic butter and are found all over France – especially in Burgundy.
Cooking escargots is no easy feat – it’s a labor of love that requires precision and patience. But when done correctly, the resulting dish is incredibly flavorful and definitely worth trying.
13. Moules Frites
Moules Frites is one of the most beloved French street foods, and it’s definitely a must-try when visiting the country. This classic dish consists of mussels steamed in white wine and served with crisp french fries. It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious snack that has been enjoyed by locals for centuries.
14. Truites Grenobloises
Trout Grenobloises is a classic French dish that is as delicious as it is exquisite. This amazing dish consists of trout fillets which have been marinated overnight in white wine vinegar before being cooked in butter and topped with capers and parsley. The result is a succulent, flavorful meal that will leave you wanting more.
15. Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois is an iconic French dish that has been around since the 19th century. It is composed of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a baking dish and covered with cream, Gruyère cheese, garlic, and nutmeg.
This classic combination of ingredients creates a rich and comforting dish that is sure to please any palate. Gratin Dauphinois is a must-try French snack with a crunchy top and creamy center.
16. Salade Niçoise
The classic French salad consists of tomatoes, olives, boiled eggs, anchovies, tuna fish, basil leaves, and Olive oil dressing – very refreshing on warmer days. The roots of Salade Niçoise come from the city of Nice, located on the French Riviera.
It has since become a popular salad all over France with its light and flavorful ingredients. This salad can be eaten as an appetizer, snack, or even a full meal.
17. Quiche Lorraine
Custard tart made from bacon bits baked with cream cheese custard – no trip to France would be complete without sampling this masterpiece. You can find it in almost any French bakery and café, but for the best flavor, you must try it fresh out of the oven. Quiche Lorraine is rich, creamy, and flavorful and pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or tea.
18. Crêpes Suzette
The paper-thin crepes are made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter and then cooked in a skillet until they’re golden and crispy. They are then soaked in Grand Marnier liquor sauce and flamed with a sugar and butter mixture. The result is an indulgent and sweet snack that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Conclusion
From rich soups to delicate crepes, France is filled with delicious snacks that are sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack or something sweet, France has it all. So be sure to try as many of these classic French dishes as you can during your visit and get ready to experience a flavor adventure like no other. Bon Appetit.
