There are several things in life that are part of the French culture but in particular there’s a factor of French life that is positively monolithic. It’s a daily occurrence, a guarantee and a ritual. Tables around the country will be adorned with lavish masterpieces taken from recipes handed down from generations. Recipes are fresh and delicious and created with a torrid passion; however, dining is also a grand and daily social occasion and each region has their speciality.  Finish your breakfast of croissants and coffee and then go and cook up a storm in your kitchen, practice your language skills with some French recipes from one of the following 4 regions, and wash it all down with a glass of rich Bordeaux or sparkling golden Champagne…

 

 

 1. NORTH WEST AND PARIS

 

Originating in Bretagne in the 12th century, the Crêpe can be bought at any fête or street corner. It’s the ultimate sweet delight or a delicious meal that can be filled with just about anything, all served up with French flavour and style. It’s dinner with a certain “je ne sais quoi”. On finishing your crêpe why not wind your way through Paris and stroll along the boulevards to your nearest pâtisserie for a Paris Brest. Indulgent and magnificent, this creamy, pastry laden dessert pays sweet homage to the Paris Brest cycling race and is ressemblant of the wheel of a “velo”. But this is not recommended on a daily basis if you are thinking of taking part in a cycling race, given it’s heavy calorific value.

 

2. SOUTH WEST

 

Whilst meandering down one of the intricate Toulousain canals on your longboat, try lighting up your stove and get out your recipe book to make the locally beloved and nutritionally-laden bowl of Cassoulet. A colourful and robust casserole of haricot blanc with duck confit and a rich tomato sauce that will warm any French heart or soul.

After disembarking from your canal boat, TGV yourself West for a glass of the very finest red wine accompanied with a sticky and sugary “Cannele de Bordeaux” (a petite and caramelized brioche-like gateau that can be found in any one of the numerous boulangeries of this beautiful region).

 

 

3. NORTH EAST

 

By now you will be surely bursting at the seams! But your culinary whistle-stop tour of France is not yet over and that was only “entre midi et quatorze heure”. Now it’s time for “apéritif dinatoire”. Put on your cocktail dress and enjoy as you discover that well known delicacy of “escargot”.  Escargot de Bourgogne is a buttery and delicate garden fancy that begs to be washed down  with sumptuous Burgundy wine, glamour at it’s very finest… however, not for the faint hearted! And if that’s not enough for you, you can always finish off with brandy steeped fruit from Alsace.

 

4. SOUTH EAST

 

This vast region offers a variety of culture and climate. It’s multifaceted and versatile choice of food will leave you pondering for days over your next choice of dinner. The mediterranean coastlines offer you colossal seafood choices from a classic provençal bouillabaisse to a traditional Côte d’Azur Niçoise. For your next course (and if you’re not too worried about putting on your bikini for the beach) you can also relish in a decent helping of Tart Tropézienne, which is, quite simply, brioche filled with crème pâtissière.

 

A country steeped in culture and synonymous for it’s gastronomie, how can anyone resist the “avenues” and “boulevards” just littered with colourful and bounteous pâtisseries or the smell of freshly baked baguettes and croissants? And what better way to learn French then spending a relaxing afternoon with your French cookery book concocting a rich Boeuf Bourguignon, you’ll soon find out if you’ve made a mistake with your French grammar, the proof will be in the tasting! Contact Easy French for further food and cultural fun as you eat your way through every French lesson.