One of the things people look forward to when visiting the South of France is sampling some of the area’s gorgeous cuisine, which is known the world over for its Mediterranean flavors and sophisticated French ‘Je ne sais quoi’. Depending on which area you’re headed for, there are regional specialties and ‘must tastes’ which will make your trip all the more delicious.

If you spend any amount of time in the absolute South of France, namely the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, you’ll certainly taste the Basque and Spanish influences, with juicy tomatoes, spicy sausages and peppers all very much in evidence. Aromatic herbs, olive oil and colorful fruit and vegetables make the cuisine typically Mediterranean and absolutely delicious.

Market Veggies

Languedoc-Roussillon is chilled out and relaxed, with a sunny climate and plenty of beaches. You can explore quaint coastal towns and ports, find Roman and Greek historical monuments and ruins and medieval castles, all dotted around picturesque towns like Montpellier, Perpignan, Nîmes, and Carcassonne. Traveling through this region offers you a truly European tour, both in terms of culture and cuisine.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the place to go for beaches combined with culture; the Alps, wetlands and vineyards also help make up a landscape that also features hilltop towns, medieval villages and fashionable areas populated with art galleries and music festivals.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur (Provence)

Being so close to Italy, Provence can’t help but be heavily influenced by its neighbor. You’ll find some of the most beautiful villages in France here, especially as you venture further inland.

1. Head to L’Art Glacier in Ansois if you’re an ice cream aficionado – this ice cream parlor at the foot of the Luberon Hills has over 60 flavors, including lavender, gingerbread and even Lily of the valley.
2. Being the seafood capital of France means that Marseilles, also France’s oldest city, offers the discerning traveler some amazing fish dishes. Try the bouillabaisse in any of its varieties; Bouillabaisse du Ravi, which traditionally contains six different types of fish, or Bouillabaisse du Pêcheur, which is lighter with just three. If you enjoy a garlicky fish stew you could also try Bourride. Another fishy specialty is Brandade de Morue, which originally comes from Nimes – a delicious puree of salt cod, cream, garlic, olive oil and potatoes, which is often served in restaurants as a starter.
3. Venice is a real foodie mecca, choc-full of patisseries to satisfy any sweet tooth and restaurants to die for. Just 20 miles inland from Nice airport, La Terrasse du Clemenceau is popular with locals and serves a delicious Salade au Chevre Chaud, or goat’s cheese salad, as well as fresh pizzas best enjoyed on the terrace outside. The rabbit, or ‘lapin’ is also highly recommended by previous diners.
4. Le Passage is a cosmopolitan eatery, set in a sympathetically and very tastefully renovated factory building in downtown Aix en Provence. You can sample dishes from three different kitchens – one traditionally French, the O-Zen Buffet World/Fusion [Read more…]