Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

3 different types of French cuisine

Reading Time: 2 minutes

French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its sophistication, diverse flavors, and exquisite techniques.

Here are three different types of French cuisine you need to try when visiting France.

Classic French cuisine

Classic French cuisine, also known as Haute cuisine, is the epitome of culinary excellence. It’s characterized by its meticulous preparation, elegant presentation, and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

This style of cooking often involves complex techniques and rich sauces, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and flavorful.   

Some iconic examples of classic French dishes include:

  • Coq au vin: A hearty stew of chicken braised in red wine, lardons, mushrooms, and onions.   
  • Boeuf bourguignon: A flavorful beef stew slow-cooked in red wine, typically with beef broth, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.   
  • Soupe à l’oignon: A classic French onion soup with caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with a crusty crouton and melted Gruyère cheese.  

traditional french cuisine

Regional French cuisine

In France, each region boasts its own unique specialties, reflecting local ingredients, traditions, and cultural influences.

Some of the prominent regional cuisines of France are:

  • Normandy: Known for its abundance of seafood, apples, and dairy products, resulting in dishes like Moules à la Normande (mussels cooked in cider and cream) and Tarte Normande (apple tart).   
  • Brittany: Famous for its savory buckwheat crêpes (galettes), often filled with cheese, ham, or eggs, and fresh seafood like cotriade (fish stew) and oysters.   
  • Alsace: Influenced by German cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut), baeckeoffe (a meat and potato stew), and flammekueche (Alsatian tart with bacon, onions, and crème fraîche).
  • Provence: Characterized by the use of olive oil, herbs like lavender and rosemary, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant, resulting in vibrant and flavorful dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse (fish stew).
  • Basque Country: Known for its unique culinary traditions, including dishes like piperade (a Basque stew with tomatoes, peppers, and eggs) and Gateau Basque (a traditional cake filled with cherry jam or pastry cream).  

french cuisine, provencal cuisine

Modern French cuisine

Modern French cuisine is a dynamic and evolving culinary landscape that embraces innovation while honoring traditional techniques. Chefs are constantly experimenting with new ingredients, flavors, and presentations, pushing the boundaries of French gastronomy.   

Some trends in modern French cuisine include:

  • Fusion cuisine: Combining French techniques with flavors and ingredients from other cultures, such as Asian-inspired dishes with soy sauce, ginger, and lemongrass.
  • Molecular gastronomy: Using scientific principles to create innovative textures and flavors, like foams, spheres, and gels.
  • Farm-to-table dining: Emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create fresh and sustainable dishes.

For more delicious insights, regional specialties, and culinary adventures, visit our Go! Go! France blog.

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

The summer sales (called soldes d’été in French) are the perfect time to save big on everything from fashion to home essentials—especially when you’re living on a student budget. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of the summer sales in France. Understanding how summer sales work in France The summer sales are official,...
Planning your move to France this summer? July and August are fantastic months to arrive, but they also bring a shift in rhythm across the country. While most services remain open, some operate on reduced schedules—especially in August. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect so you can plan your arrival with...
Grandes Écoles in France are elite higher education institutions known for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and strong career outcomes. For international students, they offer a unique opportunity to study within one of the world’s most prestigious educational systems. What is a Grande École A Grande École is a top-tier higher education institution in France....
One of the most confusing aspects of learning French? Many words sound almost identical but mean entirely different things. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common French sound-alike words—terms that share the same pronunciation but differ in spelling, grammar, and meaning. Why French pronunciation and spelling can be confusing French is known...
Educational travel to France offers students a powerful opportunity to improve their French through full immersion. Our programs combine daily French classes, local accommodation, and fun cultural activities. Each program is built around 3 essential pillars designed to help your students speak more and gain confidence in French. Pillar 1: Intensive French classes for rapid...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help