From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, each region of France boasts unique culinary traditions that make Christmas even more special.
Let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure and explore the diverse regional Christmas food found throughout France during the festive season.
Alsace
Alsace, with its German influences, celebrates Christmas with a delectable array of specialties. Choucroute garnie, a hearty dish of sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes, warms the soul.
Don’t miss baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked casserole of meat marinated in white wine and juniper berries.
For a sweet treat, indulge in bredele, traditional Christmas cookies with flavors like anise, cinnamon, and ginger.
Burgundy
Burgundy, renowned for its prestigious wines, offers a Christmas feast fit for a king. Bœuf bourguignon, a beef stew braised in red wine, is a classic. Pair it with a glass of local Pinot Noir for a truly Burgundian experience.
Another regional specialty is escargots de Bourgogne, Burgundy snails cooked in garlic and parsley butter.
Provence
Provence, bathed in sunshine even in winter, celebrates Christmas with lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner features seven lean dishes symbolizing the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. These may include fish soup, vegetables, and aigo boulido, a garlic soup with herbs.
For dessert, the thirteen desserts represent Jesus and his twelve apostles. These include dried fruits, nuts, and calissons d’Aix, traditional almond candies.
Brittany
Brittany, with its long coastline, showcases the bounty of the sea during Christmas. Oysters, langoustines, and other shellfish are popular starters. Coquilles Saint-Jacques, scallops baked in a creamy sauce, are a festive favorite.
For a truly Breton experience, try kig ha farz, a hearty stew of buckwheat flour, meat, and vegetables.
Southwestern France
Southwestern France, bordering Spain, blends French and Basque culinary traditions. Foie gras, a rich delicacy made from duck or goose liver, is a staple on Christmas tables. Another regional specialty is confit de canard, duck legs preserved in their own fat.
A traditional Christmas Eve dinner in France
What better way to experience French Christmas traditions than by partaking in the Christmas Eve feast? This special dinner, called Réveillon de Noel, brings families and friends together to share a lavish meal. While it varies from family to family and region to region, you’ll likely find some recurring favorites gracing the Christmas table.
Read more about what French people eat for Christmas here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/popular-french-christmas-food/
