Eating in France is a most delightful experience, whether it is in the great centres of culinary excellence or at a simple, unpretentious bar in a small and remote village. Everyone has to eat, to survive, but the French have made an art of it, and French cuisine is both varied and delicious. It can take many visits before you realise how central a role food plays in the French psyche.
But there has to be a few moderate words of advice:
Firstly, don't come to France expecting to eat the same food that you eat at home – you just won't find it. Nor should you expect to. The dining experience is just one element of the French experience.
Secondly, French cuisine is often rich. So, if you're more accustomed to less refined dishes, take it easy for the first few days in order to allow your body to adjust before diving into the foie gras and confit de canard!
Thirdly, if you've travelled some distance to get to France, especially by car, the possibility exists that the toll on your body may take a few days to ease. So, the second point above also applies here. Keep it simple for a few days.
But when you're raring to go, a culinary theatre awaits, and what a performance!
Even in the most remote auberge you will be treated to gastronomic delights. Almost every village has a bar or bistro serving simple but delicious food. If you want something that isn't going to offend your wallet, just go for the 'Plat du Jour', the dish of the day, whatever it is...be adventurous. Just bear in mind that the Plat du Jour is for everyone, villagers and visitors alike. Visitors come and go, but villagers are around all the time, and the last thing that any bar-restaurant needs is for a village full of dissatisfied locals, especially in the low season. As a result, they put thought and care into that simple dish of the day. What makes it even more agreeable is that this (often) three-course meal can cost as little as 10€, and only rarely double that.
At the other extreme, France has thousands of excellent restaurants, from the dizzy ranks of the Michelin-starred to popular and outstanding brasseries in the most unexpected places. And, if you're staying at a hotel, be sure to check out its restaurant at some stage. Like all restaurants they want customers to return, and they are not going to serve unappetising food to a ready audience of hotel guests.
Throughout these pages, notably those relating to towns, cities and villages, recommendations are given. Those highlighted in blue have all been visited by the author and/or a support team of experienced foodies whose stomachs know what they're talking about. Others come highly recommended.
Elsewhere, you'll find details of some recommended regional dishes that you might like to consider trying. These are peculiar to France, and are part of your culinary journey.