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For the elite travellers who love to eat, indulging in high-end culinary experiences is probably on top of your bucket list. France is the best destination when it comes to this. Home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and hailed around the world for its delectable food and wine, France is the go-to destination for foodies who want to enjoy unforgettable and delicious high-end dining experiences.
Below, check out the top high-end culinary experiences in France.
- Gourmet Dining on the Garonne River
Lying along the picturesque city of Bordeaux, Garonne is a fascinating river offering many beautiful panoramas of the Port of the Moon, which you can admire from different angles. The Garonne plays a significant role in inland shipping. The river allows sea vessels to get to the port of Bordeaux, and it also forms part of the Canal des Deux Mers, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
While you can admire the Garonne from the riverside, the best way to explore the river is on a Bordeaux River Cruise, which also comes with wine tasting and gourmet meals. Sail along the illuminated quaysides of Bordeaux as you enjoy a gastronomic evening. Depending on the cruise, you may embark on the Isle of Patiras for lunch or hop on a riverboat for a 7 night France cruise along the Gironde Estuary and discover local vineyards and wineries.
After your cruise, explore Bordeaux, an effortlessly elegant city home to magnificent neoclassical buildings. Bordeaux was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, given its wealth of historical monuments. More than three hundred buildings in the city are considered historical treasures. The city’s vibrant riverfront is home to great restaurants offering an exceptional dining experience.
- Guided Food Market Tour in Nice
Nice is one of the largest cities in France, famous for its food culture, beautiful seaside promenade, and warm Mediterranean climate. Lying along the French Riviera, Nice attracts foodies of all kinds, including those who appreciate high-end culinary experiences.
The best way to discover the thriving food scene of Nice is to join a guided food market tour, where you’ll visit some of the vibrant markets of the city, such as the market in the Cours Saleya. Lined with stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, it is a favourite of local chefs. As you stroll through the market, you’ll be offered free tastings of local delicacies. Peruse the olive oil stands and check out the bustling fish market to discover different fish species.
It’s worth waking up early just before throngs of tourists arrive at the market. Getting to the market early in the morning also allows you to see local chefs shop for ingredients. The market is open every day except Sunday afternoons, Mondays, and public holidays. Visiting wine bars in Nice also offers the chance to gather information directly from the wine sommeliers themselves. When visiting these wine bars, you must also eat. However, the menu is less formal than that of a regular restaurant.
- Hosted Chef’s Table in Domaine des Étangs
One of the most anticipated culinary events in France is the Chef’s Table in Domaine des Étangs, where you’ll witness the culinary art of Chef Dominique Crenn. This five-day dining experience is designed to stand out, as each plate is a piece of art.
Taking place at Domaine des Étangs in Massignac, France, you will join a small group of fellow foodies on this incredibly special gourmet experience. Listen to Dominique Crenn’s storytelling and witness how she expresses art through food. Step into the magical grounds between the lush forest and scenic lakes for a secret soiree that seduces the senses with the scents of nature, flavours of the season, and Crenn’s surprise menus.
As the host, Crenn will converse with guests through food and provide daily talks, nature walks, art tours, and meaningful conversations on the estate’s vast grounds. Indulge in a high-end dining experience with multi-course meals and specially designed seasonal menus with ingredients derived from southern and western regions of France.
- Winetasting in Provence
Provence is a picturesque region in south-eastern France, extending from the lower Rhône to the border of Italy, flanked by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It has the longest history of winemaking in France, with vineyards stretching out as far as the eyes can see. Surrounded by historic cities, these vineyards lie along the Mediterranean coast.
As a wine region, wine tasting is a popular activity in Provence. It is known for its rosé, which is considered an industry standard. On your wine tour of Provence, stroll through the vineyards while listening to the explanation of the different wine specialities. Indulge in delectable chocolate and wine pairing and have a picnic in the middle of a vineyard, surrounded by the most scenic landscapes.
Make the most of your wine tour of Provence by visiting the beautiful lavender fields. The best time to visit is from June to August when the fragrant purple flowers are in full bloom. There are many places to find lavender fields in Provence, and one of these is the Plateau de Valensole, which lies between the valley of Duane and the Gorges of Verdon.
- Pastry Experience in Le Marais in Paris
Pastries are synonymous with French culture, and the best place to do this is in the beloved Le Marais neighbourhood. On your pastry experience of Le Marais, you will be joined by a local guide who will share stories about the neighbourhood and its significant role in the history of France.
Nowadays, Le Marais has transformed into a bustling neighbourhood home to bakeries, pastry shops, and chic restaurants and cafes, making it to become the foodie-centric district of France. With a local guide by your side, you’ll explore the cosy corners of the neighbourhood in search of the best pastries.
Some pastries you can sample include crème brûlée, crepes, pain au chocolat, and macarons, paired with a delectable cup of espresso. Once you’ve had your fill of French pastries, visit a food market to continue your gastronomic journey.