Eating Our Way Through France: The Highs, Lows, and Everything In Between

France – the land of culinary excellence! From flaky croissants to stinky cheeses, this country is known worldwide for its food, and we were eager to dive right in. Our travels took us to quaint village markets, cozy cafés, and yes, even a pizza vending machine. So, here’s a taste (pun intended!) of our French food adventures with some tips for fellow travelers along the way.

Let’s start with a surprise – vending machine pizza! In a small French town, hungry and with few options, we stumbled upon a pizza vending machine. Our expectations were low (as low as you’d expect for anything cooked in a few minutes), but, to our surprise, it wasn’t half bad! It may not have been a gourmet experience, but it was hot, cheesy, and actually quite satisfying for a quick meal on the go.

Travel Tip: f you're in a pinch and see one of these machines, give it a try! Not all quick bites in France need to be fancy – sometimes you just need to embrace the convenience.

Everywhere we went, the smell of fresh bread and coffee filled the streets. We couldn't resist ducking into patisseries to grab croissants, pain au chocolat, and baguettes, which became daily rituals. And don't get me started on the pastries! The macaroons, éclairs, and tarts were absolutely divine – it’s no surprise we all gained a few pounds. There’s nothing like sitting at a café with a strong coffee in hand and a pastry on your plate, watching the world go by.

Travel Tip: Always leave room for dessert. French patisseries are a slice of heaven, and no trip to France is complete without indulging in their pastries. And don’t forget to grab a fresh baguette for a simple but unbeatable snack on the go.

One of our favorite things to do in France was visiting local markets. The variety and freshness of produce, cheese, olives, and bread was beyond anything we’ve ever seen. We bought pickled garlic and olives that were bursting with flavor – hands down the best we’ve ever had! Of course, we also sampled more cheese than we could handle. Every market was a feast for the senses.

Travel Tip: Hit up the local markets, especially if you’re camping or cooking on the road. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and snacks. And trust me, the pickled garlic is a must-try!

We couldn’t resist trying some of France’s more unusual dishes, including frogs' legs and cuttlefish. While we were excited to try these French specialties, not everything was a hit. The frogs' legs were, let’s just say, an acquired taste – a bit too fatty for our liking. The cuttlefish, on the other hand, was like chewing on a rubber bouncy ball. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?

Travel Tip: Be adventurous! Even if it doesn’t always work out, trying local delicacies is part of the travel experience. But be prepared – some French dishes are definitely an acquired taste.

One of the most delicious and unexpected purchases we made was a hefty amount of nougat – 150 euros’ worth to be exact! Was it worth it? Absolutely! France does sweets like no other country, and the nougat was no exception. Rich, chewy, and absolutely addictive, it was hard to stop eating it once we started.

Travel Tip: Be mindful at markets – it’s easy to get carried away (like we did). But, if you’re going to splurge, make it on something as good as French nougat or macaroons. You won’t regret it!

Even Lancer, our German wire-haired pointer, got to enjoy the local cuisine! French dog food is apparently a hit because he devoured it with enthusiasm every time. It’s safe to say that even the four-legged members of our crew appreciated the French flavors.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling with pets, don’t worry! France is super pet-friendly, and you can find good quality dog food almost everywhere. Lancer gives it two paws up!

From the highs of buttery pastries and three-course meals under leafy terraces to the lows of frogs' legs and rubbery cuttlefish, our food journey through France was as rich and varied as the country itself. While we may have eaten our body weight in bread, cheese, and macaroons, we wouldn’t change a thing. France truly knows how to spoil you with flavors, and we can’t wait to return for more.