By Jeremy Koops
A country known for their delectable cuisine and fine dining, France has plenty to offer the travelling foodie. For those planning their next adventure to France, here is our selection of top regions for cheese and wine in the food capital of the world.
Burgundy
Perhaps the most obvious region for wine buffs, Burgundy is such a hotspot for wine lovers that the drink is the central focus of numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, which lasts for three days, is undoubtedly the best known, but there are plenty of others you can enjoy.
While wine may be the main focus of the area, that is not to suggest cheese is overlooked. A traditional Burgundian cheese board is likely to feature the following inclusions, all of which are known for their fantastic flavours: Epoisses, Cîteaux, Bouton de Culotte and Abbaye de la Pierre qui Vire.
Dordogne
Another world-famous wine region, the Dordogne, is the ideal place to stop for a tipple of fine French wine. Sarlat and Bergerac are claimed to be the best towns for restaurants and eateries, so why not stop here to sample local delicacies? Bergerac is known for a number of culinary dishes as well as its fine wine, giving you a complete dining experience.
For cheese lovers, the Dordogne has plenty to entice, so we recommend visiting a local market to really get a taste of it. You can also visit farms like La Borie d’Imbert and buy cheese after watching it being made – perfect!
Loire Valley
The strength of this region’s association with fine wine and delicious cheese is undeniable. For proof of this reputation, you need only look at facts concerning the AOC status (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) of certain cheeses.
France has 48 different varieties of cheese with this accolade; 6 of them are found in the Loire Valley.
It doesn’t end there though. Many local cheeses are made from goat’s milk, a fact claimed to be because the defeated Arabs left their goats here after the Battle of Tours (732) saw Charles Martel, the grandfather of Charlemange, take victory.
Paris
As the country’s capital, Paris is an obvious entry for this list. While you may not get the same tastes as you’d find in more rural areas, the variety of cheeses and wines on offer will be unparalleled.
There is numerous cheese and wine tasting tours available in the capital, so why not take part in one as part of your holiday?
You can find great accommodation in the capital and further afield through camp sites in France with Canvas Holidays, giving you the chance to explore the country to your heart’s content.
