In the United States, sweet wines have had something of a bad reputation since about the 1980s, when cheaper versions of fine European dessert wines became popular. Those wines were often cloyingly sweet (and headache-inducing), so it’s no wonder people still tend to shy away from bottles in the sweet wine section of the store. […]
Bordeaux Blog
Best Wine Bars in Bordeaux: 7 Spots That Locals Love
Every local will tell you: Bordeaux is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting. Not only does the city boast gorgeous vineyards, it also has a number of charming terraces and, of course, an amazing selection of wine bars. Benefiting from a rich historical center, the city and its labyrinthine streets hide plenty of little […]
Authentic Boeuf Bourguignon Recipe: A French Classic At Home
Boeuf bourguignon represents all the best things about French cooking: making the most of high-quality, local products and masterfully combining them into a memorable meal. Its homeland, the Burgundy region situated between Paris and Lyon, is famous for two things: beef and wine. Boeuf bourguignon (translated as Burgundy beef) is the result of a near-perfect […]
Famous Fromage: 7 Types of French Cheese You Need to Try
Former French President Charles de Gaulle is famous for having declared that it was impossible to govern a country with 246 kinds of cheese… and these days, France is home to far more than that! It can seem a bit overwhelming to know where to begin, so to help you get started, here are the […]
How to Celebrate Candelmas the French Way (Hint: It Involves Crêpes)
If you believe most American shops and greeting card companies, the next major holiday to follow Christmas and New Year’s is Valentine’s Day. But here in France, another holiday sneaks its way into the fray in early February. The holiday in question is Candlemas, or La Chandeleur, and the appropriate way to celebrate it is […]
How to Navigate a Meal in France (Menus, Tipping & More)
With a café on every corner, Paris is a prime location for gastronomic delights, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, settling in for a three-course meal, or sampling Michelin-star tasting menus.
Where to Find the Very Best Madeleines in Paris
The beautifully ornate pâtisserie lined up in Paris’ pastry shops will definitely catch your eye. But it’s none other than the humble madeleine which has become one of France’s favorite sweet treats. The simple and unadorned cake is a mix of just flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, brought to life with a squeeze of lemon […]
Cassoulet: The Rags to Riches Story of Southern France’s Most Famous Dish
This post is part of our Behind the Bite series: deep dives into the dishes that we can’t stop thinking about. Battles have been won—literally—on the shoulders of cassoulet, a hearty ragout from southwestern France. And to be honest, we can understand why. Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty serving of cassoulet, especially […]
How to Order Coffee in French Like You Know What You’re Doing
It seems like an easy task: ordering a coffee. But as with many things in France, there’s a right and a wrong way. French coffee culture is guided by a number of spoken and unspoken rules. There’s the somewhat confusing nomenclature, unique coffee shop dynamics and a strong tendency toward over-caffeination. As a visitor to […]
Everything You Need To Know To Navigate A French Market
Open air markets are one of the great joys of life in France—and occasionally confusing for some visitors to navigate. Food markets are still an enormous part of French culture, as they offer both seasonality and real value. They are often less expensive and usually far better quality and selection than what you’d find at […]