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Close up of white Sauternes wine in a glass with wine tears

Sauternes Wine: Why This Versatile White Wine Is a Must-Try

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. […]

Dish of boeuf bourguignon with red wine on the side

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 […]

Crêpes are the central part of the Chandeleur holiday tradition in France.

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 […]

Chocolate madeleines from La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

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 is a hearty stew from southern France.

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 […]

Not sure how to order coffee in French? A tip: refer to how "tight," or "serré," you want your coffee, not how "strong."

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 […]

One important Paris market tip to keep in mind: if you're not sure which stall to buy from, see where the locals are going and get in line there.

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 […]