10 Must-Try Foods in Paris, France

Paris is obviously a city known for its food. There are so many restaurants, and cafes to choose from it can be hard to know where to start. That's why I’ve put together a list of the ten must-try foods in Paris! From croissants and macarons to escargot and duck confit, there is something for everyone on this list.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your foodie adventure today!

Croque Madame

Okay, I've literally become addicted to this breakfast sandwich since arriving in Paris. A Croque Madame is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top. It's simple but oh-so delicious! You can find them all over the city, and they make for a filling breakfast.

Macarons

To be honest, I'm not really a macaron girl. BUT everyone else in the world seems to love them, so I thought I'd give them a try while in Paris. And you know what? I can at least appreciate why people like them. The macarons here are light and fluffy with a variety of interesting flavors. If you're looking for a sweet treat, these are definitely worth trying. Ladurée is the origantor of the macaron, so you might as well go there for the best! If you're like me and don't really like macarons, at the very least, they certainly make for some colorful photos.

Escargot

This was definitely a new experience for me. Escargot is a snail that is usually cooked in garlic butter and served as an appetizer. I'm not going to lie; they were a bit strange to eat at first. But once I got past the initial "yuck" factor, they were actually pretty good! If you're looking to try something new, give escargot a go.

Duck Confit

Duck confit is a dish made with a slow-roasted duck that is preserved in its own fat. It's usually served with potatoes and greens, and it is absolutely delicious. I'm a big fan of duck, so this was heaven for me. It's definitely one of the most popular dishes in Paris, so you'll see it on almost every menu.

Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash

Chocolate Croissants

Did you really go to France if you didn't have a chocolate croissant? These flaky pastries are filled with chocolate, and they're absolutely divine. I'm not even a big sweets person, but I could eat these all day long. You can find them at most bakeries, but they're especially good at the iconic La Maison du Chocolat.

Cheese

Just eat every single piece of cheese available. I don't care if you are counting calories. Cheese is a very important part of French culture, and you need to try as much as you can while you're here. From soft and creamy brie to pungent and sharp blue cheese, there is something for everyone. There are even entire shops dedicated to selling nothing but cheese! If you love cheese as much as I do, then you will be in heaven.

Wine

You can't come to France and not drink wine. It's just not allowed. The French take their wine very seriously, and there are all sorts of rules and regulations around it. But don't let that intimidate you; drinking wine is meant to be enjoyed. And there is no better place to enjoy it than in the city of wine itself, Bordeaux. But if you can't make it to Bordeaux, don't worry; there are plenty of great wines to be found in Paris as well. Just head to your nearest cave à vin (wine shop) and start exploring.

Photo by Bas Peperzak on Unsplash

Baguettes

Every time I saw a Parisian with a baguette sticking out of their tote bag, I was hit with, "oh, I'm really in France." You just can't come to Paris and not eat a baguette. They are long, thin loaves of bread that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can find them at most bakeries, and they make for a great snack or light meal.

Crepes

These thin pancakes can be sweet or savory, and they make for a great cheap meal. You can find crepes all over the city, and they are usually pretty inexpensive. You'll find little stands throughout Paris, and you can get creative with your toppings. My personal favorite is a Nutella and banana crepe, but there are endless possibilities.

Eclairs

An éclair is a pastry made with choux dough that is filled with cream and then topped with icing. They are usually pretty big, so I like to share them with someone. But if you're really craving something sweet, go ahead and get one all for yourself.

Overall, there are so many great foods to try in Paris. Whether you're looking for something savory or sweet, there's definitely something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and see what all the fuss is about! Read more about France here.