There are a whole host of advantages to moving to France, but for those lucky enough to be crossing the channel, there’s no doubt that the food will have been a big selling point. French cuisine is famous worldwide and for good reason. Cooking in France isn’t just about eating; it’s a way of life. From fresh pastries in the morning to long, relaxed meals in the evening, food plays a central role in French culture. Below, we’ve taken a look at what you can expect from French food when you make your big move.
Breaking it Down: French Cuisine
While Brits might favour the convenience of a meal deal, convenience is not a word associated with French food. Instead, France embraces slow, thoughtful dining. Meals are social occasions, ingredients are seasonal, and even the simplest dishes are prepared with love and care. Whether you’re strolling to the local bakery for a daily baguette, visiting an outdoor market, or sharing a plate of cheese with new friends, you’ll quickly discover that France takes food seriously. Expect bold flavours, fresh produce and regional specialities that vary widely depending on where you live. Whether that’s buttery Breton crepes to Provençal dishes packed with herbs and vegetables, and of course the delights of Parisien choux-pastry.
France’s Best Bites
France is often listed as one of the best places to move to as an expat, and that will come as no surprise to most people. Whether you’re moving home with children, as a couple or on a solo adventure, there’s a lot to look forward to when you’re planning removals to France, but few things are as exciting as French food. There’s no shortage of things to love about the country, but the food really does stand out as being something special.
Savory Dishes
Boeuf Bourguignon
Perhaps one of France’s best known dishes, boeuf Bourguignon is the epitome of French comfort food. A slow-cooked beef stew from Burgundy, simmered with red wine, onions, mushrooms and herbs, this rich and comforting dish is perfect during cooler months. An ode to the slower moving meals that France so cherishes.
Coq au Vin
Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, lardons and onion, haute cuisine this is not but this hearty dish is deeply satisfying. It is traditionally made with local wine from Burgundy, Bordeaux, or the Loire Valley depending on the region making it a true toast to the nation.
Ratatouille
You’ve probably heard about this dish thanks to a certain Disney rodent. The Provençal vegetable dish celebrates summer produce including tomatoes, courgettes, aubergine, peppers, garlic, and herbs which are stewed together to create a healthy, flavourful dish often served with crusty bread.
Quiche Lorraine
A savoury tart filled with eggs, cream, cheese and bacon. Originally from northeastern France, it’s now enjoyed everywhere, including here in the UK, perfect warm or cold for lunch and a popular addition to any picnic.
Cassoulet
A hearty, slow-cooked dish from the southwest, made with white beans, sausage, and duck confit. Rich, rustic, and wonderfully filling, it’s a winter favourite among the French.
Regional Specialities to Explore
If you head further afield be sure to check out some of the speciality dishes from each region.
- Bouillabaisse (Marseille) – A fragrant fish stew.
- Tartiflette (Alps) – Potatoes, cheese, bacon, and onions. It’s the perfect post-ski snack.
- Choucroute Garnie (Alsace) – Sauerkraut served with sausages and cured meats.
- Salade Niçoise (Nice) – Tuna, olives, eggs, tomatoes. It’s light and perfect for summer.
France’s diversity means every region offers something unique and locals are proud of their culinary heritage. Where you move to in France will likely have an impact on the type of food you eat, which means you can really get stuck into how the locals do it. Plus, when you travel and explore different regions, you can experience even more of what French cuisine has to offer.
Sweet Dishes and Pastries
Frogs legs and snails might be some of the country’s most notorious dishes, but it’s France’s pastries that have put it on the map, and with good reason.
Croissant au Beurre & Pain au Chocolat
Your new morning staples. Buttery, flaky, and far fresher than most options in the UK, croissants are a favourite in France. Opt for croissant au beurre for the familiar variety you have at home or a pain au chocolat to satisfy a chocolate craving.
Crème Brûlée
A silky vanilla custard with a caramelised sugar crust. This light and creamy pud is perfect for ending a meal on a sweet high.
Tarte Tatin
An upside down caramelised apple tart popular in Normandy, thanks to the region’s apple supply. It’s rich and buttery and excellent with crème fraîche.
Éclairs
Choux pastry filled with flavoured cream and topped with icing. Chocolate and coffee are the most traditional flavours but many patisseries now experiment with exotic flavours including orange-blossom, yuzu and even salmon fillings.
Macarons
Almond meringue biscuits filled with ganache or buttercream, these delicate sweets treats ooze elegance as well as flavour. They’re the perfect gift to take on your next trip back to the UK.
Crêpes and Galettes
Sweet crepes or savoury buckwheat galettes from Brittany. Try them with Nutella and banana, or cheese, ham, and egg.
Drinks
Wine
France is synonymous with wine, and you won’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy it. Local supermarkets often stock high quality bottles at surprisingly good prices. Each region has its own speciality:
- Bordeaux reds
- Burgundy whites
- Champagne
- Loire Valley rosés
- Rhône Valley blends
Cider
Especially popular in Normandy and Brittany, thanks to the hefty apple supply, French cider is a far cry from what you’re used to in the UK. Crisp and refreshing, the flavoursome tipple is often served with crepes.
Pastis
An anise flavoured spirit iconic in southern France, typically diluted with cold water. It’s a divisive drink; you either love it, or you have it.
Café Crème
It’s not all about booze in France, you can also expect exceptional coffee across the channel including Café Crème. France’s answer to the cappuccino is creamy, smooth and the perfect accompaniment to people watching.
Dining Culture and Eating Out
In France, dining is an experience rather than a means to an end. Meals are often leisurely, especially on weekends, and restaurants emphasise quality rather than speed. Eating out is generally more affordable than in the UK, especially for prix-fixe menus. Most restaurants offer:
Menu du Jour
A set menu at lunchtime that includes a starter, main and sometimes dessert, often costing between €12 and €20, depending on the region.
Apero Culture
Afternoon or early evening drinks accompanied by olives, nuts, or small snacks. It’s a beloved social ritual, similar to going to the pub, but more relaxed.
Don’t Forget to Tip
Service is typically included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave a small tip, usually rounding up by a couple of euros or leaving 5 to 10% for good service.
Seasonal and Local Produce
France is incredibly proud of its regional produce, and eating seasonally is the norm rather than the exception. Supermarkets stock seasonal fruit and vegetables, but outdoor markets are where you’ll find the freshest ingredients and the best atmosphere.
In spring, expect to see tender asparagus, artichokes,and fresh strawberries while Summer brings the best tomatoes, peaches, melons and herbs. In autumn, mushrooms, figs, pumpkins, and fresh walnuts fill market stalls while Winter brings comfort foods like chestnuts, root vegetables and clementines.
France’s commitment to seasonal cooking means meals taste fresh and flavourful, and you’ll naturally begin to cook with what’s available at the time, just like the locals.
UK vs France: Dining, Cuisine and Eating Culture
Moving from the UK to France doesn’t just mean adjusting to a new language or different opening hours, it also means embracing a very different approach to food. While Brits certainly appreciate a good meal with friends, the way food is enjoyed in France can be unfamiliar territory.
Mealtimes and Daily Rhythm
In the UK, mealtimes are often flexible and shaped by busy schedules. Lunch might be a quick sandwich at your desk, and dinners can vary from early to late depending on the household. In France, there’s a clearer national rhythm:
- Lunch is the main meal of the day, especially on weekdays. Many workplaces encourage a proper break and families may gather for a sit-down meal.
- Dinner tends to be later, often starting around 7:30pm to 8:30pm, and is typically lighter than lunch.
This emphasis on structured mealtimes encourages slower, more mindful eating, something many newcomers from the UK find refreshing.
Dining Out: Pace and Experience
British dining culture is often efficient and fast-paced. Restaurants turn tables quickly, and meals can feel convenient rather than indulgent, especially in big cities. Whereas in France, dining out is deliberately slow and relaxed. You’re encouraged to linger, enjoy each course, have a glass of wine, and chat. Staff don’t rush you, and you often need to ask for the bill rather than finding it dumped on your table without warning.
Food Quality and Freshness
While the UK has a strong supermarket culture and excellent international options, France leans heavily on:
- Daily fresh bread
- Local butchers and cheesemongers
- Outdoor markets
- Farm-to-table ingredients
A typical French household visits several small shops rather than relying solely on a single weekly supermarket haul. This shift can feel charming and pleasantly old fashioned to UK newcomers, though it does require embracing more frequent food shopping.
Ingredient Philosophy
British cuisine often celebrates bold flavours, sauces and hearty combinations. French cooking leans towards:
- Fewer ingredients, but very high quality
- Fresh herbs instead of heavy seasoning
- Rich sauces used sparingly but skillfully
- Produce chosen at its seasonal peak
The French approach is to enhance ingredients, not cover them, and while there may be fewer ingredients you’ll taste each and every flavour.
Social Eating
In the UK, social drinking often takes centre stage, with food playing a supporting role. In France, the opposite is often true. Meals are social events:
- Long Sunday lunches
- Apéro hours with friends
- Multi-course dinners that stretch over several hours
Food is seen as a way of connecting with others, not just something to soak up your pint.
Children and Family Food Culture
French children typically eat what adults eat and you shouldn’t expect a separate “kids’ menu or plainer alternatives. Les enfants will happily dine on l’esgarcots rather than push chicken nuggets round their plates. Vegetables, cheese and multi-course meals are introduced early.
Families usually eat together, reinforcing France’s strong food traditions and making dining a shared experience.
Eating Out Costs
While France can seem pricier at first glance, fixed-price menus and daily lunch specials often make eating out incredibly good value. You’ll get carefully prepared, high quality dishes at prices that compare favourably to UK restaurants especially outside major cities.
Making Your Move Easier
Whether you’re settling in a bustling Parisian neighbourhood, a quiet village in Provence, or a coastal town in Brittany, food will quickly become one of the most enjoyable parts of your life in France. From warm baguettes and fresh produce from a market, to elegant desserts and leisurely meals, French cuisine makes everyday life feel just a little bit special. It’s easy to see why newcomers to France are excited to get stuck into everything French cuisine has to offer.
If the thought of fresh croissants in the morning has swayed you into moving to France, you’re joining the many, many Brits that do. There’s a lot that goes into moving abroad, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. The thought of moving abroad may feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with a professional international removals company, like United International Removals, can make the entire process smoother, quicker, and far less stressful. This leads you free to settle in, explore your new surroundings, and enjoy your first taste of French living. Get in touch to find out more.