Discover Fabulous Flavours on French River Cruises in Burgundy

On French river cruises you are never far from fine wine and wonderful food. After all,France remains one of the most famous countries on the world gastronomic stage, and thereis really no better way to enjoy the many regional delights than on a barge holiday. Finedining and luxury accommodation go hand in hand on French river cruises and thecompanies that run them aim to provide both in abundance.

France’s lengthy waterways weave their way through many culinary rich areas; all are proudof their history, culture and traditions that are intrinsically linked to the way the locals eat.Burgundy is no exception, and if you choose any of the French river cruises that take in therolling hills and tranquil countryside of this stunning region, you’re in for a treat.

Burgundy`s Beautiful FlavoursJustly famous for its world class wines, this region holds great acclaim when it comes to foodas well. Perhaps because of the rich and fruity wines produced, the dishes that have given Burgundy its name on the international food stage have had a good head start. Indeed, wine features heavily in many recipes, but so does beef. The region is also well known as the producer of one of the world’s finest cattle breeds, the Charolais.

Beef and wine are two very rich ingredients and, together, if cooked correctly, they produceincredible flavours. The famous Boeuf Bourguignon brings them together perfectly,showcasing their depth of flavour and making the most of their attributes. The dish haspeasant origins and uses just a few other ingredients: white baby onions, bacon, mushroomsand stock.

Meurette is another typical Burgundian recipe and a dish you will undoubtedly be treated toon French river cruises in the region . Again, red wine takes centre stage, but the sauce ismade with mushrooms and flambéed with marc brandy. Commonly served with soft boiledeggs, you may also find it with fish or chicken.

Snails feature frequently on Burgundy menus and, despite being a delicacy, also havepeasant roots. First they are stewed for many hours with white wine, shallots, carrots andonions, then they are then copiously stuffed with garlic, butter and parsley before beingfinished in the oven.

Other delicious dishes to look out for in the region include jambon persillé, which is asucculent ham flavoured with parsley, and tête de veau, known in English as calf’s head.

If you’re not big on your red meat and rich sauces, you can instead delight in the fabulouscheeses of this region. The Chaource is tangy and creamy, while the orange-skinnedÉpoisses offers a more mature (although still soft) flavour. The goat’s cheeses from theMorvan are exceptional and the St-Florentin from the Yonne Valley is another wonderful softoffering. Eaten with a glass of red Pinot Noir after a meal, or enjoyed as a light lunch with arefreshing glass of Chablis, these cheeses are world class.

If you’re planning to visit Burgundy on one of the luxury French river cruises on offer, it isrecommended that you book with a specialist travel operator. Let the experts take care of thefiner details while you sit back, get the food and drink guide out and look forward to getting tothe heart of Burgundy’s culinary heritage.

Author Plate

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK'smost respected provider of all-inclusive luxury barge holidays. If you`re looking for the best French river cruises or cruises to other great destinations they are the go-to experts. Part of a teamof experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-pacedbarge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.