Discovering Gastronomical Gems In The Heart Of France
French river cruises are the perfect opportunity to try some of these delicious and quirky meals.
Discovering Gastronomical Gems in the Heart of France
No one takes their food as seriously as the French. Whether dining in the chic capital or aboard one of the many rustic French river cruises, you are guaranteed to be wowed by locally-sourced ingredients, inventive techniques and unusual flavour combinations that amount to an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Here are some of top treats of cuisine to look out for.
Seafood Galore in the Loire
The Loire is the longest river in France, and therefore it’s no surprise that the region is a haven for seafood. French river cruises are the best way to sample sole, monkfish, shad, and pike – just some of the delicious freshwater fish whipped up by local chefs into light and delicate dishes that would make anyone’s mouth water. Make sure you also try the freshly caught lobsters, mussels or oysters sprinkled with shallots in the favoured style of the region. Really this is the ultimate French pastime: sitting at a riverside restaurant, washing down delicious seafood with high quality wine.
Cultures that Melt in the Mouth
France borders with a number of countries, and one interesting culinary relationship is seen on the border with Germany in Alsace Lorraine. If you’re looking for a tea time snack, try the yeast-baked Kugelhopf cake. It is sweet and delicious, and with the distinctive mould shape of a Turkish fez, it is the region’s most popular cake.
For dinner, the Franco-German dish is choucroûte garnie, which consists of a plate of sauerkraut (sumptuously tangy fermented cabbage) topped off with ham, bacon or pork. The mix of flavours is certainly unusual but not to be missed, especially if you are looking for a homely meal.
Exquisite Fresh Ingredients in the Camargue
Many French river cruises along the Canal du Midi pass by the famous Camargue wetlands. Here you can see flocks of bright pink flamingos and galloping wild horses but you can also see your next meal on the horizon. The gargantuan cattle that call the marshlands home are highly prized for their meat – it was the first beef to be given the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in the country and therefore you can always be guaranteed of the highest possible quality according to strict regional requirements.
Camargue beef is also likely to have been seasoned with salt that is produced right here in the region. Look out for the fleur del sel which is basically salt crystals that have formed on the surface of sea water. As any chef will tell you, Camargue fleur de sel is one of the most treasured gourmet salts in any kitchen.
The French can be quite snobby about international cuisine if it’s not up to scratch, and now you might understand a fraction of why. If you’re a dedicated food lover, French river cruises are the ideal opportunity to hunt out some of this exquisite cuisine for yourself. From sumptuous meats to mouth-watering cakes, France has it all.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury French river cruises. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
