Seasonal French Food in Paris

Eating seasonally is the front-runner when it comes to typical French "savoir-vivre"! Seasonal eating is logical and healthier with fresh produce being grown and purchased according to the natural elements throughout the year. Food and drink tours in Paris that feature a trip to the market or advertise authentic French cuisine are often worthy contenders for sampling seasonal produce.

After all, the French dining culture is just as significant as your sightseeing plans. Dining on the freshest escargot or enjoying just-baked croissants from a typical Boulangerie (bakery) is an essential Parisian experience.

Seasonal French Food in Paris

If you have an upcoming holiday or break in Paris, here are some seasonal French food in Paris ideas worth exploring.

Spring

Vegetables including – artichokes, asparagus, avocados, beets, carrots, new potatoes, radishes and garlic are all welcomed in the spring. Fresh fruits on offer include – rhubarb, apricots, cherries and early strawberries.

Healthy dishes to try out include avocado and romaine salad that really showcase the fresh Spring veggies served with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  

Another healthy but filling dish is ‘Chicken Fricassee’; consisting of slow braised chicken in wine and stock. Fresh fish dishes feature on menus such as ‘Snapper en Papilotte’, a popular local fish and vegetable speciality, cooked using parchment envelopes to ensure the fish keeps moist.

For sweet cravings, try out the classic spring treat, an elegant French   strawberry compote using sweet spring strawberries.

Summer

Summer in Paris is a wonderful vibrant time - with the flowers blooming, lovely sunshine, and sumptuous ingredients such as white asparagus appearing on menus.

‘Confit Bayaldi’ is a popular slow cooked vegetarian dish using summer ingredients of - tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, olives and herbs.

French summer soups pop up all over the place, packed with vegetables, pasta and loads of basil.  Fresh seafood dishes especially seared scallops are in abundance, lovely with chilled glasses of Provençal wine.

However, a word of warning – there will be swarms of tourists, especially at popular restaurants and attractions.

Autumn

Berries, nuts, mushroom and truffles are plentiful in the Autumn and super for foraging! This time of the year is also the best time for eating chicken in any form but great, served warm on a fresh baked baguette.

Parisian markets are brimming with grapes, figs and olives and pumpkins in wonderful colours. Traditional butternut and red kuri squash appear in autumn menus. Parisian Chefs go overboard making tasty specialities such as boeuf bourguignon and spicy pumpkin pie. Autumn also marks the returning seashells like mussels, oysters and scallops with fishing trips taking place from October to April.

Winter

Winter comfort food in Paris translates to plenty of melted cheese dishes using rich wine sauces like mouth-watering coq au vin. French onion soup is delicious topped with melted Emmental cheese.

Black Truffles are renowned in winter months along with hearty bowls of classical French stew, offering meats and vegetables simmered for hours ensuing a tasty comforting winter dish.

Lastly, I lead on to the enchanting Paris Christmas Markets (commencing mid-November to mid-December). The dazzling Christmas lights and decorated markets will definitely get you into the festive spirit!

The magical street artisans are brimming with seasonal mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, spicy sausages, cheeses, chocolates and so many other Parisian specialities.

Seasonal French Food in Paris

The best of seasonal French food in Paris is a dream that cannot be rushed; follow the seasons and be assured you are eating fresh cuisine.

Paris has a rich provincial diversity and to really make the most of the city, enjoy it in stages instead of trying to cram it all into one trip. Book food and drink tours in Paris today with tabl.com.