Why
French cuisine
is special

Overall, the cooking of France is the best in the Western World. And its classical and regional cuisines are superb.

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Overall insights
on French cooking

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Classical French Cuisine

Haute cuisine, as it is also known, is one of France's greatest glories. However, it is not the only significant cuisine of France. Far less than 1 percent of the dishes eaten by the French are prepared according to the dicta of classic French cuisine. These rich and elaborate dishes are usually consumed in expensive gastronomic temples such as Taillevent where the average French person simply cannot afford to dine.

Learn more:

Classical French cuisine

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Regional

Much of the cooking in France, like with some other national cuisines, is strikingly regional in character. Each local cooking style has its own set of rules, philosophies, and basic ingredients - often in marked contrast to those of other regions.

For instance, what do the delicate butter-and-cream cooking of Normandy, the not-so-delicate Mediterranean-style garlic-and-oil cooking of Provence, and the hearty Bavarianlike sauerkraut-based dishes of Alsace have in common with one another, save the French name? Not much.

Click the names on
my map to learn about
Italy regional cuisines

Or click

Alsace Lorraine

Bordeaux

Brittany

Burgundy

Normandy

Provence

More French regional cuisines

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