Whether it’s the buttery pastries of Paris, the seafood of Brittany or the creamy cheeses of Normandy, food plays a huge role in everyday life in France.

If French cuisine is one of the reasons you’re considering buying in the country, keep reading. In this article, we’ll reveal the best places to buy for foodies – whatever your tastes.

Lyon – France’s gastronomic capital

Lyon has long been known as the gastronomic capital of France, offering a fantastic combination of traditional bouchons and fine dining.

Paul Bocuse – one of France’s most famous chefs – helped put Lyon on the global food map, and his influence is still felt in many of the city’s top restaurants.

Specialities such as quenelles (a type of fish dumpling), saucisson brioché and praline tarts are just some examples of the local staples.

The cost of living in Lyon is lower than in Paris, making it an attractive option if you want access to high-quality food without the capital’s price tag.

With a thriving market scene, excellent public transport and beautiful riverside properties, Lyon is a great option for food lovers looking to settle in France.

Bordeaux – wine and fine dining

If you’re a wine enthusiast, Bordeaux is the obvious choice. The region is world-famous for its vineyards, producing some of the most sought-after wines. Living here means you can tour estates in Médoc or Saint-Émilion at your leisure and pair your purchases with the area’s renowned dishes like entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak cooked with red wine and shallots) and Caviar d’Aquitaine.

Bordeaux boasts an exciting restaurant scene, with numerous Michelin-starred options and traditional bistros serving duck confit and fresh oysters.

The city has excellent transport links, including a high-speed rail connection to Paris which takes just over two hours. Property prices vary depending on whether you choose a city-centre apartment or a rural vineyard estate.

Provence – fresh produce and Mediterranean flavours

If you love fresh ingredients and Provençal cuisine, Provence is the place for you. The region’s markets are filled with locally grown olives, sun-ripened tomatoes, lavender honey and artisan cheeses.

The Mediterranean influence is strong here, with dishes that include bouillabaisse (a traditional fish stew from Marseille), ratatouille and pissaladière (a type of onion tart with anchovies).

Property options range from townhouses in historic centres like Aix-en-Provence to countryside farmhouses surrounded by olive groves. With its warm climate and access to both the coast and the Alps, Provence is ideal for those who love outdoor dining and seasonal cooking.

Brittany – seafood and crepes

Brittany is the place to be if you love fresh seafood. The region’s coastline is dotted with fishing villages where you can enjoy oysters, mussels and lobster straight from the sea. Cancale, often called the oyster capital of France, is particularly famous for its produce.

Beyond seafood, Brittany is known for its traditional crêpes and galettes. Whether sweet or savoury, these buckwheat pancakes are a staple of Breton cuisine.

With a mild climate, a relaxed pace of life and gorgeous coastal properties, Brittany is a fantastic choice for food lovers who enjoy being by the sea.

Dordogne – cheese, truffles and rustic French cuisine

If you prefer more rustic French cuisine, consider Dordogne. The region is renowned for its truffles and duck-based dishes, making it a great place for lovers of hearty French dishes.

The local markets are packed with seasonal produce, and many villages have weekly farmers’ markets where you can buy direct from the producers.

Dordogne offers great value for property buyers, with charming stone houses and countryside estates available at lower prices than in more urban regions. The slower pace of life and the strong community spirit make it an appealing option if you’re moving to France permanently.

 

Download the France Buying Guide for everything you need to know about buying property in France.

 

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Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove