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The French Riviera and its Food, an Experience Hard to Forget

a table topped with plates of food on a plate

The French Riviera is one of the gorgeous places on earth. It comes as no surprise that it’s considered the gem of the Mediterranean. Thrilling experiences, impressive views, extraordinary wine, and enticing food makes the region a unique destination that receives people from all over the world every year. Monaco, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, should we say more? 

Convincing you to visit the French Riviera is easy, but the incredible regional food will make you come back time and again. These are five extraordinary dishes you’ll find in the French Riviera that will invite you to book a tour with us to try them because this is love at first sight!

1. Bouillabaisse

If you think soups aren’t exciting, think again! With the bounty of fresh seafood and fish coming out of the clear Mediterranean waters, the Bouillabaisse is not only the most representative dish in the French Riviera; it’s the king of soups. 

Originally from the glorious city of Marseille, Bouillabaisse is a healthy fish broth made with fresh filet, langoustines, croutons, onions, tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and the most beautiful scent from Herbs de Provence and saffron. 

With endless variations and always cooked with the freshest ingredients available, every bowl of Bouillabaisse is a new experience, and we bet you’ll enjoy trying them all.

2. Tapenade 

The combination of olives, capers, and anchovies is much greater than the sum of its parts. Tapenade is a savory spread over artisan bread, but it also plays a role in many Provencal dishes. 

Black olives in the French Riviera are of extraordinary quality, but the inviting flavors in Tapenade come from the merger of the ingredients.

“Umami” is the fifth flavor after sweet, bitter, sour and salty, and can only be described as “deliciousness.” Although lots of food has umami, including soy sauce and mushrooms, Tapenade is packed with this awesome flavor. The deliciousness is in its nature. 

3. Ratatouille 

You won’t have a hard time eating your veggies in the French Riviera. And it’s in part for the now, world-famous Ratatouille; the Provencal dish, not the film. 

Tomatoes, garlic, eggplants, zucchini, and bell peppers form the base for this healthy and utterly satisfying dish that’s as colorful as it’s tasty.

The secret behind a great Ratatouille is cooking all the ingredients separately, which is a labor-intensive and time-consuming endeavor. Still, once you taste it, you know the veggie dish is worth all the trouble. You’ll find the best Ratatouille on earth in the French Riviera, guaranteed.

4. Wine and Cheese

Local cheese, artisan bread, and terroir-driven wines are a given in the French Riviera. Fromage de chèvre, or goat’s cheese, is made daily, and although you’ll spot the light and creamy cheese all around France, few goats have the privilege of feasting in green prairies framed by lavender fields like ours. 

And where there’s good cheese, there’s a great wine. The rosés made in the French Riviera’s backyard are amongst the most acclaimed on earth. Close your eyes and feel the aromas of fresh cranberries and dried herbs over a mineral palate and a thirst-quenching finish. The crisp and bright whites are prominent too, and there are plenty of full-bodied reds too. 

5. Tarte Tropézienne

What’s a great meal without dessert, right? Invented in the awe-inspiring Saint-Tropez, the Tarte Tropézienne, a layered cake made with sugar-coated brioche filled with a creamy, orange-infused filling is not overly sweet and incredibly classy. Light and airy but sophisticated enough to satisfy your every sweet craving. 

The legend says the dessert was created in honor of the actress Brigitte Bardot in the 50s. The Tarte is definitely fit for a star. 

There’s more!

Don’t miss the chance of enjoying authentic Mediterranean food in the French Riviera. And there’s more. It’s not only the food but the superb climate, the impressive views, the centuries-old history, and the warm people. Check out our tours to the French Riviera, and let us take you on a trip hard to forget. 

The French Riviera is waiting for you with open arms, so don’t wait, and bring your loved ones!

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Immerse in the elegance and history of the French Riviera with our exclusive Eze, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo Private Full-Day Tour. Delve into Nice’s rich past, explore the medieval wonder of Eze, and experience the luxury of Monaco, all guided by a certified, professional guide for a personalized and unforgettable journey.