There you are on a charming terrace in the South of France. The sun is slowly setting and you have a good glass of wine in your hand. The view is exactly as you had hoped, the atmosphere is just right… when suddenly your stomach starts to rumble. Then the confusion sets in: because where are you going to eat tonight?
Around you, you see crowded terraces and menus with confusing French names. What is truly typical of this region? Furthermore, the prices can sometimes deter you. Is dining out in the South of France always so expensive? And what time can you sit down without finding a restaurant closed?
You are not the only one facing these issues. That is why, in this blog, we take you on a journey through the flavours of the South of France. You will read which dishes you really should try, where to eat well and affordably, and how French dining habits are. This way, you can sit down at the table with peace of mind and fully enjoy your culinary evening in the South of France.
Southern French cuisine is known for its pure ingredients, rich flavours and Mediterranean influences. The following are classics you shouldn't miss during your holiday in Provence:
A colourful stew of eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato and onion. Simple, yet full of flavour. The vegetables are slow-cooked in olive oil with garlic and Provençal herbs such as thyme and rosemary, allowing the flavours to blend beautifully and become more intense. Ratatouille is often served as a side dish with meat or fish, but with a piece of fresh baguette, it is also a complete and typically Southern French meal.
A rich fish soup from Marseille, filled with various types of fish and herbs. A true speciality of the coast. Originally, this was a dish of fishermen who combined their unsold fish with ingredients such as tomato, fennel, saffron and garlic, creating the characteristic deep and spicy flavour. Traditionally, bouillabaisse is served with toasted bread and rouille, a spicy garlic sauce with a base of olive oil and chilli, which gives the dish extra character and warmth.
A fresh, filling salad made of tuna, anchovies, olives, green beans and egg. Perfect for a warm day. This dish originates from Nice, where it is traditionally prepared with fresh, raw vegetables, ripe tomatoes and often small potatoes, for extra substance. The flavour is defined by a simple yet powerful olive oil dressing, sometimes complemented by a touch of garlic or mustard, bringing all the ingredients beautifully together.
A crispy chickpea flour pancake from Nice. Delicious as a snack or light lunch. Traditionally, socca is baked on a large copper plate in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crispy exterior while the interior remains soft and slightly moist. The flavour is pure and savoury, often served with a pinch of pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, making the dish a perfect fit for the region's Mediterranean vibe.
A Provençal onion tart with anchovies and olives. Somewhat comparable to pizza, but typically French. The base consists of a thin dough generously topped with slow-caramelised onions, which are simmered gently for hours until they are sweet and full of flavour. This is topped with salty anchovies and black olives, creating a perfect balance between sweet and savoury, characteristic of the cuisine of Southern France.
A slow-cooked beef stew in red wine. Rich, tender and full of character. Traditionally, the meat is braised for hours with ingredients such as garlic, carrot, onion, thyme and bay leaf, often in a robust Provençal red wine that gives the dish its deep flavour. The long cooking process makes the meat butter-soft and allows the aromas to fully infuse, creating a rich, spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with potatoes, pasta or fresh bread.
We often hear from guests that they find eating out in the South of France to be quite expensive. That is why they eat at their holiday home more often. That is, of course, a choice you can make, but know this: eating out doesn't have to be particularly expensive, even in this region.
However, it is important that you know which restaurant to choose. Restaurants in beautiful locations, for example, in tourist villages, are considerably pricier than restaurants in less popular places. Think of seaside locations, busy squares, main streets, or near famous landmarks. If you want good and affordable food, it is better to choose a restaurant on a side street or just outside the centre.
Also, pay attention to the menu. The more extensive the menu, the greater the chance that a restaurant caters to tourists. Restaurants with a smaller menu, such as a maximum of ten main courses, often work with fresh products and offer better value for money.
The appearance of a restaurant can also say a lot. Restaurants that look very striking and photogenic are often more expensive than the simpler establishments next door. It is precisely at that simple restaurant that you will find the best local cuisine.
Alternate dining at a restaurant with a cosy meal in your holiday villa in Provence. You can buy meat and vegetables at a local market.
In the South of France, people usually eat a bit later than we, in the Netherlands, are used to. Most French people do not sit down to eat until around 8:00 PM. If you go to a restaurant earlier, there is a good chance that it will be closed or that you will be asked to come back later. Hence, take your time, enjoy your drink first, and only then sit down for dinner.
You usually finish a meal in the South of France with a cheese platter, but ordering a dessert is also an option. Famous desserts include:
Take the time to discover French cuisine during your holiday by the Mediterranean Sea.
Even if you eat gluten-free, France is the place for you. Sometimes it just requires some extra preparation. In larger cities and supermarkets, you will increasingly find products labelled sans gluten. In restaurants, it is important to say that you cannot eat gluten and to ask about cross-contamination. Additionally, use the following handy tips:
Many menus feature a menu enfant, usually with options such as steak haché (hamburger), chicken, pasta, or fries with a simple dessert like ice cream. These children's menus are often available, but not in every small village restaurant, so sometimes you order a small dish from the menu to share. French restaurants are used to families and children who are often given their own plate or a modified portion.
Whether you opt for a simple ratatouille or go all out with a hearty bouillabaisse, dining in the South of France is all about enjoyment. With a good glass of wine in reach, local flavours on the table, and the soft evening air surrounding you, you experience the region at its best. Did you enjoy your meal? Then your holiday home in a FranceComfort holiday park is the perfect place to chill and round off the evening in a relaxed manner. Interested?
Book your FranceComfort holiday now Read more about the Southern French regions
