Burgundy and Provence Cuisine: Everything You Need to Know
Written by Blue Water Holidays - Tuesday14th Jan 2025
France is celebrated for its culinary excellence, with many of its gastronomic delights now being world-renowned and adored. Regions across the country have flourished over hundreds of years, having developed their own unique flavours and thriving culinary traditions that add to the complexity of France’s tapestry of cuisine.
If there are two regions of France that have earned their place at the top of the country’s culinary podium, they have to be Burgundy and Provence. Connected by the Rhône River, these regions have rich gastronomic heritage and are known for their distinct culinary characteristics.
Burgundy, France, is the land of earthy dishes like boeuf bourguignon and wine. On the other hand, the Mediterranean sun-kissed landscapes of Provence grow fragrant herbs and serve up produce-rich dishes like ratatouille.
Despite their differences, both are equally beautiful. But the two regions share their similarities too, given the mighty Rhône River bonds them. Their love of culinary tradition, fresh ingredients, and dishes crafted with passion knows no bounds, which is why gastronomes from around the globe flock to their landscapes.
Both Burgundy and Provence are fantastic destinations to discover during a culinary journey through France. This is why we’ve delved into these regions in this article for those keen to tuck into the very best of France’s gastronomic delights. We reveal the culinary history, best destinations, and dishes you can’t miss in both Burgundy and Provence so you can best prepare for your next foodie adventure.
The Gastronomic Culture of Burgundy
Burgundy boasts terraced vineyards, magnificent chateaux, and breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the central-eastern area of France, inhabitants from the region’s many charming towns and villages have long been committed to tradition. Locals hold dear the long-standing family recipes that have been perfected over generations to craft some of the most authentic French dishes. As such, you can count on Burgundy dishes to be some of the most comforting and indulgent in all of France, with love and dedication having gone into every mouthful.
Burgundy cuisine also prioritises locally-grown ingredients, with the region cultivating many beautiful foods that form the centrepieces and accompaniments to firm favourite dishes. Many of the region’s best eateries offer farm-to-table experiences, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample the very best of locally-grown ingredients freshly harvested from Burgundy’s doorstep.
Burgundy food is also renowned for its rich flavour, mainly because of the region’s deep red wines and Charollais cattle, which is one of the world’s best breeds. In fact, Burgundy is home to some of the best wines in the world which are known for their aromatic flavour, from the much-loved white Chablis to the medium to full-bodied Château de Laborde reds.
Across Burgundy, visitors will find not only small local-run eateries boasting years of family tradition but also centuries-old wine cellars and Michelin-starred establishments giving a modern twist to traditional Burgundy dishes. With so much history and perfected craftsmanship, one thing’s for sure - Burgundy cuisine tells a story of the deep culinary traditions of its region.
Typical Burgundy Dishes
Several typical Burgundy dishes form the region’s menu of hearty and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the most traditional, unmissable, and well-received Burgundy foods that we’d recommend you try during your next visit to the region:
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Escargot
Escargot are better known as snails, and are usually cooked in garlic and parsley butter served in an escargot dish. Don’t let the thought of this Burgundy delicacy put you off, though, for escargots are a real treat and well worthy of a sample!
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Jambon Persillé
Jambon Persillé is a potted ham hock that has been layered in a terrine with parsley, which has gained it the nickname “parsley ham”. It is served cold and has quickly become a much-loved Burgundy food and a wider French delicacy.
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Coq au Vin
This popular chicken dish is crafted with mushrooms, lardons, garlic, and red Burgundy wine. It’s hearty and fragrant, forming a stew that is perfect for warm winter nights, but eaten at any time of the year given how loved it is!
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Boeuf Bourguignon
Arguably one of the most famous Burgundy dishes, this beef stew is made with red Burgundy wine, garlic, carrots, onions, and mushrooms. This is another hearty meal that will never fail to warm your soul.
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Tarte Tatin
This delicious upside-down apple tart is topped with caramel and often served with creme fraiche, making a blissfully sweet yet fruity dessert that is a favourite in Burgundy cuisine!
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Pain d’epices
This is a spiced French cake - or quick bread - and a speciality of Dijon, which is famous for its mustard. It’s a comforting, warm, and sweet food that is often eaten as a dessert after dinner.
Where to Visit in Burgundy for Burgundy Cuisine
There are a few destinations you can visit in Burgundy, France to experience some of its best cuisine and gastronomic scenes. We’ve shared our recommendations below to offer you some inspiration:
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Dijon
The city of Dijon is the Burgundy region’s vibrant capital and has one of its most developed and delicious food scenes. It’s known predominantly for its world-class mustard but has developed a reputation too for its exceptional wines and bustling markets.
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Beaune
The charming town of Beaune, which is the wine capital of Burgundy, is a spectacular walled settlement in the very heart of the region. The town is known for its impressive wine cellars, where connoisseurs can sip the region’s best wines and learn of its interesting viticulture.
Not to forget the medieval town’s array of delectable eateries. From traditional French family-run establishments to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll have ample opportunity to sample the best of local Burgundy cuisine.
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Auxerre
The city of Auxerre, home to the stunning 13th-century cathedral of Saint Etienne, is a gastronome’s haven in the north of Burgundy. This picturesque city has a vibrant food scene, with trendy eateries and cosy bistros all nestled within the historic streets of this riverside stronghold. You’ll find everything here, from traditional Burgundy dishes to French-inspired cuisine. There’s also beautiful Chablis vineyards just near the city, which are the perfect escape from its central food scene to experience the local viticulture.
The Gastronomic Culture of Provence
Provence boasts picturesque lavender fields, charming villages, and historic treasures, which form the setting of one of France’s best culinary regions. Nestled on France’s Mediterranean coastline, Provence’s sun-kissed landscapes and fertile soils have created the prime environment for juicy Mediterranean and French ingredients to thrive in abundance. Paired with the culinary flair of locals, this creates colourful and flavoursome Provence dishes which travellers from around the world adore.
Provence cuisine is renowned for its Mediterranean flavour in particular, from fresh fish caught along the coast to juicy vegetables and fragrant herbs harvested in its northern territory. Olive oil is one of the cornerstones of Provence cuisine, playing a pivotal role in rounding off beautiful dishes, including tapenade and ratatouille. Not to forget the fragrant herbes de Provence - rosemary, basil, and thyme - which are added to a variety of Provence dishes, from warming stews to marinades and slow-roasted meats.
Other ingredients that are pivotal in Provence cuisine include sun-ripened tomatoes, plump zucchini, bell peppers, and beautiful bulbs of garlic. These seasonal ingredients are heavily featured in certain dishes, like ratatouille. Not only do the inland ingredients of Provence inspire some of its best culinary delights, but the Mediterranean Sea and its ingredients have inspired favourite Provence dishes like bouillabaisse - a saffron fish stew.
Much like Burgundy, the many markets dotted throughout the settlements of Provence showcase the very best of the region’s fresh ingredients and food artisans. Provence’s culinary culture is intertwined with the region’s way of life too, which is very laid-back and leisurely. This means alfresco dining, picnics in vineyards, and festivals celebrating the very best of locally-grown ingredients are commonplace throughout Provence.
Typical Provence Dishes
If you’re looking to get a taste of Provence cuisine, here’s a small selection of the best dishes that you can savour in the region.
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Soupe au Pistou
This is a vegetable soup made with pasta, celery, carrots, garlic and pistou. For those that don’t know, pistou is a cold sauce made of olive oil, basil, and garlic, sometimes with breadcrumbs or almonds. Pistou elevates the soup to give it a rich, fragrant flavour alongside the vegetables.
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Salade Nicoise
A salad originating from Nice, this is one of the Provence dishes you’ve likely had at a restaurant or two. Salade Nicoise is made with fresh vegetables including potatoes, lettuce, green beans, or haricot beans, as well as olives, hardboiled eggs, and - in some cases - canned tuna.
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Bouillabaisse
A hearty bowl of bouillabaisse is just what you need to feel nourished. This Provence dish is a fish and shellfish stew originating from Marseille which includes olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, and saffron, among other ingredients.
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Ratatouille
Many are familiar with this popular Provence dish after it was featured in the popular animated film of the same name. Ratatouille is a gorgeous vegetable stew made with aubergines, courgettes, onions, peppers, and garlic, forming a rich tomato-based dish that’s elevated with provençal herbs.
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Lei Tretze Dessèrts
At Christmas, 13 desserts are served after the large supper, representing Jesus and his apostles. Flatbread is served with grape jam and broken by hand, and there is a selection of fruit, two types of nougat (which represent good and evil), and biscotins. This is the perfect platter for those with a sweet tooth!
Where to Visit in Provence for Provence Cuisine
To truly appreciate the beauty of Provence cuisine, there are several destinations throughout the region that you should consider visiting.
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Arles
The charming Provençal city of Arles is known for its history, with its Roman amphitheatre being one of its best-known landmarks. The city has a rich gastronomic scene, with thriving markets selling artisanal ingredients like cheeses, herbs, and meats, offering an insight into life in the region.
Arles is best known for its olive oil as well as spectacular wines from the nearby Rhône Valley. Other specialities from the city include Fougasse d’Arles, a traditional dessert from Provence often eaten during winter, and Arles tart, made with fresh strawberries and apricots.
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Avignon
Home to the impressive Palais de Papes - one of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in Europe - Avignon is a thriving stronghold on the Rhône River that is full of life. Once the seat of the popes, it is now known for its art, culture, history, and - of course - delicious Provence cuisine. There are plenty of traditional restaurants and eateries where you can stop for a bite to eat in Avignon. One of the most popular areas to explore if you’re peckish is Place des Corps-Saints Avignon - a shady square filled with bistros, bars, and restaurants that are often frequented by locals. In fact, many tourists don’t even realise it exists, making it a real hidden gem in the centre of the city.
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Marseille
Marseille is France’s oldest city, and it offers the perfect blend between traditional gastronomy and modern French culture. The city maintains much of its historic charm but has also evolved to have a cosmopolitan scene. It's known most prominently for its bustling Vieux Port, lined with waterfront cafes and seafood restaurants serving some of the best Provence cuisine.
When you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring Marseille’s historic landmarks, including the spectacular Notre-Dame de la Garde and the La Panier District, you can dine in its many traditional restaurants along the pier or in the inner city. Or, head to the lively market of Marché des Capucins, offering locally-grown produce, wines, and more.
Summary
The two iconic regions of Burgundy and Provence are both culturally, historically, and gastronomically spectacular, offering an authentic glimpse into French life and culinary experiences. Whether you visit the charming wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune, or sample fresh ingredients in the thriving markets of Arles, Provence, you’ll be taken on an enriching culinary journey through France that you will savour for years to come.
Here at Blue Water Holidays, we offer cruises in Burgundy and Provence to savour the culinary delights of both regions. Can’t wait to sink your teeth into them? Then get in touch with a member of our team today.