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Forbes
11-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Eat And Drink Like The French At Home
With a little effort, you can create a truly authentic and enjoyable French dining experience right at your own table. If you're longing for the elegance and richness of French culture but can't make a trip anytime soon, you can still experience the essence of French dining right in your own home. By embracing the art of French cooking and wine selection, you can create an authentic French atmosphere that brings the flavors of France to your table. To begin your French culinary journey at home, consider starting with a lunch, as lunch is a cornerstone of traditional French dining. 'Lunch is still the bedrock of traditional French eating,' Florent Latour, CEO at Maison Louis Latour in Burgundy, France, said in a Zoom interview. The wine producer has been family-run for over 200 years. 'It's a time to savor food and enjoy a thoughtfully selected wine that complements the flavors of the meal.' When selecting wines, it's essential to follow the French approach, which Latour describes as 'methodical.' The French see wine as an integral part of the meal, chosen with care to highlight and enhance the dish. 'To create a true dining experience, it will start by treating your guests (or just yourself) to a selection of wines available at any moment,' said Christophe Tassan, a Rhône native and wine director and sommelier at The Battery, San Francisco, suggesting to accumulate a personal collection on-hand of several white wines, several reds, a couple of rosés and a sparkling to celebrate a special occasion. 'So when the menu is decided, the pleasure will be to choose the wines for it or having the guests choose from,' Tassan said. Tassan notes this doesn't mean having an expensive cellar, reminding that there are many French wineries producing good bottles under $20. Visiting your local wine shop is always a great first step for guidance. Customers can certainly rely on the retail shop staff and their recommendations. There are plenty of wine professionals available to assist, which is a key component in helping wine enthusiasts find their way to their preferences. 'I am not sure if this is specific to France, but great quality is surely a factor across its wine producing regions,' said Tassan. 'You can easily find a wine that is made for immediate enjoyment, and the ones that are worth cellaring for future enjoyment, from the 'Vin de Pays' to the AOC classifications.' Latour emphasizes the importance of understanding the "wine trajectory" in French dining. He explains, 'You start with some bubbly for apéritif, then move on to one white wine and one red wine. The timing of wines is defined by the host and is mostly driven by food pairings.' For example, a guest shouldn't request red wine at the beginning of the meal, even if it's their preference. The experience of drinking French wine isn't about quantity but about savoring small servings and moving up in wine quality as the meal progresses. Also, it cannot be overlooked that one of the defining characteristics of French wines is the concept of terroir, which Latour describes as 'the unique combination of soil, climate and vineyard location that gives each wine its distinctive character.' He stresses that understanding terroir is crucial for anyone looking to appreciate French wines fully. Labels on French wines often emphasize the place of production over grape variety, reflecting the significance of terroir. 'It's more about the sense of place than the grape itself,' Latour said. 'For example, the flavors of a Burgundy pinot noir are deeply influenced by where it's grown.' What is a French lunch without a glass of wine? To bring the full experience of French dining to your home, Latour recommends pairing wines with classic French dishes that can easily be prepared at home. Coq au Vin, for example, pairs well with a marsannay or santenay, while Beef Bourguignon is complemented by a robust pinot noir from the Côte de Nuits, a French wine region located in the northern part of the Côte d'Or, the limestone ridge at the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Quiche Lorraine–a savory tart with bacon, cheese and eggs—is ideally matched with a white Burgundy like chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune, such as meursault or Puligny-Montrachet, to balance the richness of eggs properly. And vegetarian favorite Ratatouille goes well with a chardonnay from Mâconnais or Chablis for its crispness. You could also try a pinot noir from Côte de Beaune for its bright red fruit. Latour also suggests more unconventional pairings, such as enjoying a Pouilly-Fuissé white wine with sushi or a Pernand-Vergelesses red wine with a chicken sandwich for a surprising but delightful experience. The French wine classification is based on the production area. Tassan acknowledges this 'is certainly complicated,' citing the Burgundy region being the greatest example of that classification. but it is the a good way to "organize" your preferences. 'Leading to the utmost perfection for the quality rating, based on the finished wine quality and exceptionally refined character, I believe that a wine has a quality when it can not be duplicated somewhere else,' Tassan said. 'The Terroir, the grape and its environment—including the human factor—are what make a wine unique. So my advice is be curious and try wines from all of the regions, and find the wine you like.' For those new to French wines, Latour offers some accessible and affordable options that provide a good introduction to the variety and richness of French viticulture. He recommends Maison Louis Latour's Bourgogne pinot noir, describing it as 'a standout choice for those new to Burgundy, featuring vibrant red fruit flavors, spices and subtle earthy notes at a reasonable price.' Another excellent option is the Pouilly-Fuissé, which Latour highlights for its 'elegant notes of ripe fruit, acacia, honeysuckle and minerality.' By following these guidelines and embracing the French way of dining and wine pairing, you can transport yourself to the heart of France without leaving your home. As Latour puts it, 'The magic of French wine lies in its diversity and the centuries of tradition that have perfected these pairings.'
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Our wine expert reveals the best red wines to serve chilled this spring, including a £7 supermarket pick
It's not just light Beaujolais or Pinot Noir wines that benefit from a gentle chill – many reds come alive with a short stint in the fridge. It brightens fruit, lifts floral notes and brings balance. For medium to full-bodied styles give it 20 minutes, double that for lighter reds. As summer nears, freshness is key; cloying reds lose their charm. Be mindful when chilling robust reds with high tannins, as this can accentuate their bitterness. Specially Selected Côtes du Rhône Villages 2023(14%), £7.49, Aldi. Here's a superbly priced Côtes du Rhône Villages, with dark cherry and savoury, meaty notes, all wrapped in an enveloping, smooth texture. A BBQ banger. £7.49 Shop
TTG
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
Avalon Waterways hits high note with Storyteller Series
Now in its fifth year, the Storyteller Series returns in 2026 with a range of star-studded sailings that bring icons of entertainment and literature aboard Avalon Waterway's Suite Ships. For travellers who dream of sailing with stars and storytelling with legends, Avalon is rolling out the red carpet for more beloved headliners including in 2026: celebrated actor, author and Avalon Waterways spokesperson Graham McTavish. 'While the world's waterways will always take centre stage with Avalon, when you combine breathtaking scenery with some of the most talented storytellers of our time, you create an experience unlike any other," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "With our Storyteller Series, we've redefined river cruising – offering guests front-row access to their favourite icons, unforgettable encounters and immersive adventures that turn the page on traditional travel." Rogue on the Rhône: A Legendary Voyage with Graham McTavish (8-Day River Cruise | Lyon to Arles | June 9 – June 16, 2026) – The Rhône River has played host to poets, conquerors and revolutionaries—but never Graham McTavish. Until now! Avalon guests are invited to join the Outlander star, bestselling author, and Avalon Waterways spokesperson for an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where history, storytelling and adventure collide. Sip, sail and swagger through the heart of Provence and Burgundy, tracing the footsteps of Roman emperors, artistic masters and wine-loving rebels. On this special, Active & Discovery cruise itinerary, guests can expect riveting tales and legendary toasts as McTavish shares behind-the-scenes stories from his life on screen and the page. Prices start from £3864 per person based on double occupancy. Since its launch, Avalon Waterways' Storyteller Series has welcomed an impressive roster of world-renowned artists, authors, and icons – including Diana Gabaldon, Candace Bushnell, Gillian Flynn, Jen Hatmaker, Christopher Moore, Cheryl Strayed and more.
Times
07-05-2025
- Times
The historic French city that's just six hours away by train
I t's hard not to fall in love with Avignon. This small, sun-soaked city on the Rhône isn't just the gateway to the Côtes du Rhône wine region, it's also home to traditional markets, inventive chefs and outstanding art museums, plus one of the most impressive gothic buildings in the world. And whether you come to marvel at the Unesco-listed Palais des Papes (the city was the seat of the papacy during the 14th century), enjoy southern French wines and delicious Provençal food — or, as the traditional French song goes, to dance on the Pont d'Avignon — it's an incredibly easy break. Get here by train in about six hours from the UK and Avignon's key sites are mostly within walking distance inside the city's near three miles of late-medieval ramparts. Pick up an Avignon City Pass, which gets you free entry to many of the city's main sights, including the Palais des Papes, the Collection Lambert and the Angladon Museum, and it's affordable too (£27 for 48 hours; • Morning: Place des Carmes and Les Halles • Eat at: Cuisine Centr'Halles • Afternoon: Palais des Papes • Drink at: Café Roma • Evening: Le Vin Devant Soi • Eat at: V&G • Morning: Pont d'Avignon • Eat at: La Forchette • Afternoon: Musée Angladon • Drink at: Baryum 56 • Evening: Collection Lambert • Eat at: Le 17 The Palais des Papes is the world's largest gothic palace ALAMY • The outdoor Saturday market at Place des Carmes in the east of the city is packed out with Avignonnais doing their weekly shop, with few tourists. It's the spot to stock up on local cheeses such as banon (a goat's milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves) and other goodies to take back home. Then grab a pastry at Mimi Boulangerie, a two-minute walk from the market and stop for a coffee at Mon Bar. After, head to Les Halles, Avignon's main covered market to wander among mountains of delicious Provençal olives, wines and more local cheeses.• The Unesco-listed Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) is the largest preserved gothic palace in the world. It was the centre of Catholicism during the reign of seven popes from 1309-76, when the papacy was moved to Avignon from Rome. Vast and imposing, its austere stonework is punctuated by rooms with exquisite decoration including paintings by the great Sienese master Simone Martini. There's an excellent digital guide included in the price of the entrance ticket (£12; Le Vin Devant Soi is an excellent little wine shop with more than 400 southern French wines in stock and about 30 available for tasting at any given time. Make sure you try a Côtes du Rhône white — not seen much this side of La Manche, and it's off-the-charts superb. Their second shop next door is good for local gins too (tasting from £3; Visit Pont d'Avignon, the Unesco-listed old bridge — or the four arches that remain of its original 22. Dating from the 13th century, it pokes out into the Rhône below the ramparts of the Jardin des Doms, a public garden. The best views of the bridge itself are from the middle of Pont Édouard Daladier (under ten minutes' walk west) or from the terrace beside the Jardin des Doms (£4; The origins of Musée Angladon, a small but hugely impressive museum, lie in the art collection of the early-20th-century fashion designer Jacques Doucet. Doucet bequeathed his astonishing collection to his great-nephews, the artists Jean Angladon and Paulette Martin — who in turn founded the museum in their former home. It's almost unheard of to be able to admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, Degas, Seurat and Picasso in your own time and without crowds (£7; • Check out Collection Lambert — the private collection of contemporary art owned by the gallerist and dealer Yvon Lambert — one of the best and most comprehensive in France. Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cy Twombly are bolstered by temporary shows, all housed in a pair of stunning 18th-century mansions (£10; The Musée Angladon has a small but incredibly significant art collection BRICE TOUL The Californian chef Jonathan Chiri has been an integral part of Provence's culinary scene for over 20 years. At his small, market-stall sized restaurant inside Les Halles he offers a menu drawn from whatever is freshest that day — perhaps lavender-marinated duck breast with caramelised ratatouille and farro risotto, or brown butter-seared scallops. There are only a few chairs, so booking is recommended (mains from £15; Cuisine Centr'Halles offers a menu drawn from whatever is freshest that day Head down a narrow alley hewn through the rock beside the Popes' Palace, hang a left and you'll find this quiet little café hidden away next to the landmark Cinema Utopia. With a peaceful terrace under the trees, this is a great place to stop for a coffee, drinks, cake or sharing plates (from £3; V&G (Veggie et Gastro) is an outstanding restaurant with delicious, beautifully prepared and presented vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian dishes, showcasing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Expect delicately presented 'open' ravioli with foraged and farmed mushrooms, or fish of the day with polenta soufflé and fresh spinach (mains from £20; @veggieetgastro). This excellent and deservedly popular little family-run restaurant is now in its third generation of owners. The menu changes with the seasons, but you might find asparagus with pesto and shavings of mimolette cheese, or daube de boeuf à l'Avignonaise (beef stew, marinated and slow-cooked in wine and Provençal herbs). The 'formule' is good value at £27 but available at lunchtime only (mains from £21; La Fourchette is a lovely family-run restaurant ZENCHEF – MYPHOTOAGENCY / EMMANUEL FERRAND Walk through the pretty Place des Corps Saints and Place Saint-Didier and enjoy an impeccable cocktail at Baryum 56. This cosy little cocktail bar has an inventive and frequently changing menu, often featuring locally produced spirits and ingredients such as basil oil (cocktails from £9; Le 17 describes itself as a 'place aux vins', though a Provençal twist on a tapas bar would do it justice too. Think plenty of good local wines, plates to share (anchovies with aïoli on toast, seared endives and fried squid) and a relaxed atmosphere. It's also very handy for a visit to the Église des Célestins across the square — a deconsecrated church that's now an exhibition space, with excellent temporary shows (tapas from £10; @le17avignon) Hôtel de Cambis is close to both the train station and Palais des Papes ANTOINE LIPPENS Boutique with a wine theme Lovely boutique, family-run hotel just off Rue de la République, just a short walk from the Palais des Papes and the railway station. Go for a Grand Cru Junior Suite — these rooms are huge, with high ceilings, large bathrooms, wine colours (rich reds and warm golds), stylish design touches and plenty of natural light. Staff are very friendly and welcoming, and there's a tempting wine bar behind the reception (room-only doubles from £123; Cap Hôtel de l'Horloge is a comfortable, affordable option Affordable rooms in a great location For location it doesn't get much better than this — just off the square leading to the Palais des Papes. Good value, comfortable rooms, some with a small terrace, and earthy decor (wrought iron, wicker, creams and browns). A buffet breakfast is served in a charming conservatory surrounded by potted plants (room-only doubles from £118; La Mirande has a Michelin-starred restaurant The city's top hotel Next door to the Popes' Palace is this exquisitely beautiful boutique five-star, with stacks of history and a Michelin-starred restaurant to boot. Built for a cardinal in the 14th century (the nephew of Pope Clement V), it gained its refined, classical façade in the 17th century, and was the home of a prominent Avignon family before its transformation into a hotel in 1987. The interiors are extraordinary. Each room is individually decorated, its cotton-print wallpaper flowing with details, and printed from original plates from the 18th century. Don't miss the fabulously ornate tearoom (B&B doubles from £613; Avignon is easy to reach from the UK by rail — London to Paris by Eurostar (2hr 20min), then Paris to Avignon (2hr 40min; from £77 return; Trains from Avignon TGV to Avignon Centre take five minutes. Or fly into Marseilles and it's 90 minutes by train to Avignon, or one hour by car. Getting around the centre of Avignon on foot is easy or hire bikes from South Spirit Bikes (from £11; More time? Take the train (30min) to nearby Carpentras, and visit the breathtaking Musée Inguimbertine, a one-of-a-kind museum/library in a magnificent 18th-century former hospice, reopened in 2024 following renovation (£13; Beyond, the Côtes du Rhône wine region awaits, as do the beautiful landscapes of Mont Ventoux. Rudolf Abraham was a guest of Vaucluse Provence Attractivité ( Avignon Tourisme ( and Eurostar (
Local France
01-04-2025
- Local France
The best French regions for experiencing top-notch gastronomy
For most people, part of the joy of visiting France is eating well. France is known for its gastronomy, and within the country, each region has its own specialities and stereotypes (both good and bad). READ MORE: Snobs, beaches and drunks - 5 things this joke map teaches us about France In a recent Ipsos survey , 1,000 French people aged 18 to 75 were asked about their thoughts on French cuisine, with 92 percent saying they had a 'positive opinion of French gastronomy'. They also offered their ideas about France's best places to visit for French gastronomy. Here were their favourites; 1. The south-west In addition to having many of the country's most beautiful villages , the south-west is also home to foie-gras, cassoulet, and all things duck-related. This part of France came in first place, with 41 percent of respondents referencing it. In the south-west, you can find quite a bit of variation - the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux (Arcachon) is known for its oysters, while further inland in Toulouse you can get a delicious saucisse de Toulouse . READ MORE: Regional cuisine: What to eat and drink in southern France 2. The greater Lyon region The self-described 'gastronomic capital of France', the Lyon area took second place with over a third of respondents listing it. The Rhône département (which contains Lyon) had 97 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024, with 20 of them located in Lyon city itself, according to Ouest France. If you visit Lyon, you should definitely eat at one of the traditional bouchon restaurants. These are the traditional Lyonnais restaurants that serve hearty dishes, like sausages, coq-au-vin or roast pork. There are too many Lyonnaise specialities to get into here (although special mention to the pink pralines, and the praline brioches) but for foodies a visit to the city's giant food market Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a must. Advertisement READ MORE: 9 reasons to move to France's 'gastronomic capital' Lyon 3. Brittany The land of seafood, crêpes, cider, and butter-heavy 'Kouign-amann' pastries followed in third place, with about one in four French people naming it in the Ipsos survey. If you are not in the mood for a crêpe (the sweet, classic French pancake, notably eaten during La Chandaleur festival) , you can opt instead for a galette, the savoury alternative. This coastal region has long been popular with tourists, not solely due to its gastronomy, but also thanks to its sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, prehistoric landmarks and quaint towns. The region has also become a more popular summer destination due to its milder temperatures, especially as southern France contends with a greater volume of heatwaves and droughts. READ MORE: Why more and more tourists are flocking to Brittany 4. Alsace The eastern French region, which has switched hands between the French and Germans on multiple occasions, came in fourth place. You might know of Alsace as the home of Strasbourg - everyone's favourite part of the country to visit at Christmas-time - and sauerkraut, but it has plenty to offer. Alsace has its own variation on pizza, called Flammekueche, which involves a flatbread topped with cream, red onions and lardons. The region also is home to the 'Alsace Wine Route' which brings in thousands of tourists every year to enjoy Riesling and other white wines. Advertisement READ MORE: 9 things that make Alsace different to the rest of France 5. Burgundy The home of French people's favourite dish ( Bœuf bourguignon ) took fifth place. Burgundy is also known for escargots (snails), as well as Burgundy wine which often competes with Bordeaux . You can enjoy a dry red wine from Burgundy, made from pinot noir grapes, or a white wine from chardonnay grapes (like a Chablis or a Côte de Beaune). Aside from wine, Burgundy is also home to Dijon (and its mustard) and it has plenty of UNESCO sites, castles and museums to visit. What about the other parts of France? After Burgundy, respondents mentioned Provence (tie for 6th), Auvergne (tie 6th), Savoie (7th), Normandy (8th) Occitanie (9th), Nord (tie for 10th), Île de France (tie for 10th), Corsica (11th), Aquitaine (12th), Corsica (13th), La Réunion (tied for 14th), Lorraine (tied for 14th), Antilles (tied for 14th), Jura (tied for 15th) and Dauphiné (tied for 15th). READ MORE: Which French foods do French people love the most? Do you agree with the ranking? Which part of France do you think has the best culinary offering?
