It’s always a good time to talk about French gastronomy… but now even more so, thanks to a few exciting events you may not have on your radar!

Both northern and eastern France are ideal destinations to formulate tasty trails this year, with Hauts-de-France’s European Region of Gastronomy award and the return of the Vallée de la Gastronomie from Dijon to Marseille (contact us for press trip inspiration). And to wash it all down, this weekend sees National Cognac Day open a fine season ahead in the vineyards of Charentes.

Arras to host first ever French Fries World Championships

Did you know there are some 1,400 French fry stalls throughout France – 55% of which can be found in Hauts-de-France alone? On 7 October this year, the ‘Championnat du Monde de la Frite’ will be held for the first time in Arras, at the heart of the region. Visitors will be able to celebrate the humble fry in all its forms, with contests between professionals and amateur experts, entertainment, and a whole lot of delicious food and beer.

For more go to Arras: Birthplace of the chip?

Hauts-de-France: European Region of Gastronomy 2023

Speaking of Northern France, this year it became the first French region to be awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy! The label – awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) – offers a great opportunity to develop food tourism. The award is also bringing publicity to chefs in the region and their work on northern French products, whose diversity isn’t necessarily well known.

For more visit The food of Northern France

The Vallée de la Gastronomie

Back for 2023, this concept invites visitors to explore four elite regions of the eastern half of France through an abundance of sensory journeys. The 385-mile trail, which begins in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, offers foodies and wine lovers a delicious journey from Dijon to Marseille. The route wends its way through the gastronomy and wine powerhouses of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Provence’s Rhone Delta, before ending in Occitanie’s Gard.

Plan your tasty trip

National Cognac Day – 4 June

Another reason to celebrate this weekend: Sunday is dedicated to the amber-coloured, richly flavoured brandy distilled and aged in oak barrels in the Cognac area of France. But it’s far more than just a drink. Cognac as a destination is a glorious medieval jumble of stone trading houses and an impressive chateau (birthplace of Francis I) hugging the Charente river, bursting with local crafts, festivals and a picturesque landscape of vineyards.

Take a sip and explore Cognac

https://franceuncovered.com/