If food and wine are your passion, there's no better place to fuel it than Northern France. From Paris, to the Loire Valley to Champagne region, there are so many places to go to find truly incredible food and drink. So grab your fork, your wine glass and Champagne flute and explore the enchanting food and wine wonderland that is Northern France.
Best cafes and restaurants
If you want to eat and drink like a true Parisian, skip the touristy crepe stands and restaurants near the big sights, like the Eiffel Tower, and dine at a local sidewalk cafe or bistro. On the west side of town, stop by Le Cafe du Marche, which has some of the best people-watching in the city . The Delaville Cafe is another local favorite that is often packed with theater types and local students. La Rotunde les Touillers, near the Louvre, is a little pricier than other bistros but has a great vibe and fun, fresh classic dishes. Go with the onion soup or the handmade hamburger and frites. For an incredibly authentic, rustic French meal, dine at Aux Lyonnais. This Alain Ducasse restaurant is unpretentious with incredible local dishes like wild boar and fresh-made cheese. Plus, the resident sommelier stops by each table to assist in selecting a wine for each dish.
Don't think Paris is the only place you can find an incredible bistro. The Loire Valley, home to hundreds of castles, crisp white wines and France's vegetable and fruit bounty, has some truly exceptional eateries as well. Le Petit Patrimoine is a local favorite that often sees weeklong waiting lists for its incredibly humble and local menu. After visiting the breathtaking Chenonceau Chateau, stop at the charming little bistro Au Gateau Breton in the town of Chenonceaux. Order the whitefish with butter sauce and the house-made chocolate cake.
After a tour of the Champagne Valley's best bottles of bubbly, head to Le Cafe de Reims in the heart of Reims. This little bistro features traditional French fare with a fun twist, like beouf in bleu sauce and steak bavette. Enjoy another glass of Champagne with a famous Reims rose biscuit.
Incredible wine bars & wineries
Wine bars, which used to be nonexistent in Paris and Northern France, are now popping up on every corner. The French are spending more time and money drinking better wines, which often results in more wines by the glass versus by the bottle. One of the most popular wine bars in Paris is Cavesteve. This wine shop first and eatery second has more than 300 labels to choose from, including crisp whites from the Loire Valley and full-bodied reds from Bordeaux. Le Dauphin is another Paris favorite from chef Inaki Aizpitarte that has a top-rated selection of wines by the glass and bottle and bite-size morsels like snails and pickled cabbage. Willi's Wine Bar is another local institution with an incredible selection of wines by the glass .
Located just about two hours outside of Paris is the Loire Valley, which has some of the world's most prestigious wine appellations, from sparkling Vouvrays to fruity roses and quite a few others around the valley's main wine producing regions: Muscadet, Saumur, Angers, Tours and Savennieres. Arguably some of the best wines produced in the valley come from the Savennieres and Saumur regions. The wine made at the Chateau de Chamboreau is some of the best in the region because all of the grapes are handpicked and fermented in wood rather than steel. Chateau de Hurea in the Saumur region is another one of the most esteemed. Don't leave without taking home a bottle of the incredibly light and bubbly Saumur Brut Rose.
If you prefer a heartier red, visit the Chinon appellation. Stop by the stunning 500-year-old Chateau de Collain for a bottle of their luscious, lighter-bodied ruby red. Locals also highly recommend trying a bottle of Charles Jugot's Clos de la Dioterie, which is a medium-bodied wine with real aging potential.
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Best chocolate shops & patisseries
For a chocolate experience, you have to visit Un Dimanche a Paris. The owner, Pierre Cluizel, is the son of a famous French chocolatier and makes some of the best chocolate in the country. The new 2,400-square-foot chocolate shop has entertainment, a cocktail lounge and a restaurant. Angelina is another well-known chocolate shop in Paris that has incredible homemade hot chocolate, rich cupcakes and delicate macaroons. Meert, another local favorite boutique in Marais, has more than just handmade chocolates, like homemade flavored marshmallows and gaufres . The Bigot Chocolaterie and patisserie in the town of Amboise is revered as one of the best chocolate shops in France. Here you'll find incredible chocolates, macaroons and freshly baked goods.
You truly can't visit Paris without a stop at Laduree . Laduree is officially known as the birthplace of macaroons. They also make an incredible pain au chocolat aux amandes, or chocolate filled pastry.Du Pain et Des Idees is where most of the region's best chefs pick up their breads and pastries, including renowned chef Alain Ducasse. The most popular menu item here is the pain des amis , which has a perfect crispy crust and soft inside. Couple in the Champagne region has a great selection of homemade croissants and baguettes for a great price.
Must-see Champagne houses
Image via Renee Lightner.
If you're only in Northern France for a few days, a trip to the Champagne Valley is a must. Most of the Champagne is made between Reims and Epernay. Reims is home to more than 11 different Champagne houses, including the world famous G.H. Mumm, which has been around since 1827. One of Reim's most popular Champagne houses is the Celliers Ruinart. Locals rave that Ruinart, founded in 1729, produces some of the best Champagne in the region. Go on a guided tour through the cellars to see firsthand how Champagne is made. The tour ends with a tasting of their offerings and if you're lucky, maybe a taste of one of their vintage roses!
In the town of Epernay lies one of the most famous Champagne producers, Moet & Chandon. Founded in the 17th century, the cellars of Moet span more than 17.4 miles, making it the largest in the valley. Grab a tour through the cellars, which also ends in a tasting of their world-class Champagnes. Another Champagne house you may have heard of is Perrier-Jouet. Founded in 1891, this giant vineyard and producer makes more than 3 million bottles annually, including vintage and non-vintage bottles.
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