Pubs exist for the every-person, literally. According to the Campaign for Real Ale, pubs, or public houses, are licensed to welcome the general public without requiring membership or residency. This open-door policy has allowed many pubs to stand the test of time. People of all backgrounds gather at the best pubs in London to eat, drink, socialize and watch football. Even dogs are welcomed with treats and water bowls.

History is in full view at many classic pubs in London. There are even a few operating pubs that date back to the 1600s when William Shakespeare roamed the Elizabethan streets of Southwark. Many pubs display old photographs of the building and neighborhood – relics that probably wouldn’t otherwise be on display. It’s these small details that provide context for a pub’s personality.

Pubs serve traditional ales, or cask-conditioned beers, like London Pride, Doom Bar and Proper Job. These unfiltered, unpasteurized beers are served from a cask without additional nitrogen or carbon dioxide pressure. Real ale typically has an ABV of about 4% and is served out of a keg using a handpump.

Pubs also serve up traditional, easy-to-enjoy English meals like fish and chips, bangers and mash and savory pies. Sunday afternoons are a particularly great time to visit a pub in London since most offer a weekly roast menu. Meals of chicken, beef and lamb are served with gravy, potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. It is like having Christmas dinner available every Sunday afternoon, which is particularly comforting during the colder winter months.

Sunday roast

There is no better time to visit a proper English pub than when the sun just starts to set for the day. This is the golden hour, before the dinner rush when locals sip lazily on unchilled pints of ale while flipping through the Evening Standard and snacking on sausage rolls. For great beer, historic buildings and charming locations, let the top 10 classic pubs in London guide you on an epic tour of the capital city.

Top 10 Classic Pubs in London

The Ladbroke Arms – Holland Park

Courtesy of the Ladbrook Arms

New to our list of top 10 classic pubs in London, the Ladbroke Arms is a traditional British pub with a reputation for serving excellent food and wine. Tucked away on a quiet side street near Holland Park, it’s probably one of the most charming pubs in Notting Hill, if not London. It is best to book a table in advance because it fills up quickly for both lunch and dinner. In addition to pub food classics, including scotch eggs and ale-battered halibut, the Ladbroke Arms serves up delicious seasonal dishes, such as tempura monkfish scampi, smoked chicken and Parma ham terrine and 28-day dry-aged ribeye steak. The terrace is the perfect spot for having a few pints with friends and family during the warm summer months. Don’t miss their Sunday roast featuring roasted turkey breast wrapped in bacon and beetroot vegan wellington.

The George – Southwark

Courtesy of the George

The George is located in Southwark on the south side of the River Thames. Dating from the seventeenth century, this Greene King public house is London’s last remaining galleried inn resulting in the building’s protection by the National Trust. The exterior of the George Inn was built in 1677 after it was destroyed by fire. According to local rumors, Charles Dickens visited the George when it was a coffee house. With plenty of outdoor seating, the George is a great place to unwind after a visit to Borough Market.

The Holy Tavern –Clerkenwell

The Holy Tavern, certainly one of the best classic pubs in London, is centrally located in the historic neighborhood of Clerkenwell near the Farringdon tube station. The pub has occupied several sites in the area since the fourteenth century, and the current building dates back to 1720. You can expect the Holy Tavern to get quite busy with the after-work crowds. The pub serves beer from St. Peter’s Brewery, a Suffolk-based operation known for using locally malted barley and Kentish hops to produce a range of classic English cask-conditioned ales. Don’t miss candlelit Tuesdays.

The Mayflower Pub – Rotherhithe

Courtesy of the Mayflower Pub

As one of London’s oldest pubs on the River Thames, the Mayflower is a true gem located in London’s Rotherhithe neighborhood. This part of the city has connections to the famous Mayflower ship in which the pub gets its name. According to the Mayflower pub, in July 1620, the Mayflower ship took on board 65 passengers from its London home port of Rotherhithe. Rumor has it that Captain Christopher Jones cunningly moored here to avoid paying taxes further down the river. The Mayflower journeyed onwards to Southampton for supplies, but after many delays, the journey was abandoned. Two months later, Captain Jones, along with 102 passengers and approximately 30 crew members, set sail from Plymouth on what William Bradford described as “a prosperous wind.” Today, this traditional English pub, with its quaint location and lovely views, offers patrons a chance to reflect on the passage to the “New World” over pints and food. The Mayflower even has a Descendants Book, upon request, so patrons can look up family connections to the original 1620 voyage. It is encouraged to share family stories and sign the book, so history can live on for future generations.

The Churchill Arms–Kensington

The Churchill Arms, a Fuller’s Pub, has an interesting combination of sights, smells and tastes. On one hand, it offers a traditional English pub experience, and on the other, it offers Thai food from a bustling back kitchen. The smell of curry can be a bit disorienting at a pub that pays tribute to one of Britain’s most influential leaders. Built in 1750, the exterior of the building is covered in colorful flowers during the summer and twinkling Christmas trees in the winter. According to the pub, Winston Churchill’s grandparents were regular visitors in the 1800s, which eventually led to the renaming of the pub after World War II. Now, the interior of the pub is dedicated to Churchill’s legacy with historical memorabilia covering the ceiling and walls.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – City of London

If these walls could talk? Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a legend of its kind. It has served as the backdrop for more than 300 hundred years of alcohol-infused tomfoolery. Rebuilt after London’s Great Fire, it is a fully functioning ghost pub that dates back to 1667. The pub is known for having once hosted literary giants like Charles Dickens, G.K. Chesterton and Mark Twain. It’s one of the few pubs in London within a website, which is quite fitting considering its long history. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is centrally located with a Fleet Street address, a location famous for print media. In its twentieth century heyday, Fleet Street was home to the nation’s biggest newspapers, such as the Daily Telegraph and the Times. It’s not hard to imagine some of the city’s most distinguished journalists unwinding with a pint at Ye Olde after scrambling to meet a print deadline.

The Blackfriar Pub – City of London

Courtesy of the Blackfriar Pub

A list of the top 10 classic pubs in London would not be complete with a mention of the Blackfriar Pub located near St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames. It’s a Nicholson’s Pub and Restaurant built in 1875 on the site of a Dominican friary. According to the pub, the building is a historic, Art Nouveau Grade II masterpiece. The Blackfriar was designed by architect H. Fuller-Clark and artist Henry Poole, both proponents of the progressive arts and craft movement of the time. Visitors can still find Poole’s original jolly friars around the pub in the form of sculptures, mosaics and reliefs.

Elephant and Castle Pub – Elephant and Castle

Courtesy of Elephant and Castle Pub

Elephant and Castle, the pub that basically named its neighborhood, has been around, in one form or another, since 1765. Originally located in the middle of the Elephant and Castle roundabout, the pub was popular among coach travelers passing through the area. Over time, the pub had been updated multiple times. The current building dates from 1966 as the result of a neighborhood transformation following the Blitz.

According to the pub, the modern-day Elephant and Castle made waves again in the early nineties when it became known for its connection with the neighboring club, Ministry of Sound. Elephant and Castle had become a popular after-party spot for club-goers on Sunday mornings. Well-known DJs Matt Jam Lamont, Mickey Simms and Justin Cantor would gather at Elephant and Castle making it ground zero for the UK Garage music scene.

This pub feels especially lively on Fridays and Saturdays when it is licensed to operate until 2 am, and the large basement provides ample space for a DJ and dancing. The crowd feels local and energetic partly due to the pub’s proximity to London’s South Bank University. It also offers an outdoor terrace and daily food service from noon until 10 pm, except for Sundays when the food is served until 8 pm.

CASK Pub & Kitchen – Pimlico

Courtesy of CASK Pub & Kitchen

CASK Pub & Kitchen was opened in 2009 by Pimlico local Martin Hayes. With 10 cask ales, 15 keg lines and more than 300 bottled options, this pub is known for its extensive beer selection. CASK also operates as a seller, so patrons can take the good stuff home. From rare cask to imported craft, their range of beer is impressive for any pub in Europe. Don’t miss the live music every Sunday from 4:30 pm.

The Grapes – Limehouse

Courtesy of the Grapes

Built in 1583, the Grapes, originally named the Bunch of Grapes, is located on the River Thames in the Limehouse neighborhood. Today, it’s owned by actor Sir Ian McKellen. Fans of Lord of the Rings will appreciate getting a glimpse of Gandalf’s staff proudly displayed behind the bar. In addition to its film paraphernalia, this pub has deep literary roots. According to the Grapes, a young Charles Dickens would visit his godfather in Limehouse and continued to frequent the neighborhood throughout his life. The Grapes appears, scarcely disguised, in the opening chapter of his novel titled Our Mutual Friend. A complete set of Dickens’ work can be found in the pub’s back parlor. Other notable writers, such as Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle, were said to have frequented the Grapes. Notable artists, such as Francis Bacon and Edward Wolfe, lived on the same street, so it seems likely that they would have also stopped by the pub to wet their whistles.

If you enjoyed Top 10 Pubs in London, check out other Europe-inspired travel articles.

If pubs aren’t your scene, check out the best London hotels for afternoon tea.

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The Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea

Claridge’s

Courtesy of Claridge’s

Claridge’s afternoon tea is served in the Theirry Despont designed foyer and reading room – a glamorous setting inspired by the art deco movement of the 1930s. The menu features a selection of decadent sandwiches, such as Clarence Court duck egg with heritage tomato and basil on white bread and Norfolk chicken breast with truffle and parmesan on rye bread, among others. Hand-made pastries, crafted under the guidance of pastry chef Jérôme Chaucesse, are made fresh daily. The in-house tea connoisseur, Henrietta Lovell, selects teas from around the world and works closely with executive chef, Martyn Nail, to ensure each brew complements the food and is expertly prepared and poured. Guests can choose between traditional, champagne or children’s afternoon tea served daily between 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm. Book Now

The Langham

Courtesy of the Langham

Since its luxurious Palm Court opened in 1865, the Langham London became the first grand hotel to ever serve afternoon tea. The menu is overseen by chef Michel Roux Jr. and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and takes inspiration from Britain’s classic biscuits and baked tarts. Pastries pair perfectly with their selection of JING tea, a single garden British tea brand, and sparkling wine from Gusbourne, an estate with vineyards in Kent and West Sussex. Menu highlights include roast beef with sauce ‘Albert’ and watercress on caraway bread and ploughman’s cheese scone made with raw milk Isle of Mull cheddar, tamarind pickle and apple. The Langham London serves afternoon tea from Thursday through Sunday between 12:30 pm and 5 pm. Book Now

The Cadogan

Courtesy of the Cadogan

The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, is conveniently located between London’s Knightsbridge and Chelsea neighborhoods. Inspired by childhood memories of spending time with his grandmother, chef Adam Handling and his team have created a delicious afternoon tea experience. Open daily from 12 pm to 6 pm, guests can sip on tea while sampling a selection of sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese with pickled shallot and dill on granary bread. Freshly baked scones and an assortment of sweet treats, such as coffee cake with mascarpone cream and fig leaf and blackcurrant tarts, are also served up daily. The kitchen is proud to use some of London’s best seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients for their ever-changing menus. Book Now

The Savoy

Courtesy of the Savoy

Since 1889, travelers from all over the world have been coming to the Thames Foyer London to enjoy afternoon tea at the Savoy. Located in the heart of the hotel, the foyer has a stunning glass-domed atrium with a gazebo from which a pianist plays during the day. They offer more than 30 tea varieties served along with finger sandwiches, such as coronation chicken and Himalayan salt-cured cucumber with sundried tomato hummus, as well as home-made scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd and a selection of pastries. Guests can also add a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier or Deutz Rosé to complete the experience. Afternoon tea is served from Monday through Tuesday between 12 pm and 4 pm (last seating at 2:45 pm) and from Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm (last seating at 4:45 pm). Book Now

The Ritz

Courtesy of the Ritz

The Ritz London has been serving afternoon tea since 1906. Today, guests can choose between traditional afternoon tea or champagne afternoon tea. The traditional afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court surrounded by twinkling chandeliers, glittering mirrors and fresh flowers. They serve 18 different types of loose leaf tea alongside scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, as well as sandwiches, teacakes and pastries. The champagne afternoon tea can be enjoyed with musical accompaniment from resident pianist Ian Gomes. Sittings for afternoon tea take place daily at 11:30 am 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Please be mindful of the dress code: gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie; jeans and sportswear are not permitted for ladies or gentlemen. Book Now

The Ned

Courtesy of the Ned

The Ned by Soho House is a hotel and members’ club in the City of London with nine restaurants. Afternoon tea is served in Millie’s Lounge set amidst the Grand Banking Hall, which features original, double height, wrought iron windows, vaulted ceilings and verdite columns. In addition to afternoon tea classics of cakes, scones and sandwiches, guests can order ham hock scotch eggs with gribiche sauce and Jersey Rocks oysters. Tea is served from Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm, as well as Saturday from midday to 5 pm. Book Now

The Goring

Courtesy of the Goring

Built in 1910, the Goring is the only luxury hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. They have been perfecting the art of afternoon tea since the hotel opened its doors over a century ago. Guests can enjoy a pot of the Goring Afternoon Blend, their signature blend of Assam and second flush Darjeeling. Afternoon tea also comes with pastries, scones and sandwiches, which also pair well with a glass of Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne or Bollinger Rosé Champagne along with hand-picked strawberries. Afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s veranda from Monday through Friday at 3:30 pm, 4 pm and 4:30 pm, as well as Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. On Saturday, afternoon tea is served in the dining room from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Book Now

Jam first, or clotted cream?

Scone preparation has been a topic of much debate for generations. The Cornish tradition is to spread the jam on a halved scone and then add clotted cream on top. It’s been reported that the Queen prefers her scones this way. However, in other parts of England, such as Devon, it is common to add the cream first and then the jam. Both ways are fine, so you’ll just have to find the order that best suits your taste.

If you enjoyed The Best London Hotels for Afternoon Tea, check out other travel articles about historic hotels.

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Altbier is a special type of dark, top-fermented beer that has its origins in and around Dusseldorf, a city situated in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Region along the Rhine River. Many of the best German Altbier breweries in Dusseldorf are located within walking distance of the city’s historic center. According to Düsseldorf Tourism, the term “Alt” refers to the “old” brewing method employed before technical refrigeration came into use. Before the invention of refrigeration, top-fermenting yeast was used to convert malt sugar into alcohol at temperatures ranging between 15 and 20°C. This meant that it was possible to brew beer even during the warmer months of the year. This method has been used for thousands of years.

Altbier drinking in Dusseldorf is a one-of-a-kind experience. While at a brewery, the drinking begins once the first beer is ordered, and it continues without so much as a nod to the server. One after another, smallish-sized, 0.2 liter glasses of dark beer are distributed to crowds of thirsty patrons from circular serving trays. The fresh beer is poured straight out of a barrel kept behind the bar. Once a glass is less than half full, a fresh beer appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and the server uses a black pencil to strike the coaster as a way of keeping tabs. In order to stop this buzz-fueled cycle, all one has to do is set the marked coaster on top of the glass. The server then counts the strikes, each mark representing one consumed beer, and presents a total amount due.

Top 5 Altbier Breweries in Dusseldorf

Füchschen

Füchschen Altbier has remained virtually unchanged since 1848. It is still made using a family recipe that goes back four generations. They use high-quality ingredients in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, a Purity Law that dates back to 1516. This seventeenth-century microbrewery and alehouse also served up classic German dishes like crispy roasted pork shank.

Kürzer

Kürzer opened in 2010, which makes it the youngest brewery in Dusseldorf’s Old Town. It has an edgier vibe compared to other breweries on this list. It’s the kind of place that gets packed with college students on the weekends. Altbier is made using traditional ingredients but with new brewing techniques. It’s made in small batches and is served from a bar-top glass cask that chills the beer from tanks stored above the bar. It is a refreshing break from the more traditional German pubs in Dusseldorf.

Schumacher

Schumacher Alt is the oldest Altbier in Dusseldorf. It is still brewed according to its old family traditions. The special malt mix has a fine bitterness, well-rounded aroma, and beautiful amber color. For more than 175 years, Schumacher has been attracting locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to sip a beer while sampling the local cuisine. Don’t miss the daily food specials, which include fried black pudding with apples and suckling pig with fried potatoes.

Uerige

Uerige has been brewing beer in Dusseldorf’s Old Town since 1862. The brewery has several public rooms that vary in size and atmosphere. The Brauhaus can accommodate 150 people and has shiny copper vats and occasional live music. The Rittersaal can accommodate 100 people and features a rustic space that is decorated with historic beer mugs from the last 300 years. The public house also has an annex that is home to a distillery. It is permitted to drink liquor and fine spirits in the Stickum Bar. Don’t miss the food menu, which offers a wide range of hearty Rhenish dishes.

Zum Schlüssel

Zum Schlüssel has been brewing its original Schlüssel-Altbier for more than 170 years. During the summer, the beer garden overflows with patrons enjoying freshly-made beers. The food menu changes daily and offers tasty meals for lunch and dinner. For a classic dish, try the butcher’s platter, which includes baked black pudding, pork belly, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes.

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt (Old Town) is where visitors can find plenty of Altbier. The neighborhood features over 200 bars and restaurants. It is a lively part of the city serving as a central meeting point for locals and visitors. It is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon shopping, people watching, socializing with friends, drinking beer and eating delicious German cuisine.

Altstadt has been a gathering place for some of Germany’s most famous artists, writers and musicians, including Joseph Beuys, Jörg Immendorff, Günter Grass and Reinhard Mey. German bands, such as Kraftwerk and Die Toten Hosen, have their roots here. The German punk scene came together on Ratinger Straße at the end of the 1970s. This neighborhood is steeped in German culture, and the people are friendly and open about their lifestyles.

© Düsseldorf Tourismus GmbH – Photo U. Otte

Altbier at Home

Altbier is growing in popularity outside of Germany. There is a category for German-Style Altbier in the annual World Beer Cup. Some versions of Altbier are available in specialty beer stores around the world. So, even if a trip to Germany is not possible, you can still sample the good stuff. Prost!

If you enjoyed the Top 5 Altbier Breweries in Düsseldorf, check out other European culinary adventures.

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In particular, English sparkling wines have been recognized around the world for their quality, creativity and flavor. Guided tours and tastings are a great way for travelers to experience this unique wine culture. To learn more, Nicola Boarer, owner of English Wine Tasting & Tours, shares travel tips on how to go wine tasting in England.

How long have you been giving wine tours in England? 

I launched English Wine Tasting & Tours in 2015, and we’ve been delivering wine tours ever since.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

What part of England can you find wine that is comparable to champagne?

We predominantly offer wine tours across Kent and Sussex; however, we do work with a number of vineyards in Surrey and Hampshire too. Kent and Sussex are by far the two biggest grape-growing counties in the UK and as such have more vineyards than any other counties. Altogether, there are almost 900 vineyards in the UK, all of varying sizes and offer a wide range of styles of wine.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which grape varieties are common in England? 

The most common grapes currently grown in the UK are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir; these are what we call the three noble grapes that are often used for sparkling wine and champagne.

How does English sparkling wine compare to champagne? 

Is there a British champagne? While there are lots of similarities with English sparkling wine, English wine-makers are very keen to put their own mark on their winemaking style that is unique to the UK. Many of the wines they make are world-class, and they have won multiple awards, especially in blind taste tests over Champagne, so it’s fair to say it compares very favourably.

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Is there anything unique about the wine-making process in England?

We are a cool climate wine producer, so with that comes many challenges. The biggest one is our tendency to have a late spring frost, which can kill fresh buds. The other problem is our tendency to have a high amount of rain, which can lead to mildew. The positive of our cool climate though is that we now have the ideal growing conditions for the three noble grapes (similar to that of Champagne 10 years ago), which means we are able to produce exceptional sparkling wine.

Do you have any wine-tasting tips?

We always encourage people to try wines they wouldn’t normally try and always keep an open mind when tasting. When it comes to English wine, bear in mind that 70% of what we produce is sparkling wine, but also think crisp whites, delicate rosés and a fantastic fruit-forward palette.

What are a few of your favorite English wines?

This is a tough question as firstly there are too many great English wines to choose from. But also most English wines are vintages, so very few English wines will taste exactly the same from one year to the next.

What British foods pair well with English wines? 

Fish and Chips, of course!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Which of your wine tours would you recommend to first-time visitors?

That’s a tough choice as all our tours are great for first-time visitors. Our Small Group Private Tour works really well if you have a group of friends/family you’d like to go with. Or join one of our public tours, which means you get to meet fellow wine lovers along the way!

Is there anything about English wine tours that might surprise people?

Guests are often surprised by the quality of English wine and by how many vineyards we have in the UK. But as it happens, we always find that our guests are surprised by our knowledge of not just English wine and the wine-making process, but we include the history of English wine starting with the Roman invasion right through to 2020. Being big lovers of history, we also throw in the history of the local area, which all adds to the day and the overall experience. Guests regularly finish the tour saying they’ve learnt far more than they had expected on the day!

Courtesy of English Wine Tasting & Tours

Thank you, Nicola!

English Wine Tasting & Tours
Website: https://www.englishwinetastingtours.co.uk/
Email: info@englishwinetastingtours.co.uk
Phone: 0044 (0)1424 777 111

If you enjoyed Is There a British Champagne, check out other travel articles about Europe.

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From Burgundy to Languedoc-Roussillon, France has some of the most famous wine regions in the world, and it is one of the largest wine producers with more than seven billion bottles corked each year. Travelers from all over the globe are attracted to France’s approach to winemaking and the prestigious wines it has been producing for centuries. The French wine scene is truly special due in part to its community of highly-skilled winemakers who are terroir-conscious about their process. Many French wines are classified using the appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) system, which sets standards for production. Travelers can explore quaint villages, tour historic vineyards, taste a wide variety of incredibly specific wines and learn about French winemaking practices that will continue to charm even the most discerning wine drinkers for many generations to come. So, where can you find the best red wine in France? Check out the top five red wine regions in France.

Burgundy

Photo by C. McCain

Located in east-central France, Burgundy has five major sub-regions: Chablis and Grand Auxerrois, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. Its picturesque villages and sloping vineyards make for an unforgettable wine tasting experience. The region produces pinot noir, gamay, chardonnay and aligoté. It has more than 80 appellations – the most produced in any region of France. And, Burgundy is home to one of the world’s most expensive wines, Romanée-Conti, which can sell for upwards of $20,000 per bottle. In 2015, Burgundy’s climats, or wine-growing plots, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many of the plots date back to the Middle Ages and each one has a unique geographical or geological distinction.

Rhône Valley

Photo by C. McCain

Located in southeastern France, the Rhône Valley wine region offers more than 30 appellations, including popular ones like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. This wine region is split into two parts: north and south. The northern sub-region, running between Vienne and Valence, has eight appellations and is famous for its syrah grape, which produces a full-bodied, red wine. It also produces white wines from marsanne, roussane and viognier grapes. The southern sub-region, surrounding Avignon, has more than 15 appellations and produces many different types of red, white and rosé wines from a variety of grapes including grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignan, among others. Don’t miss a taste of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known as the first AOC wine to be recognized. In 1936, it was allowed to use 13 different varieties for its blend with both red and white grapes.

Bordeaux

Photo by C. McCain

Where can you find the best red wine in France? It could very well be Bordeaux. With more than 8,000 wine producers, Bordeaux has one of the largest wine operations in France. Located in southwestern France, it is divided into 38 sub-regions with 57 different appellations. Some of the most popular sub-regions include Médoc, Graves, Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Saint Émilion, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Margaux, among others. The vast majority of Bordeaux wines are red with grape varieties that include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. The city of Bordeaux is an excellent place to explore between vineyards. The city’s natural harbor and landmarks are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for having an “outstanding urban and architectural ensemble created in the Age of Enlightenment.” Don’t miss the Cité du Vin, a museum on the Garonne River dedicated to Bordeaux’s wine heritage. It has a tasting room 35 meters above the ground with panoramic views of the city.
Read more: 10 Best Food Festivals in France

Beaujolais

Photo by Robert Ireton

The Beaujolais wine region is situated just north of Lyon in eastern France. Beaujolais/Beaujolais Supérieur, Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais Nouveau are made from gamay grapes and are famous for being light-bodied red wines high in acidity and low in tannins. The ten crus of Beaujolais include Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin- à -Vent, Régnié and Saint-Amour. Each one has its own appellation title. Each year, a wine festival called Les Sarmentelles is held in Beaujeu, a village located near the city of Mâcon. The event celebrates the limited edition release of that year’s Beaujolais Nouveau, which is available to the public for the first time each year on the third Thursday in November after only fermenting for a few weeks. This five-day French wine festival features tastings, dinners, live music, dance performances and art markets.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Photo by Bo Boer

The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region surrounds the city of Montpellier in southern France. Its wines, including Vin de Pays d’Oc, have many well-known appellations, such as Languedoc, Corbières, Faugères, Minervois and Saint-Chinian, among others. From coastal plains to the valleys around the Pyrenees, this diverse terrain produces more than 1/3 of all French wine. It grows many different types of grapes, including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. If you need a break from red wine, get a taste of Languedoc-Roussillon’s Crémant de Limoux, a sparkling wine made from mauzac, chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes. It’s a refreshing way to celebrate the art of French winemaking.

If you enjoyed Where Can You Find the Best Red Wine in France, check out other wine-inspired travel articles.

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10 Best Food Festivals in Scandinavia

A Taste of Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden
May/June

Courtesy of A Taste of Stockholm

Located at the Kungsträdgården festival grounds, A Taste of Stockholm is one of the largest food festivals in Sweden typically drawing more than 300,000 attendees each year. This five-day event features a wide variety of local foods, as well as beer and wine tastings, and it brings together chefs and food industry professionals from throughout Sweden to showcase their culinary skills. The event celebrates sustainability with its Stockholm Green initiative. Don’t miss the chef duel, which provides plenty of high-stakes entertainment.

Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans

Located throughout Denmark
June

Courtesy of My New Danish Life

The Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans takes place near the summer solstice in locations throughout Denmark. The Midsummer Festival is named after Sankt Hans, known as John the Baptist, and it is celebrated with a home-cooked meal followed by a community bonfire. Throughout the years, the event has kept many of its traditions, including songs, food and drinks.

Gladmat Food Festival

Stavanger, Norway
July

Courtesy of Gladmat Food Festival

The Gladmat Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s food culture. Gladmat means “happy food” in Norwegian, which sets the tone for this fun-loving four-day event. With more than 250,000 people expected each year, this festival brings together local food producers, restauranteurs and food enthusiasts for food exhibitions, cookery courses, treasure hunts, food trails and local food competitions.

Trøndelag Food Festival

Trondheim, Norway
July

Courtesy of Trøndelag Food Festival

The Trøndelag Food Festival is located in Trondheim, the third most populated city in Norway located on the Trondheim Fjord at the mouth of the River Nidelva. Trondheim is known as the “home of Nordic flavors” given its easy access to local-produced, high-quality foods from the land and sea. The Trøndelag Food Festival usually draws more than 250,000 people, and food samples are provided by 200+ local farmers and food producers. The booths and stages are decorated with classic Norwegian designs. Cooking classes are available with special themes, such as food preservation, fermentation techniques and shellfish preparations. Don’t miss the Trondheim Brewery Festival, which takes place during the same time.

Crab Festival on Atoy

Atløy, Norway
July

Courtesy of Crab Festival on Atoy

Volunteers catch more than 2,000 kg of crab for the annual Crab Festival on the island of Atløy in Norway. The fresh crabs are then boiled for the event’s popular crab table or made into specialty dishes, such as crab tortillas and shellfish platters. The best part about this event is that attendees can eat as much crab as they’d like. The festival also features activities for the whole family, including live performances, music and dancing.

Malmo Festival

Malmö, Sweden
August

Courtesy of Malmo Festival

The Malmö Festival offers visitors the chance to experience the flavor and culture of Scandinavian cuisine in the historic city of Malmö, Sweden’s third most populated city. Each summer, the festival brings people together to enjoy food, music and art. This event is one of the largest city festivals in northern Europe. Everyone is welcome, and there are plenty of free activities and performances for people of all ages.

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

Copenhagen, Denmark
August

Courtesy of Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival features some seriously delicious food, and it recognizes the talented people who work hard to produce it. This 10-day event lets chefs, cooks and foodies join forces to celebrate Copenhagen’s diverse and ever-evolving food scene. The program features both Danish and international cuisines, and there is a focus on ‘food of the wild’ or raw, locally-sourced foods, such as seaweed, plants, fruits and vegetables. The festival also offers food-related conferences and symposiums aimed at inspiring industry professionals.

Bergen Food Festival

Bergen, Norway
September

Courtesy of Bergen Food Festival

The Bergen Food Festival is located in Norway’s second-largest city situated in the west coast county of Vestland. This event is one of the biggest ‘local’ food festivals in Norway. Attendees can meet food producers, buy high-quality, fresh products and get inspired by great regional chefs. The event also features presentations from the producers about their food, which is typically produced from local, raw materials.

Matstreif Food Festival

Oslo, Norway
September

Courtesy of Matstreif Food Festival

The Matstreif Food Festival is an annual event organized by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. With 150+ exhibitors, the event showcases some of the best local food and drink producers from Norway. The farmers’ market offers small-scale, locally-produced goods. This two-day event also features cooking demonstrations, competitions and family-friendly activities. From elk burgers to fresh salmon, this festival highlights Norwegian dishes that will have you coming back for more.

Great Swedish Beer Festival

Malmö, Sweden
October

The Great Swedish Beer Festival is held at Slagthuset in Malmö. 100+ Swedish craft beer breweries are celebrated at this annual event, and 4,500+ visitors are expected to attend one of the festival’s two sessions. Attendees are welcome to meet brew masters, taste a wide variety of beers and enjoy the company of other beer lovers from around the world.

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The Best Food Festivals in Portugal

Pork Sausage Festival (Festa das Chouriças)
Location: Querença
Month: January
Festa das Chouriças is one of the most popular Portuguese food festivals. Located in the Algarve region in Querença, a village in the municipality of Loulé, this food festival honors S. Luís, patron of the animals. The festival includes homemade sausage, musical performances, religious celebrations and a procession. The event also features a grand night of Fado at the People’s House of Querença. Markets throughout the village sell handmade goods and locally-produced products.

Courtesy of Jornal do Algarve

Essence of Wine (Essência do Vinho)
Location: Porto
Month: February
Essência do Vinho attracts large crowds to Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal. In recent years, the event has featured more than 3,000 wines and 400 wine producers from around the world. Attendees can sample wine, listen to winemaker presentations and chat with industry experts. Regional chefs and winemakers come together to celebrate Portuguese cuisine with special food and wine pairings. This four-day festival also features a welcome dinner and awards ceremony for notable wines made in Portugal, including the designation of the top 10 Portuguese wines of the year.

Courtesy of Essência do Vinho

Traditional Sausage Fair (Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais)
Location: Monchique
Month: March
Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais is located in Monchique, a city in the Algarve region set among the Serra de Monchique. This part of Portugal specializes in ham from black pigs. This festival celebrates some of the country’s best pork dishes and the people who produce them. In addition to food, this three-day festival features crafts, live music and local specialties like medronho, a drink made from distilled medronho tree fruit.

Courtesy of Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais

Great Portuguese Wine Show (Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal)
Location: Albufeira
Month: May/June
Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal is one of the country’s largest wine festivals in Portugal. Located in Albufeira, a coastal city in the Algarve region, this event features more than 900 wines and more than 100 national wine producers. This former fishing village has sandy beaches and a bustling restaurant scene – a perfect backdrop for a buzzworthy wine event. This three-day festival includes presentations about the Algarve Wine Route, cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings.

Courtesy of Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal

St. John Festival (Festa de São João)
Location: Porto
Month: June
Festa de São João dates back to the fourteenth century making it one of the most popular food festivals in Portugal. It’s a time to honor the sun gods and celebrate the year’s good harvest with friends, family, food, drinks and entertainment. Classic festival dishes include grilled sardines, grilled spare ribs, pork sandwiches, traditional soups and stews and plenty of port wine and Super Bock beer. The first evening of the festival usually includes a nice meal at home or at a restaurant. Be sure to book a table well in advance, since the festival is known to draw large crowds. Then, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky at midnight from the D. Luis Bridge. Free live music, including Fado, jazz and rock, can be heard throughout the city. Don’t forget your little plastic hammer, which festival goers use to lightly tap each other on the head.

Courtesy of Tia Maria

Food Fest
Location: Lagos
Month: July
Food Fest in Lagos, a town in the Algarve region, features a wide range of street food set among the walled old town, cliffs of Ponta de Piedade and Atlantic beaches. The streets of the city are transformed into an open air market with plenty of local dishes and drinks. This four-day food fest also features live music and entertainment, family-friendly activities and affordable, yet delicious, food and drink options.

Courtesy of J Photography

Seafood Festival (Festival do Marisco)
Location: Olhão
Month: August
Festival do Marisco in Olhão takes place in the municipal garden area along the banks of the Rio Formosa. This Portuguese food festival mixes live music and food to create one huge community celebration. Highlights include live performances by some of the best musicians in Portugal and food served fresh from the sea. Attendees can enjoy prawns, oysters, razor clams, barnacles and more. Traditional dishes, like seafood cataplana, are also served along with craft beer and Portuguese wine.

Courtesy of Festival do Marisco

Sardine Festival (Festival da Sardinha)
Location: Portimão
Month: August
Festival da Sardinha draws thousands of visitors to Portimão, a port city located in the Algarve region. People from all over the country gather together to celebrate one of Portugal’s favorite dishes: grilled sardines. Festivities are held in the fishing quarter, Zona Ribeirinha, and sardines and seafood are served fresh from the ocean along the picturesque waterfront. Traditional restaurants serve up plenty of sardinha no pão, or grilled sardines on local bread. The event also features live music performances and family-friendly activities.

Photo by Alex Teixeira

Fishermen’s Feast (Festa do Pescador)
Location: Albufeira
Month: September
Festa do Pescador celebrates the people connected to the sea with three-days of food, drinks and live entertainment. Food stalls serve up regional snacks like mackerel, cuttlefish and cataplanas. Festival goers can also enjoy sweet treats like almond cakes and farrobitos. Open-air entertainment includes traditional folk-inspired music, dance performances and more.

Courtesy of Festa do Pescador

National Gastronomy Festival (Festival Nacional de Gastronomia)
Location: Santarém
Month: October/November
In 2021, Festival Nacional de Gastronomia will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Located in Santarém, a city on the right bank of the Tagus River just northeast from Lisbon, this event attracts foodies from all over the world. Attendees can sample some of Portugal’s best food. The event plays a fundamental role in the preservation of Portuguese gastronomic heritage by inviting chefs and restaurateurs to showcase their best regional dishes. It’s a celebration of traditional and contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Themed lunches and live cooking demonstrations pay homage to Portugal’s rich food culture.

Courtesy of National Gastronomy Festival

*Please note, events may be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

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Aristotle, Founder of Eat and Walk Santorini Food Tour

How long have you been giving food tours in Santorini?

I have been offering food tours in Santorini for 2.5 years now and hope to continue for many more!

Photo by Dan Wechter

What are some common flavors and ingredients found in Greek cuisine?

Greeks love their veggies, so you will find many amazing dishes based on vegetables – eggplants, zucchinis and the queen of vegetables – tomato! Every meal is always accompanied with a fresh salad – not only the famous Greek Salad, but also greens, cabbage and carrot in winter. Herbs, fresh and dried, are used widely to give flavor, like oregano, mint, basil and parsley. Since the country is surrounded by sea, fish and seafood is a really big part of the Greek diet. And of course, grilled meat, especially lamb. (Don’t miss a chance to try roasted lamb on a spit, if you visit Greece during the Greek Easter!) Probably lesser known, but legumes are eaten in every house at least once a week, either as soup/stew or salad.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

Is there one dish that every visitor should try while in Santorini?

I believe that Ntomatokeftedes (Tomato fritters or Tomato balls) is the ultimate Santorini dish: juicy cherry tomatoes minced with fresh herbs and onions, fried in aromatic olive oil. Usually served with some tzatziki dip on the side and some capers. And a glass of cold local white Assyrtiko wine.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

What might surprise travelers about the food culture in Santorini?

Most taverns will offer a complimentary sweet (such as Greek yoghurt with “sweet on the spoon” (fruit, like fig, cherry, prickly pear in syrup) or a small serving of Greek pastry) at the end of your meal. If you have chosen to order a dessert, you will probably be offered a complimentary glass of dessert wine or a shot of raki, which works as a digestive!

What are some of your favorite wines produced in Santorini?

Santorini is famous for its whites, especially the Assyrtiko variety. It is very fresh, acidic and fruity, perfect for the hot summer weather, when served chilled. The volcanic soil contributes to the unique flavor profile. Vinsanto is a dessert wine, made from sundried grapes, but Mavrotragano is a rare variety of red, which is my favorite!

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

What other local drinks are popular in Santorini?

Raki, a distilled spirit made from grapes, is at the same time an apperitif and a digestive, and everything in between, especially when served with seafood.

Do you have any tips for eating or ordering at local restaurants in Santorini?

Santorinians (and Greeks in general) eat family style, shared meals, even when eating out. When visiting a tavern, you will see tables full of small meze plates and platters of fish and meat, which are all being shared by everyone at the table. So go ahead and order a variety of appetizers and salads, they are all served to share with your company!

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

Can you name a few of your favorite places to eat in Santorini? 

Sorry, there are too many! To name a few would mean disservice to the others! Contact us over email for recommendations!

Have you noticed any recent food trends in Santorini?

Greeks know what’s good and worth keeping, so you can always count on getting high quality, fresh food and classic dishes when visiting a tavern. The higher-end restaurants are putting a lot of emphasis on sourcing out local products and using seasonal ingredients, which are typical for the island. This has brought about a greater appreciation of the local produce, which is quite scarce in Santorini.

Courtesy of Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour

In addition to the food, what do you enjoy most about living in Santorini?

Santorini has become really cosmopolitan and you can meet people from all over the world, who have chosen this island for their home. So there is always great energy and lots of new ideas among people, which all serve to make the island a better place for everyone – locals and visitors!

Thank you, Aristotle!

Eat & Walk Santorini Food Tour
Website: https://santorinifoodtour.com
Phone: +30 6942549601
Email: yummy@santorinifoodtour.com

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The post What To Eat in Santorini | Tips From a Greek Food Expert first appeared on Travel Observed.

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The Best European Cookbooks for Travelers

Catalan Food: Culture and Flavors from the Mediterranean

Enjoy a taste of Catalan with Catalan Food: Culture and Flavors from the Mediterranean, which features 80 recipes. From tapas to paella, authors Daniel Olivella and Caroline Wright share their favorite Spanish dishes – perfect for entertaining friends and family. Published in 2018, this cookbook explores Catalan culture through stories of food, people, history and heritage. Recipes include llom de porc canari (slow-roasted pork loin), tiradito amb escalivada (Spanish sashimi with roasted vegetable purees) and brandada de bacalla (pureed salt cod with mashed potatoes). Buy Now

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, is one of the best European cookbooks ever written. Published in 1961, it continues to inspire and delight a new generation of cooks and chefs after more than 50 years since its creation. This two-volume cookbook features recipes developed during the 1950s when the authors co-founded a Parisian cooking school called L’Ecole des Trois Gourmandes (The School of the Three Happy Eaters). With more than 500 recipes, this cookbook offers a comprehensive look at French cooking with classic favorites like vichyssoise, boeuf bourguignon and cheese soufflé. Buy Now

The Little Swedish Kitchen

The Little Swedish Kitchen is the sixth cookbook from Rachel Khoo, a British cook, writer and broadcaster. Published in 2018, this cookbook offers more than 100 recipes inspired by Swedish culture and landscape. Explore a simple and seasonal approach to cooking at home with dishes like Swedish meatballs with beanballs, smoked sausage stroganoff and plum tosca cake. These simple recipes look at Scandinavian cuisine from a fresh perspective. Buy Now

Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintops

Alpine Cooking: Recipes and Stories from Europe’s Grand Mountaintops, by Meredith Erickson, feels like a cookbook and travel guide – all in one. Published in 2019, this European cookbook includes 80 recipes inspired by the food serviced at hotels, chalets and mountain huts situated among the alpine peaks of Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France. It is not just about the cheese, although classic dishes like fondue and raclette can’t be ignored. Recipes include radicchio dumplings, Piedmontese-style agnolotti and goulash with speck dumplings – ideal dishes for pairing with wine and beer. This book also explores some of the most charming Alpine hotels, family-run inns and rifugios, so you can plan future travel plans around your food preferences. Buy Now

The Sicily Cookbook

Join cook, writer and photographer Cettina Vicenzino as she shares more than 70 authentic recipes from Sicily. Published in 2020, the Sicily Cookbook offers a unique look at Sicilian culture through local dishes featuring three strands of Sicilian cooking: cucina povera (peasant food), cibo di strada (street food) and cucina dei monsù (sophisticated food). Check out recipes like grilled octopus with ricotta humous, panelle and lemon couscous, angel hair pasta fritters with pecorino, spinach, date syrup and cinnamon and cannoli with artichoke cream. The unique flavor combinations found in this European cookbook celebrate authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The book also features profiles on Sicilian chefs and food producers as they explore local ingredients, such as citrus fruits, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, eggplants and seafood. Buy Now

The Turkish Cookbook

Published in 2019, the Turkish Cookbook features recipes by Musa Daĝdeviren, an Istanbul-based chef with three restaurants, including Çiya. The Turkish Cookbook includes more than 500 recipes, and includes classic dishes like kebab with aubergine, poached eggs with yogurt and baklava. This European cookbook offers healthy and fresh food options that honor Turkey’s vibrant culinary heritage. Buy Now

Dishoom: From Bombay with Love

This may not be a European cookbook, but it will inspire a trip to Europe. Now, travelers can enjoy dishes from the much-loved London-based Indian restaurant, Dishoom, from the comfort of home. With over 100 recipes, fascinating stories and beautiful photography, Dishoom: From Bombay with Love transports readers to India – perfect for the armchair traveler. Written by Shami Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar and Naved Nasir and published in 2019, this book features recipes like matter paneer, keema pau, chana chaat salad, house black daal and jackfruit biryani. Buy Now

If you enjoyed the Best European Cookbooks for Travelers, check out other food-related articles.

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The Best Food Festivals in France

Fête de la Truffe
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda
Month: January
Fête de la Truffe is hosted by Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town located in southwest France, and the Black Périgord Truffle Producers’ Group. A truffle, sometimes referred to as a black diamond because of its high value, is a type of fungus that grows in regions throughout France. This event celebrates the truffle’s rich flavor and its influence on local cuisine. In addition to sampling truffles, festival goers can learn how to hunt and identify them, meet local truffle-growers and buy fresh truffles and truffle-based products.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

This weekend-long event also features a cooking competition for students taking a vocational baccalaureate with the cookery option or a BTS (HND equivalent) at apprentice training centers in France. Eight finalists are selected to prepare two dishes using foie gras and black Périgord truffle, and the winner is presented with the prestigues Jean Rougié Award.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

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Lyon Bière Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: April
Organized by Bieronomy et l’Agence Tintamarre, in partnership with Le Petit Bulletin Lyon, the Lyon Bière Festival has established itself as an essential gathering for beer connoisseurs in France and Europe. Attendees have the chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers and ciders. Brew masters are available to answer questions about the brewing process, new trends and food pairings. With more than 100 breweries in attendance, the event features beer from France, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Slovenia, Belgium and England, among others. The event is held at La Sucrière, a large building dedicated to contemporary art located in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement.

Photo by Evan Dvorkin

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Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques
Location: Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol
Month: April
Thousands of people gather in the Côtes-d’Armor region of France each year to honor the most elegant shellfish, the scallop, also known as the crown jewel of St-Brieuc Bay. Located in northern Brittany, the fishing ports of Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol take turns each year hosting the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques. The event marks the closing of an intense 6-month fishing season, which restricts fishing to 45 minutes twice a week to protect the species.

This two day event offers visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of scallop-inspired recipes at local restaurants and food stalls set-up near the port. Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques also features specialty food vendors, wine and entertainment. Don’t miss the parade featuring the Knights of the Scallop. Visitors can even follow the trawlers out to sea as they search for the very last scallops of the season. Scallops are available for purchase, either fresh in their shells or ready-to-eat.

Photo by Marika Sartori

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Taste of Paris
Location: Paris
Month: May
Taste of Paris, held at the Grand Palais, showcases the capital city’s best restaurants, and it is one of the most popular food festivals in France. This four-day event features food tastings, cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef appearances. Attendees have the chance to sample signature dishes served by the chefs themselves. From Michelin-starred chefs to new talent, Taste of Paris is a great way to explore the Parisian food scene. For a special treat, check out the Premium Lounge. This area is open to visitors with VIP passes, which includes a fast track entry into the event, a birds eye view from the mezzanine and Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, among other benefits.

Photo by Vincent Nageotte

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Bordeaux Fête le Vin
Location: Bordeaux
Month: June
For four days, Bordeaux hosts one of the country’s biggest wine-themed events of the year. This event may not be a French food festival exactly, but there are plenty of food samples to accompany the wine tasting. More than 1,200 winemakers gather in Bordeaux to celebrate the fruits of their labor at the Bordeaux Fête le Vin. Attendees can learn, taste and purchase some of the best red wines available in France. The Tasting Pass comes with a wine glass, around-the-neck glass holder, wine samples and access to one wine tasting workshop at the Pavillon de l’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux. In addition to wine, the festival features food stands, entertainment and fireworks. The event also includes the Tall Ships Regatta, a race that draws large sailing ships to port on the Garonne River in the heart of Bordeaux.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Bordeaux Fête le Vin

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Les Étoiles de Mougins
Location: Mougins
Month: June
Mougins, a village located near the French Riviera, organizes an annual international festival dedicated to gastronomy. Launched in 2006 as a tribute to Roger Vergé, the chef at Moulin de Mougins, the event draws more than 25,000 attendees each year. For three days, a hundred chefs gather at the event to share their skills and passion with the public. The event also features cooking lessons, demonstrations and competitions. One day is dedicated to families with special food-themed activities and workshops designed just for children.

Courtesy of Les Étoiles de Mougins

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Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande
Location: Rouen
Month: October
Since in 1935, Rouen’s Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande, or Festival of the Stomach and Norman Gastronomy, has been a popular food event in northern France. Set in the historic town center, this Rouen food festival is centered around the Place du Vieux Marché and Rue Rollon. For two days, crowds gather to celebrate the region’s top chefs, artisans and local food producers. Visitors can sample a wide range of locally farmed and produced foods, such as apples, cheeses, ciders, meats, dairy products, jams and sweet treats. Many locals wear traditional costumes to honor Normandy’s heritage.

Courtesy of Rouen Conquérant

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Fête Du Piment
Location: Espelette
Month: October
Each year, the Basque village of Espelette hosts a festival that marks the end of the pepper harvest. According to Anglet’s tourist office, peppers were first brought to this region by a Basque navigator sailing with Christopher Columbus around 1650. Since then, peppers have been a celebrated staple in many local dishes. Once picked, the peppers are hung along houses to dry creating a beautiful backdrop for the event. Attendees can purchase peppers, in addition to other regionally produced foods. Food festival activities include dance performances, traditional music, a parade and pelota games.

Courtesy of Fête Du Piment

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Lyon Street Food Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: October
The Lyon Street Food Festival is a recent addition to the French food festival calendar. Since 2016, this four-day party attracts thousands of attendees, as well as hundreds of chefs from all over France and Europe. The event features pop-up restaurants, food trucks, outdoor bars, live music and free cooking workshops. Regional chefs prepare savory food samples, while discussing cooking techniques with hungry audiences. The event takes place at the Old Fagor-Brandt Factories in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement.

Courtesy of Lyon Street Food Festival

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Les Sarmentelles
Location: Beaujeu
Month: November
Les Sarmentelles is a wine festival held in Beaujeu, a village located in eastern France near the city of Mâcon. The event celebrates the limited edition release of that year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Available to the public for the first time each year on the third Thursday in November, this red wine is made using Gamay grapes and is only fermented for a few weeks before it is consumed. For decades, this five-day French wine festival has featured tastings, dinners, live music, dance performances and art markets. Visitors can also book trips to the local vineyards and meet the winemakers.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu

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