Discover Parisian Cuisine: Must-Try Delicacies During the Olympics and Fashion Week

With the Olympics and Paris Fashion Week drawing thousands of visitors, Paris is not only the hub of fashion and sports but also a paradise for food lovers. While enjoying the intenseness of the games and the astonishment of the fashion, you definitely would need some Parisian delicacies as well.

As a result, this article collects guides that provide some of the best Parisian dishes, highlights top Michelin-starred restaurants, and introduces a luggage delivery service that can help you start your culinary adventure as soon as you land in Paris.

Classic Parisian Delicacies

Paris boasts a rich culinary heritage, with a wide variety of exquisite dishes. From savory to sweet, the city's gastronomic offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. There are many representative cuisines that are loved by both French and people around the world. For instance, the Duck Confit is a classic bistro dish. Another famous, Escargot, which is a snail, is another typical delicacy in French. Not to mention the Mussels, the well-known gourmet that people crave. In the next few paragraphs, I will introduce you to what makes those French foods so welcome and recommend Michelin restaurants in French. While enjoying the Olympics and the fashion week, don’t forget to try the delicacies!

French Delicacies: Duck Confit

Duck Confit, or Confit de Canard, is a traditional French dish that shows the art of slow-cooked perfection. Originating from the Gascony region of France, this dish has become a typical staple in Parisian cuisine, being loved for its rich flavors and tender texture. Duck Confit is typically prepared by curing duck legs with salt, garlic, and herbs, then slowly cooking them in their own fat. This method not only preserves the meat but also imparts a deep, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.

Duck Confit is often served with simple yet delicious accompaniments that complement its rich flavors. Popular sides include:

• Pommes Sarladaises: Potatoes fried in duck fat with garlic and parsley.

• Lentils: A light side of lentils cooked with vegetables and herbs.

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the duck.

• Red Wine: A robust red wine, such as a Bordeaux or Burgundy, pairs beautifully with Duck Confit, enhancing its savory notes.

Recommended Michelin Restaurant: Le Florimond

For an exquisite Duck Confit experience, I recommend dining at Le Florimond, one of Paris’s most historic and prestigious restaurants. Le Florimond is renowned for its authentic and reasonably priced culinary offerings, with many guests appreciating the restaurant's cozy charm. Travelers often praise the attentive service and high-quality food. Given its popularity, long waits are common, so I highly recommend you to make reservations in advance.

Le Florimond’s Duck Confit is a culinary masterpiece. The duck is cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both rich and flavorful. Served with traditional accompaniments like Pommes Sarladaises and a delicate red wine reduction, this Duck Confit is a must-try for any food lover visiting Paris.

French Delicacies: Escargots (Snails)

Escargots, or snails, are a classic French delicacy that might seem unusual to some people but are also beloved by many others for their unique texture and flavor. Typically served as an appetizer, escargots are often prepared with garlic, parsley, and butter, creating a rich and aromatic dish that is both satisfying and indulgent.

The tradition of eating escargots dates back to ancient times, and it became particularly popular in France during the 19th century. Snails were readily available and became a gourmet item thanks to the creativity of French chefs. Today, escargots are a symbol of French culinary heritage, enjoyed by both locals and tourists.

It‘s pretty complicated to prepare escargots. The snails are first cleansed, then boiled, and finally cooked in a delicious blend of garlic, parsley, and butter. The mixture infuses the snails with a rich, savory flavor that complements their delicate texture. They are typically served in their shells, with the flavorful butter sauce poured over them.

To fully enjoy escargots, you’ll need a special fork to extract the meat from the shell and a small pair of tongs to hold the shell. Each bite offers a burst of garlicky, buttery goodness, making it a memorable culinary experience. 

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty bread: Escargots are usually paired with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the remaining sauce.

• White Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Chablis or Sancerre, can complement the richness of the butter sauce

• Red Wine: A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, can balance the flavors beautifully.

Recommended Michelin Restaurant: A la Biche au Bois

It brings me great joy to recommend A la Biche au Bois. This charming Michelin restaurant offers a welcome escape from the bustling Left Bank and serves authentic French cuisine. While you might encounter a few fellow travelers, the place remains largely undiscovered by mainstream restaurant guides, ensuring a lively atmosphere filled with local Parisians.

The atmosphere is pleasant and embodies the quintessential Parisian bistro vibe. Mirrors line one wall, creating an illusion of more space and adding to the bustling, lively charm of the place. The wait staff is attentive and willing to introduce and recommend dishes to guests.

The escargots at A la Biche au Bois are a standout. The chef’s preparation involves a delicate balance of flavors, enhancing the natural taste of the snails while adding a touch of sophistication. The escargots are served with perfectly seasoned garlic and herb butter, making each bite a delectable treat.

French Delicacies: Mussels

Mussels, or "Moules" as they are known in French, are a beloved staple in Parisian cuisine. This dish embodies the essence of French culinary tradition—simple, yet profoundly flavorful. 

Mussels are enjoyed for their tender, juicy meat and the rich, savory broth they are cooked in. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Fresh mussels are steamed with a combination of white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs like parsley and thyme. As a result, the dish is both comforting and sophisticated, highlighting the natural flavors of the mussels.

Serving Suggestions:

• Wine: A classic pairing for mussels is a crisp, dry white wine such as Muscadet or Sancerre. These wines complement the briny, oceanic flavor of the mussels and the aromatic broth. 

• Beer: a light, refreshing Belgian ale also pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Recommended Michelin Restaurant: Le Jules Verne

Located in the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne offers not only delicious food but also breathtaking views of Paris. This iconic restaurant provides an unparalleled dining experience, blending culinary excellence with the magic of one of the world's most famous landmarks. 

Among the exquisite dishes on the menu, the mussels stand out as a true delight. Prepared with a touch of elegance, they exemplify the sophisticated French approach to seafood. The mussels are cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, often served in a fragrant broth made with white wine, garlic, shallots, and herbs. This delicate preparation enhances their natural brininess and pairs beautifully with freshly baked bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

The presentation is equally impressive, with the mussels arranged artfully in a stylish dish, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to both taste and aesthetics. Dining at Le Jules Verne is an experience that engages all the senses, and the mussels, with their subtle yet profound flavors, are a highlight not to be missed. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking to indulge in the best of Parisian cuisine, the mussels at Le Jules Verne promise a memorable culinary journey.

Luggage Delivery Service by LuggAgent

After knowing the three authentic Parisian cuisines, are you planning to travel to Paris for the Olympics or Fashion Week? Besides, do you want to go directly to the places after landing at CDG airport? Make your trip hassle-free with LuggAgent’s delivery service. Instead of lugging your bags around, let LuggAgent handle them for you. The service ensures your luggage is safely delivered to your hotel, allowing you to dive straight into your culinary journey after your landing. LuggAgent can take over your luggage and send it from CDG airport to your hotel.  With the help of LuggAgent, you can arrive at your favorite restaurant fresh and ready to enjoy the best of Parisian cuisine without the burden of heavy bags.

Paris is a city of unparalleled culinary delights, offering a feast for the senses. Whether you're here for the Olympics, Fashion Week, or just to explore, make sure to indulge in the city's iconic dishes. Besides, use LuggAgent service to enhance your travel experience, making your gastronomic adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Bon appétit!

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