Cuisine

Indisputably, one of France's greatest treasures is its rich cuisine. The French have an ongoing love affair with food, and their reverence for time spent eating is evident in leisurely consumption through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines.

French cooking is the ultimate in "herby" cooking (as opposed to spicy). From sultry bay leaves to aromatic lavender, herbs further define French cuisine. The list is endless—basil, tarragon, rosemary, fennel, chives, savory, oregano, chervil, thyme, sage, parsley, marjoram and the list goes on.

One should also be sure to indulge in another of France's best products—cheese. The French eat more cheese than any other nation in the world—quite understandable for a country which produces 400 different kinds of cheese. Why not shop at a local market to buy some cheese and a fresh baguette.

If rich foods are not to your liking, it is very easy to find “American” food as well as Mexican, Chinese, Indian and other European foods, such as Italian and Greek.