The Best Foods to Enjoy in France During August

France, the country famous for its exquisite cuisine, has a great number of tasty dishes that are at their best in August. It is also the best time to taste the delicious French food because of the warm climate and availability of fresh and juicy vegetables and fruits. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the foods that you should try out in France during August. 

1. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are in their peak in France during the month of August. Supermarkets and grocery stores are filled with heirloom varieties in a rainbow of colors, forms, and sizes. These tomatoes are sweet, juicy and ideal for use in a number of recipes. From a simple Salade de Tomates, to tomatoes roasted with herbs or as a base for a fresh gazpacho, tomatoes are a staple of this month.

2. Peaches and Nectarines 

French peaches and nectarines are ripe in August, especially those grown in the Rhône Valley. Their succulent taste is ideal for use in desserts such as Tarte aux Pêches (peach tart) or served fresh.

3. Zucchini (Courgettes) 

Zucchini is another vegetable that is commonly used in French dishes especially during summer. It is very useful in many recipes, for example, Ratatouille, a Provençal stewed vegetables which also contain tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and onions. A very basic dish is zucchini grilled with a little olive oil and herbs.

4. Melons 

Cantaloupe melons from the town of Cavaillon in Provence are especially famous. The sweet and the delicate aroma of their flesh makes them ideal for light summer salads or wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto for a traditional antipasto.

5. Mussels (Moules) 

Mussels are best eaten in August in France. Among the most renowned dishes, there is Moules Marinières, which is prepared using mussels, white wine, garlic, parsley, and butter. This dish is usually served with a side dish of crispy French fries (frites).

6. Oysters 

As for oysters, although they are more popular during the winter months, there is still a decent choice in August. France is famous for oysters and the two regions that are most famous for oysters are Brittany and Normandy. These sea delicacies are best eaten raw with a dash of lemon juice or in recipes such as Huîtres Gratineés (grilled oysters). 

7. Duck (Canard) 

Duck is quite common in French cuisine and there are many fresh ducks in August. Some of the specialties include Magret de Canard (duck breast) and Confit de Canard (duck confit). It is recommended that duck should be served with fruits that are in season such as peaches and figs to complement the strong taste of the duck. 

8. Lamb (Agneau) 

It is preferred that the lamb is from the Pyrenees or Provence. For August, côtelettes d’agneau or grilled lamb chops with herbs de Provence, garlic and olive oil are recommended. Lamb dishes are served with ratatouille or roasted vegetables.

9. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) 

August is also a good time for fresh goat cheese especially those produced in the Loire valley. Chèvre can be eaten in salads, on a piece of crusty baguette or bread, or baked with herbs and honey. Some of the most common ones are Crottin de Chavignol. 

10. Brie and Camembert 

These two soft creamy cheeses are at their best; the former is from the Île-de-France region while the latter is from Normandy. Accompany it with fresh baguette, fresh figs and a glass of white wine to get the French touch. 

11. Baguettes 

There is no French meal that can be complete without a fresh baguette. The baguettes are especially delicious in August and are usually taken with cheeses, pates and fresh tomatoes. 

12. Fruit Tarts 

Fruit tarts like strawberry tart or peach tart are ideal for summer time. These tarts have a pastry base with a layer of custard and the fruit that is in season is used to garnish the tarts. 

13. Rosé Wine 

Provence rosé wine is associated with summer in France. This light and crisp wine is ideal for the season’s seafood, salads, and other light meals. Drinking a glass of cold rosé wine on a terrace is as French as it gets.

14. Cider (Cidre) 

In August, cider is a pleasant drink originating from Normandy and Brittany. It has a clean taste of apple that goes well with fish, cheese, and many other dishes. 

15. Sorbets and Ice Cream 

French sorbets and ice creams are great, usually prepared with the finest fruits of the season. Raspberry, peach, and lemon are some of the best flavors that can be enjoyed during the hot summer days.

16. Clafoutis 

This baked dessert originally used black cherries but other summer fruits such as apricots or plums can also be used. Clafoutis is similar to a custard and is served dusted with powdered sugar. 

August in France is a feast for the stomach, markets are full of fresh food and seafood, local products are at their best. Whether it is tomatoes at the peak of their redness, mussels fresh from the sea, or a peach tart, summer foods are rich and varied. Every part of France has its specialties and products and therefore it is a dreamland for the gourmands. Therefore, if you are lucky to be in France in August, do not miss an opportunity to taste the best French cuisine visiting local markets, bistros, and cafes.