One of the things I love most about travel is that it engages all of our senses. We often talk about the sights we’ll see, the landmarks we’ll visit, or the beautiful hotels we’ll stay in. But for me, some of my most vivid travel memories are tied to food.
I can still remember meals long after I’ve forgotten the details of an itinerary. A perfect croissant enjoyed at a sidewalk café. Fresh pasta made by hand in Italy. Seafood pulled straight from the water in Greece. Food has a way of connecting us to a destination, its people, and its traditions in a way few other experiences can.
Recently, I was reminded of that connection when I took a French pastry class with my son, Reed.
There was something special about spending a morning together learning techniques shared by French bakers. As we measured, mixed, folded, and baked, I found myself imagining the bustling pâtisseries of Paris, the neighborhood bakeries tucked into small villages, and the markets where locals gather daily for fresh ingredients.
Our class focused on several classic French favorites. We learned how to make Pâte à Choux, the delicate pastry dough that serves as the foundation for so many iconic French desserts. From there, we created éclairs, filling them with sweet cream and finishing them with a rich, house-made chocolate ganache.
We also made savory palmier cookies and a delicious quiche, proving that French cuisine isn’t just about desserts; it’s about mastering simple ingredients and transforming them into something memorable.
What struck me most wasn’t just the food itself. Each dish represented a region, a tradition, and a way of life. That’s what I love about culinary travel. Food isn’t just something we consume while traveling; it’s often one of the best ways to understand a place.
As Reed and I worked side-by-side, I found myself dreaming about future trips to France, not just to see the country, but to experience it through its flavors. After all, some of the best travel moments happen around a table.
If food inspires your travels too, here are three French destinations that deserve a place on every food lover’s list.
Lyon: The Culinary Capital of France
If there is one destination that consistently tops foodie lists, it’s Lyon. Often considered the gastronomic heart of France, Lyon is famous for its traditional bouchons, small family-owned restaurants serving authentic regional dishes.
Food lovers can explore bustling markets, enjoy world-class dining, and sample specialties like quenelles, saucisson, and praline tarts. Lyon is also deeply connected to the legacy of Paul Bocuse, one of France’s most celebrated chefs.
Paris: Pastries, Cafés, and Culinary Classics
After our pastry class, Paris immediately came to mind. Few cities celebrate baking and pastry artistry quite like Paris.
From flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat to elegant macarons and éclairs, every neighborhood seems to have a bakery worth visiting. Beyond pastries, Paris offers food markets, wine bars, cooking schools, and unforgettable dining experiences that range from charming cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.
For anyone who dreams of recreating French pastries at home, Paris is the ultimate source of inspiration.
Bordeaux: Wine, Markets, and Farm-to-Table Dining
While Bordeaux is famous for its wine, the food scene is equally impressive. Visitors can pair exceptional local wines with fresh seafood, regional cheeses, duck specialties, and seasonal produce sourced from nearby farms.
The city’s markets and riverside dining culture make it easy to slow down and savor every meal. It’s a destination where food and wine aren’t separate experiences—they’re woven together into everyday life.
The Best Souvenirs Aren’t Always Things
As much as I enjoyed bringing home recipes from our class, the real souvenir was the experience itself. Spending time with Reed, learning new skills together, and connecting with a culture through its cuisine reminded me why food and travel are so closely linked.
The next time you’re planning a trip, consider what you want to taste as much as what you want to see. You might discover that the memories you’ll treasure most aren’t found in a museum or at a famous landmark, but around a table, sharing a meal and creating connections that last long after the trip is over.
