Gourmet guide to the French Alps

If skiing is the top reason for visiting the French Alps, eating must surely come not further down in the pecking order. France is a nation renowned for its love of good food and great wine, and the French Alps are no exception.

From traditional wood-clad Alpine restaurants serving vin de pays and rustic local specialities to restaurants with exquisite views and even Michelin stars, the French Alps are a foodie paradise.

Traditional dishes of the French Alps

Cheese features heavily in the cuisine of the Alps - in part because in days gone by it was a food which kept well through the cold winter months, when villages might be cut off for weeks or even months at a time. That’s not all it has going for it though - the region has a rich culinary heritage, so keep your eyes peeled for some of these favourites:

Raclette

Raclette is perhaps the dish most often associated with Alpine cuisine. Deceptively simple, the dish consists of cheese warmed on a grill, and served with breads, meats and pickles. Despite its seemingly basic premise, the complex and nutty flavour of the cheese combined with meats and pickles is truly delicious, and not to be missed. A close cousin is fondue - a traditionally Swiss dish which is nevertheless often served in the French mountains too.

Tartiflette

Tartiflette too is a traditional mountain dish. This is a type of gratin combining potatoes, cheese, bacon, cream, white wine and onions. It’s a hearty and tasty dish perfect for replenishing energy after an energetic day of skiing.

Diots

A traditional Savoyard sausage, Diots come in two varieties, smoked and unsmoked. They have a distinctive cabbage flavour, and are often served cooked with wine and onions. Diots are a delicious local delicacy authentic to the area, and well worth seeking out.

Cakes and pastries

Two of the most famous sweet treats from the French Alps are Tarte Aux Myrtilles and Brioche de Saint-Genix. The former is a light bilberry tart, traditionally made with the wild blueberries found in the Alps, while the latter is a sweet brioche bread stuffed with red pralines and sugar. It’s usually served with hot drinks in the afternoon, making it a great post-ski treat!

French Alps - a foodie paradise

If you’re a foodie looking for a holiday home, then a property in the French Alps will definitely hit that sweet spot... With great local dishes available, and some of the best fine-dining in the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To discuss your property needs, get in touch with our team today to find out more.