Latest features Where to go for great French food

Date Published:

16/11/2007

Paris may be the main Eurostar destination, but no food lover should ignore the culinary delights on offer elsewhere in France. Here are three places that are well worth a visit. By Charlie Cottrell and Alex Larman

Lille

The lure of Lille is macaroons, macaroons, macaroons. The city boasts several speciality patisseries who present their sweet delicacies in varying degrees of extravagance. Meert Patisserie and Tea Room (27, Rue Esquermoise) is set behind windows you'll want to press your nose up against. This fairytale shop goes heavy on the romance to separate you from your cash, (12 mini macaroons cost around €10), but everything is beautifully wrapped in swathes of ribbon and 'frou; to soften the blow.

For a more budget friendly indulgence try Saint Preux (110, Rue Esquermoise & 370, Rue Léon Gambetta). You can pick up a box of 32 mini macaroons here for around €15.

For serious eating head to A l'Huitriere (3 rue des Chats Bossus; 0033 320 554341) A dramatic seafood shop and restaurant where your food is served uber-fresh, picked from the huge fish tanks that flank the dining room.

Boulangerie Paul (00 33 3 20 44 72 56) is an up-market chain that has reached the UK but don’t let that stop you from visiting its flagship restaurant at 14 Grand Place. Step inside and see why France does opulence so well. The seasonal, regional food is gorgeous and the setting so elegantly ornate, it’s almost worth facing the guillotine for. Try the warm almond milk and melt.

For a good value, authentic food shopping experience head to one of Lille's markets. Wazemmes market (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) has a great atmosphere and a vast array of stalls selling everything from cheese and meats to puppies (though you probably won't want to eat those). Sunday’s market even has a band, giving a chic soundtrack to your shopping. The stall holders are very niche, one woman only sells the preserves that she's made that week, but they know their stuff and are so friendly that you'll leave with something delicious and a little bit of local knowledge too.