Food & Dining

Be sure you know all the basics of typical French language used on menus before you go.

French cafes serve some of the world's best coffee, but each of us has our own preferences and a language barrier could prevent you from ordeering the right coffee on the menu. If you can't have caffeine, this could be even more crucial. Find out how to order coffee in France, be it a cafe au lait or espresso.

Unlike in America, cafes and restaurants in Paris and the rest of France directly include a 15 percent service charge in your check. This is required by French law as tips are assessed for taxation purposes. Here is a question and answer article on tipping at restaurants, in taxis, at hotels and more.

There's nothing more pleasurable that eating local dishes prepared by knowledgeable chefs and Nice has plenty of both. Try the Cours Saleya market and the little streets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town) for socca (a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil, baked and crisped in the oven and seasoned with black pepper, a little like...

Troyes in the Champagne region has a good selection of restaurants. If you're feeling adventurous, try the local specialty of andouillette.

There are plenty of good places to eat in Reims; this is the capital of Champagne. This guide will give you an idea of where to celebrate in style, and where to catch a quick bite.

Like many small towns, there's plenty of choice for good meals in Montreuil-sur-Mer in Nord Pas-de-Calais. Taking advantage of the freshest fish from the North Sea, there's an abundance of excellent restaurants in the charming town, making this a favorite stop for those wanting a touch of the French good life.

When it comes to table etiquette in France, be sure there is nothing lost in translation. There are several differences between the French table manners and eating habits and American dinner etiquette. Here is a comparison of the table etiquette of France and the U.S.

Angers in Anjou in the western part of the Loire is a great place to visit. It's well known for its food and has a good selection of restaurants, from the Michelin one-star restaurants Le Favre d'Anne, and Une Ile, to plenty of welcoming bistros serving local specialities, all washed down with Anjou wine.

Troyes in the Champagne region is well known for its huge discount outlet shopping malls just outside town. But within the historic center there are some good shops to visit, particularly if you are interested in food shopping.

The long-awaited release of each year's Beaujolais Nouveau comes at the strike of midnight on the third Thursday in November. This is a glorious time to visit this part of France. There are about 120 festivals to honor the arrival of this enticing young wine in the Beaujolais region alone, not to mention throughout France and across the globe.

A visit to France at Christmastime is memorable and magical. Hit the enticing Christmas markets, sing at midnight mass in a stunning gothic cathedral or dive into a Reveillon feast.

A major allure of France is its amazing markets, from produce markets in Provence to art or antiques markets in Paris. From small villages to big cities, from summer flowers to Christmas crafts, find out more about the French market scene.