The Top Food Regions in France Revealed by a Nationwide Study (and Why the French Flock to Them)

It’s official, I live in one of the top five food regions in France, according to the latest IFOP study for Airbnb. We all know the French obsession with food, but until this study, I hadn’t realized quite how much. Apparently, food is even part of the decision making process when it comes to choosing where to go on holiday for the French.

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As a Brit, our family holidays were all about where we could get the most sun, not surprisingly, really, as Britain gets so much rain. But for the French, it’s about finding the region with the best food on offer. And not just food, but wine, too.

So, the question is, which region in France scored top place as most desirable to visit based on its gastronomy? I was quite surprised by the number one spot. I wonder if you will be, too.

A bowl of French onion soup topped with melted cheese and a toasted baguette slice, served on a rustic wooden board. This classic dish is emblematic of comforting meals from the food regions in France like Lyon.

The French Take Food Seriously. Really Seriously.

When IFOP and Airbnb teamed up to find out how much food influences where the French go on vacation, the results said it all. Three out of four people admitted that what’s on the menu matters when picking a destination. This is a country where a weekend away might be chosen purely because someone mentioned a good goat cheese or a perfect cassoulet.

75% of French people who go on holiday or short stay in France are influenced by the local gastronomy in their choice of destination.

And it’s not only about fine dining. The study showed most travelers prefer discovering flavors in everyday spots: bistros, farm visits, or by tasting what locals cook best.

Wine also plays a big role. Nearly half of the respondents said they’d plan a trip purely to explore vineyards and cellars. That might explain why some of the country’s most visited regions line up neatly with its wine map.

So where do the French go when they want a truly memorable meal? Let’s look at the food regions in France that ranked highest in the study and what makes each one worth the trip.

The Top Food Regions in France

When it comes to choosing where to eat and travel, the French know what they like. The IFOP and Airbnb study revealed five regions that stand out for their food, wine, and local specialties. Each one offers something completely different, yet all share the same devotion to good taste.

No. 1 Brittany

A chocolate crepe topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, brownie bites, caramel drizzle, and sliced almonds on a white plate. This rich dessert reflects the sweet culinary traditions found in food regions in France, particularly Brittany.

Brittany takes the top spot. That surprised me a little. Known for its coastline, fishing ports, and salty air, Brittany isn’t the first place most people think of when talking about French cuisine. Yet for the French, it’s irresistible. Crêpes, galettes, kouign-amann, and seafood fresh from the Atlantic make it irresistible to the French.

No. 2 Occitanie

A vibrant cassoulet garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme, showcasing white beans, sausage, and vegetables simmered in a rich broth inside a red casserole pot.

In second place comes Occitanie, where the food is hearty and full of character. Cassoulet leads the pack, followed closely by duck confit, foie gras, and strong southern wines. It’s the kind of cooking that reflects the land and is home to the fabulous Cité de Carcassonne.

No. 3 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

An elegant cheese platter is displayed on a dark slate board, featuring a selection of French cheeses. In the foreground, there's a creamy Brie and a wedge of blue cheese, next to a semi-hard cheese with a textured rind. Behind them, a large piece of Emmental with characteristic holes, and hard cheese wedges are visible. The platter is adorned with bunches of green and red grapes, fresh figs cut open to reveal their red flesh, and a small jar of honey. A wine glass and bottle in the background suggest a pairing, while a cheese knife with a black handle sits at the ready for serving.

Third place goes to Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. No surprise there. This is cheese country, home to aligot, truffade, and raclette. The mountain air seems to make everything taste better, especially when it’s paired with charcuterie and a glass of local wine after a day exploring the peaks.

No. 4 Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Slices of foie gras on toasted bread with coarse sea salt, served next to a whole foie gras loaf and rustic bread. A gourmet specialty from the southwest food regions in France, especially in Périgord and Gascony.

In fourth is Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where I happen to live. The region’s reputation for good food is well deserved. Between its foie gras, duck, seafood from the coast, and Bordeaux wines, it’s a region that has it all going on when it comes to food. Markets brim with local specialties, and every village seems to have its own culinary pride.

No. 5 Grand Est

A rustic bowl of sauerkraut garnished with peppercorns, bay leaves, and parsley, surrounded by garlic cloves and olive oil. This fermented cabbage dish is a staple in Alsace, one of the food regions in France known for German-influenced cuisine.

Rounding out the top five is Grand Est, where French and German influences mix beautifully. Sauerkraut, flammekueche, and plenty of sparkling wine. It’s comforting, social food that suits the colder seasons in front of a roaring fire.

Why These Regions Rank So High

What makes one region more appetizing than another? According to the study, it’s about authenticity. French travelers want to discover the local terroir, meet producers, and taste dishes that could only belong to that place. Nearly six in ten said their main reason for choosing a destination was to experience local know-how.

I get that, as I would much rather go to a local wine producer and hear the story of their vines and the generations who have made them what they are. Most prefer tasting regional specialties, visiting markets, and eating in small bistros over fine dining. Michelin-starred restaurants still have their appeal, but only a small number list them as a priority.

Outdoor seating at a traditional French café with green wooden shutters, red gingham tablecloths, and cobblestone pavement. Dining al fresco is a cultural hallmark across many food regions in France, from Paris to Nice.

Another key factor is tradition. Many travelers pick destinations because they associate them with a particular dish. Think cassoulet in Toulouse, sauerkraut in Alsace, or galettes in Brittany. Foods that are part of France’s cultural identity.

Wine plays its part too. Forty-four percent of respondents said they’d happily travel specifically for wine tourism. Burgundy, Alsace, and Bordeaux came out on top for vineyard visits, but Champagne, the Loire Valley, and Provence also ranked high. It shows that for many, food and wine are inseparable when it comes to travel.

What Inspires Food-Focused Travel in France

When it comes to choosing where to go, most French travelers don’t rely on social media influencers or TV chefs. What a breath of fresh air; a nation that isn’t reliant on so-called influencers to tell them where to go. Although younger travelers admit that a beautifully shot dish on Instagram might nudge them toward a destination.

A charcuterie board with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, almonds, bread slices, and pears, with wine and honey in the background. This spread showcases the diversity of flavors from food regions in France, such as Provence and Burgundy.

The study found that nearly half take inspiration from family and friends. Word of mouth still matters most, especially when someone swears by a local restaurant or insists a particular market is unmissable.

Before setting off, almost seven in ten people research where to eat and what to try. That might mean bookmarking local markets, finding small producers, or tracking down the best spot for regional dishes. And when they leave, four in five bring back something edible — wine, cheese, or a specialty that reminds them of the trip.

How You Can Use This Study to Plan Your Trip to France

For anyone planning a trip to France, this study is a reminder to follow your taste buds. The regions that topped the list earned their place by staying true to their roots. Each one tells its story through what’s on the plate, whether it’s seafood by the coast, duck from the southwest, or cheese in the mountains.

If you’re drawn to wine, the data gives a good starting point. Burgundy, Alsace, and Bordeaux are the front-runners for vineyard visits, but smaller areas like Cognac or Beaujolais offer something smaller and more local. These regions allow you to talk to producers and learn how generations have kept traditions alive.

A big Cognac barrel in the Hennessey house in Cognac France

The French approach to travel makes a lot of sense. Instead of ticking off sights, they chase flavors. They choose destinations where the food reflects the place. It’s a mindset worth borrowing, especially if you want your next holiday to feel authentic and deeply satisfying.

So whether you’re planning your first food-focused trip or returning to a favorite region, let the menu guide you. Take a leaf out of the French book; the best memories often start with a good meal.