Gastronomy – the art and practice of choosing, preparing and eating good food, has been taken seriously in France at all levels of society for hundreds of years. It is a subject close to the heart of every French man and woman.
Each year La Fête de la Gastronomie recognises and celebrates this love of cooking and good food with a nationwide food festival all over France. The gastronomic tradition is central to the French way of life and represents a yardstick of quality, prestige and influence. Epitomising French values, sociability and, as the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier, known as ‘The Chef of Kings and The King of Chefs’ once said “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness”.
In France, gastronomy means spending quality time with family and friends over a meal but it also a special tradition that gives French towns and villages their unique characteristics such as Boeuf Bourgignon (Beef cooked Burgundy style in red wine) or tarte Normande (those delicious apple tarts from Normandy).
On the first day of autumn each year in an organised salute to good food and cooking, the general public and professionals from the world of gastronomy unite to celebrate a shared heritage.
For three days events are organised across France to turn the spotlight on gastronomy and those working in the food sector, producers and experts turn their talents to ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy French gastronomy.
Events range from cookery demonstrations, open days, tastings, special menus, films dedicated to food, competitions, recipe give-aways and much more.
To find out what’s on and where in France check the website for La Fête de la Gastronomie and click on the Find an Event box.
(Photo of French cheeses is the award winning platter of the French National Cheese Champion)
