The cuisine in the South of France is mouth-wateringly good and often overlooked, so you can bet the riviera’s a melting pot of flavours. Delve into delightful regional dishes of rich boeuf bourguignons, vibrant ratatouilles and creamy crème brûlées for a gastronomic experience.

The drinks don’t disappoint here either, as the South of France houses some of the best vineyards in the country – and they produce truly divine wines. Pair your camembert with a chardonnay, or your bleu with a bordeaux, and sit back to hear about the best dishes...

Must-try dishes

Bouillabaisse

Fish stew

An explosion of flavours can be found in this traditional Marseille dish. Usually, four different types of fish will be added along with saffron, garlic and tomatoes to make the delightfully rich sauce. When served traditionally, your stew will be accompanied by rouille, a garlicky, oily, mayonnaise, spread over a crispy baguette – primed for dunking into the warming stew.

Confit de canard

Duck dish

Duck confit is a truly traditional dish, with its origins in the Southern region of Gascony, near Bourdeaux. And when done properly, it can take hours! Duck legs are cooked at a low temperature for hours in their own fat to absorb the flavours, then served whole with complementing sauteed vegetables and thinly sliced potatoes.

Ratatouille

Vegetable dish

With origins from Provence, this vegetable-based stew combines aubergines, tomatoes, peppers and courgettes, together with garlic, fennel and local herbs to create a hotpot from heaven. It’s an extremely moreish dish, so you’ll find yourself wanting seconds – and even thirds! – thanks to its warming flavours and light weight.

Brandade de morue

Whipped cod

Originally a Marseille dish and now enjoyed across the Mediterranean, brandade de morue is an emulsion of cod, olive oil and potatoes. When cooked, it comes out looking like a casserole, but it’s often served as a spread with warm crusty bread and olives for a kick of flavour.

Aioli

Garlicky dip

Aioli is a dip rather than a meal, but a whole lot of creamy garlicky goodness can be found in this Provençal condiment. Its name quite literally translates to ‘oil and garlic’, so you know what you’re in for. Served up with a plate of fresh, warm bread, crispy potato skins or crunchy vegetables, aioli is a delectable dip the French have perfected.

Divine drinks

Bourdeaux wine

A fruity red

Choosing just one wine from the Southern French region is near impossible. But a classic bourdeaux is something to savour. Enjoy a glass paired with a red meat dish like boeuf bourguignon or a rich lamb stew for the notes to truly shine.

Pastis

Anise liqueur

This alcohol ranges from 40-45% ABV (alcohol by volume) so you’ll usually find it served watered down. You’ll spot this cloudy aniseed refreshment all over the South of France on a sunny day. Add sparkling or still water to the liqueur and enjoy a pastis like the French do.

Rosé paloma

Tequila cocktail

This cocktail combines tequila, rosé wine, grapefruit soda and any liqueur of your choice. Choose a flavour like pomegranate or elderflower to create a fruity, crisp drink to sip away on in the evenings.

Effervé

French lemonade

This artisan sparkling lemonade is created in France and loved by locals and tourists alike. Available in flavours like raspberry, orange or grape it’s the ideal meal-time drink or a refreshing kick during the day.