Posted on 18 April 2017

Paris is jam-packed with splendid architecture and treasure-filled museums, but there comes a time when even the most enthusiastic visitor gets cultured-out.

When it comes to the French capital's food, the same can't be said. Paris offers such an incredible array of foodie options that you only have to wait a few hours before you're ready to try the next mouth-watering sensation.

We've picked 10 of our favourite Parisian bites. No trip to this most alluring of cities is complete without trying at least a couple...

Raw Milk Artisan Cheeses

Farmers make raw-milk cheeses right across France, but only in Paris can you get to sample almost all of them. The nation's finest cheeses are sent to the capital to be consumed with delight – by locals and food-savvy tourists. Visit some of the city's cheese shops and ask the vendor what's top-of-the-list right now.

Baguette

Paris is the spiritual home of the baguette, so it's no surprise that you'll find the very best examples right here. Visit bakeries early and nab your loaf when it's warmest and crustiest. Why not pop into the local cheese shop for an exquisite filling (see above)?

Duck Confit

These duck thighs are cooked in their own fat until they are ready to fall apart when your fork touches them. Most are served seared until crispy and golden, and are very often accompanied with garlicky potatoes fried in duck fat (pommes sarladaises). The jury is still out on whether duck fat is good for you or not, but it sure does taste delicious.

Croque-Monsieur

The ultimate cheese-and-ham toasty, the croque-monsieur is usually served with a drizzle of béchamel sauce. The other version, the croque-madam, is the same but with an egg on top.

Jambon-Beurre

It's fast-food, Paris style: Usually a half-baguette containing cooked ham, butter and a choice of cornichons. A filling on-the-go snack, welcome whenever hunger strikes.

Steak-Frites

The ultimate steak-and-chips, this common dish is lovingly prepared with matured beef, and accompanied with hand-cut, double-fried chips.

Paris-Brest

This irresistible wheel-shaped pastry shell is topped with praline buttercream and dusted with caramelised almonds. It's named after the annual cycle race from Paris to the tip of Brittany.

Croissants

Is there any better way to fuel your early-morning Paris walks than with a fresh, buttery croissant? Give in to the aroma of these fresh golden treats as you pass bakeries across the city. Not all outlets still make them fresh, sadly (they opt for frozen ones made elsewhere), but they are still a wondrous Parisian bite.

Macarons

Another thoroughly Parisian delight is the macaron, consisting of two discs of almond meringue, fixed together with ganache or buttercream. A myriad of flavours and colours are available – but its best to go for one of the few pastry shops that still make their own.

Street Crepes

The ultimate Parisian street food, street-stand crepes will give you a sugar-and-carb hit that will propel you round the city's sights for hours. Aim for a stand that cooks to order for maximum freshness, rather than one where the crepes are pre-cooked.

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