Guide on street food in France

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France is the land of gastronomy, famous for its fancy restaurants and rich cuisine. But if you are in a bit of a rush or don’t want to spend hours at the table (French people are the champions in terms of time spent sitting down to eat… with an average of over two hours!), what are your options? Here’s a little guide on French street food in France to help you grab a quick bite during your first language trip to France!

Street food year round

In France, you’ll find food trucks all year long, either in populated places in cities or going around villages in more rural areas. Some of them are mobile pizzerias, others are creperies; go up to them, order off the menu that is either written on the side of the truck or will be given to you, and enjoy your food! Hygiene isn’t that big of a problem most of the time, and you’ll be safe (though you should always trust your instincts!). You can get a whole meal there, but some food trucks also sell sweet treats, like ice cream for example.

Outside, you’ll also find little stands that will sell you crepes, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, and other little snacks. They’re a continuation of the stores they’re in front of and try to attract you to go inside and purchase something more! Such stands can be independent, but they’re then usually much smaller and will only sell you candy, cotton candy… you won’t be able to purchase your meal there.

Seasonal street food in France

Apart from that, France’s street food is mostly seasonal, with the stands a part of bigger attraction.
   
In winter, every city has its own Christmas market. There, you’ll be able to see and buy jewelry and decorations, and you’ll also find food stands serving France’s winter meals. You might be able to get some tartiflette or a variation of raclette, which are very rich dishes of potatoes, melted cheese, and charcuterie. You can also get a dessert with a hot waffle or crepe. You’ll find roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and biscuits. With that, you can drink some beer, wine, or some “vin chaud” (literally: hot wine), some wine warmed up with spices like cinnamon or anis. This beverage is comforting and warm, but does contain alcohol: for your little ones, you’ll be able to find hot chocolate – or even sodas, even though it’s less in the holiday spirit!

In other seasons, cities regularly host fun fairs. In those, you’ll find food stands of course Most of them won’t serve you a meal, but sweet snacks: other than candy/cotton candy, we’ll mention crepes again, waffles, churros… all with sugar, chocolate or nutella.

Half street food, half pick-up

As you can see, French street food ain’t that common. Apart from a few food trucks, stands put up by stores or fairs who’ll sell you food, when French people go out to eat, they eat in restaurants. Here are the last alternatives you gotta know about!

Kebab houses are really common and popular in France. A lot of them even have counters open on the street to take your order. The making of the food is quick, and the real advantage is you’ll find these restaurants at almost every hour of the day and the night. A great option for an after-party meal! Pizzerias also take orders to-go; markets are agreeable to walk in, and you can buy fruits and sometimes snacks there.
   
Otherwise, the French standard is your local bakery: those are everywhere in cities and you can buy there your sandwich for the day. Most bakeries even have menus with discounts if you take a dessert or a drink with your snack. If you don’t like sandwiches, you’ll get a croque-monsieur (grilled cheese with ham), a wrap, or a panini. You can even eat a croissant stuffed with cheese and ham!

Reading tip: French Pastries you must try

Finally, for a quick meal, go into a bistrot: those are bars, restaurants and cafés all in one. They serve food (typical French meals you’d eat with your family) and are both pretty quick and relatively cheap for a restaurant.

Here are all your options for street food and/or quick meals in France you can explore while studying French in France! Hope you find something to make you happy while wandering French streets!