The Côte d’Azur's gourmet treats you

just have to try!

What’s your favourit on the Côte d’Azur? Sun, turquoise water and sandy beaches?… or sweet and savoury delicacies? There’s a host of different delights here. So now for a rundown of the gastronomic specialities of the Côte d’Azur: from fish to fruit grown under the Mediterranean sun, here’s a taste of what’s to come.

The region’s key dishes

From sea to plate, let’s start with the region’s key recipes that are cooked up when the fishing boats return! You can find them on the à la carte menu of the restaurants or in the markets: pissaladière (onion tart), sardines farcies (stuffed sardines) or even salade niçoise which honour the fresh fish, fruit and vegetables of the gardens of the south of France. The authentic salade niçoise, which we particularly like, is not a salade niçoise without the anchovies and black olives which liven up the whole thing with Mediterranean flavour. Another favourite is anchoïade, a traditional dish based on anchovies, capers, olive oil and garlic to spread on toast for your aperitif. Very different from bouillabaisse (fish soup) a Provencal speciality which puts sea products in the limelight.

Each to your own taste and your own menu

Not much time for a lunch break? Choose pan-bagnat for a snack! Once you’ve eaten this fisherman’s snack, you’ll be revived and ready to continue your day. And to dazzle ma-in-law at your next family meal, what about poche de veau farcie (stuffed veal) that meat-lovers just adore to be found on the menus of the restaurants on the Côte.

Sweet dishes to die for

Tea-time on the Côte d’Azur, and we’re really greedy! Do you know the southern equivalent of Proust’s madeleine? Down here, the well-known pompe à l’huile (a galette made with olive oil) brings back so many childhood memories! Still hot from the oven, it gives your taste buds a buzz! Another delicacy if you’re feeling peckish is a slice of Nicois socca. Both soft and crunchy, the chickpea pancake is a real wonder. A little more filling, ganses niçoises (crispy fritters) are much appreciated during the Carnaval and Mardi Gras and those with a sweet tooth will just love them! To continue your discovery, hunt down restaurants with the Cuisine Nissarde label: they’ll delight your taste buds with real Nicois recipes always made with good, fresh products.

The best beverages for your apero

Rosé from the south of France still has its fans but there are other delicious drinks made in the region to liven up your aperitifs. To give a floral touch to your drinks and cocktails, add a drop of rose, violet or mimosa syrup to your shaker and hey presto! The Côte d’Azur excels in making pear, almond, poppy, peach and even thyme liqueur. On the Lérins islands, the monks have created Lérina, a spirit made with plants which has become a myth. And for those who’d rather have a beer, one of the best beers is made in Antibes!

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