A Taste of Europe

experience the best food and drink europe has to offer

Food and Drink Destinations

What makes a holiday a real feast for the senses? Fabulous food - if you ask us - is pretty close to the top of the list. The fragrant aroma of Provençal herbs, the smoky hit of chorizo in a beachside paella, or the harbour-fresh zing of simply barbequed sea bass. So, tell us, is your mouth watering yet? Here are eight of our favourite foodie destinations. Let’s raise a glass of crisp Sauvignon to them all! 

Netherlands

High tea in the low country

The Netherlands is a landscape of arable farmland, grazed by cattle producing rich, buttery milk – so expect plenty of dairy produce and creamy pastry treats.  Lovely doughy pastries and cakes filled with luscious apples and orchard fruits, pancakes filled with just about anything, and cheese, cheese, cheese!  Beers, brewed in many towns across the region, range from strong bitters to lighter lagers. Or if you’re feeling sophisticated, why not try an authentic Advocaat – a luxuriously velvety, creamy liqueur made with eggs, sugar and brandy?

Where to stay: HL011 Koningshof

Discover more about the Netherlands ›
western med fusion food

Western Med

A melting pot fusion of flavour

Perpignan is the last major town in Languedoc before you reach the Spanish border, and it enjoys a very lively mix of cultures. The town has a definite Catalan influence in its cuisine. You’ll find a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood along the shores, cooked simply with a salad (with anchovies) or with a Catalan sauce. Meat is often cured, such as the ubiquitous chorizo. Regional specialities rely heavily on olive oil, garlic and aromatic Provencal herbs. The area’s relationship with Catalonia and its Moorish heritage also mean that North African cuisine is also well represented.

Where to stayWM034 La Chapelle

Discover more about Languedoc & Roussillon ›
barcelona markets and street food

Barcelona

Street food for everyone

El Born is one of the city’s most exciting places for a gastronomic wander. It’s tucked between Via Laietana and Barceloneta.  Try the food section of the Encants Market– and sample a delicious bocadillos en route, a sandwich made with a type of Spanish baguette. Fresh, tasty and cheap. Jamon, chicken, cheese – and don’t forget your sauce – they’re all yummy! The Patatas Bravas sides are really tasty too! Long sweet treats made with choux pastry, Churros are deep fried and covered in sugar often served with thick chocolate to dunk into.

Where to StayCD015 Vilanova Park

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brittany shell fish and oysters

Brittany

Magical markets galore

Food markets are a feature of daily life in the handsome Breton town of Quimper. The freshest produce is available in the stunning covered market hall ‘Halles Saint-François’ every day, a large outdoor market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and on Friday afternoons the Kerfeunteun quarter hosts an organic market. Concarneau’s Monday market is definitely one for the seafood lovers. Head here to grab some freshly caught fish, and crack open an oyster or two, while in Carnac every Thursday in July and August, the local tourist board organises a night market.

Where to stayBS018 Des Menhirs

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dordogne goats cheese and truffles

Dordogne

Rustic cooking at its best

Rocamadour cheese is a nutty, velvety goat’s cheese - great on a sandwich, and a real highlight of the Dordogne. Pick it up at any of the region’s terrific markets. Try Sarlat’s for starters. In restaurants you won’t have to look hard to find Confit de canard, duck legs, slow cooked and then fried and served with potatoes cooked in duck fat. Rich, indulgent and probably not on Slimming World’s approved list.The Dordogne’s highly sought-after truffles are called ‘Black Diamonds’ for a reason: they’re eye-wateringly expensive. But shaved into scrambled eggs, salads, scallops or cream sauces goes a little long way.

Where to stayDR019 St. Avit Loisirs

Discover more about the Dordogne ›

Tuscany

Humble ingredients made sublime

Tuscan cuisine covers the whole spectrum of flavours and ingredients – from the farmland and vineyards to the west, to the coast in the east. Try wonderful ravioli made by hand using ancient recipes from the area. Creamy ricotta cheese is the champion filling served with a sage butter sauce. A food trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without a stop to savour Chianti, perhaps in either of Tuscany’s most famous foodie cities: Florence or Siena. At the coast, salt cod is popular, but look out for hearty Tuscan fish stew if you want to experience a true regional classic.

Where to stay: IN017 Norcenni Girasole Club

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swiss fondue

Switzerland

A taste of the mountains

Traditional Alpine fare is tasty, robust and simple, with delicious mountain berries and fruits baked in pastries and desserts. The wonderful melting cheeses such as raclette and reblochon (traditionally melted in large blocks by an open fire) are creamy and comforting and perfect in a fondue. The origins of the ‘cuisine’ stem from the necessity for mountain folk throughout the centuries to store and preserve foods during the winter, so you’ll find lots of cured hams and sausages (diots) on many menus, along with the rich dairy produce. Gasthof hostelries all serve fine regional wines and earthy beers!

Where to staySW013 Junfrau Campsite

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jura wine

Jura

Cheese and wine heaven

The white chicken of Bresse and the beef of Charolais are local specialities. Croûte au Morbier - a slice of home baked bread soaked in the local white wine, then baked together with a slice of Morbier Cheese – is a local delicacy, as is veal escalope baked with ham, mushrooms and the local Bleu de Gex cheese. You can’t visit Jura without enjoying some Comté, an unpasturised cow’s milk cheese that is so synonymous with the region. Wine buffs will be spoiled by Côtes du Jura and Crémant du Jura wines.

Where to stay: JU012 Domaine de Chalain

Discover more about the Jura ›

Tried and Tested

Auvergne Cheese and French Wine Fair, Foodie Events

Here are just some of the brilliant recommendations we've had from our customers - do make sure to send us yours when you return!

'In the heart of the medieval village, Mougins has become a mythical place for food lovers around the world. After undertaking a complete renovation, the Almond is an authentic restaurant with a lovely outdoor terrace on the top floor, where you can admire the views across the hills and the olive groves.'
 
'Stock up on cured meats or Italian cheese for the ultimate holiday lunch from the Market that takes place each Tuesday.'

'San Sebastien will meet your appetite for old-town culture and offers a taste of Spain just over the border from France'.
 
'If you know your gouda from your edam, hit Alkmaar on a Friday and munch your way around the cheese market.'
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...And our destination managers have also cherry picked the best food and drink recommendations from their areas too. So tuck in!

‘After a long day at the beach centre plage in the local village of Bidart take the short 1 minute walk to the regionally renowned ‘Tatina de la Playa’ restaurant. With stunning & unspoilt views over the Atlantic you can watch the sun go down whilst sipping a fantastic Kir Royale before deciding on which fish you want cooked from the vast selection on the menu. You must try the ‘Thon à la basquaise’ (tuna fillet in a tomato and pepper regional sauce).' 
Le Ruisseau, Biarritz
Mike, Destination Manager  
 
‘Just a 5 minute stroll from Portiragnes Les Sablons is the wonderful family run restaurant ‘Le Provençal’. Husband and wife team Cedric & Nathalie are your hosts for the evening serving up a vast array of seafood delicacies and traditional fayre to suit all tastes and budgets. The ‘Domaine de Preignes’ wine from the local vineyard is an absolute must to accompany your meal.’  
Portiragnes, Languedoc
Mike, Destination Manager 
 
‘In the heart of Argeles Plage is a great Brasserie ‘Le Solazo’ serving a vast array of great local and international food. A calzone is a must or indeed a ‘galette complete’ (savoury pancake filled with stuffing Roussillon (Argeles La Chapelle) of your choice) I always go for the ham, cheese & mushroom. Yum.’ 
Argeles La Chapelle, Rouillsion 
Mike, Destination Manager  
 
'Three parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 part soda, Spritz Aperol was first introduced in Padua in 1919, and this stylish drink has become the signature cocktail of Italy. With a fresh, zesty flavour, it makes a great apperitivo and can be sampled all over Italy.'
Look out for this throughout Italy
Laura T, Destination Manager
 
'Scottiglia di cinghiale (Tuscan wild boar stew), is rich and tasty comfort food. It is served at many local trattorie in Tuscany but you can be sure to find it in the Autumn at Ristorante Vecchio Girasole at Camping Norcenni Girasole Club. Foodies will be spoilt for choice here and the campsite really know their (food) stuff. The site owner is a graduated sommelier and offers wine tasting and cooking classes on site. He takes real pride in the restaurant. Here you will eat alongside the locals, tucking into the greatest of Tuscan delights, food and wine, enjoying fabulous views over the Tuscan hills.' 
Camping Norcenni Girasole Club, Tuscany
Laura T, Destination Manager  
 
'Produced on the Island of the Sun, Sicilian sweet pastries, or "dolce", as the locals may call them, are produced by skilled confectioners, with a selection of different pastries being made in each town and for each season. The ultimate treat has to be Cannoli Siciliani. The crispy pastry shell is filled with whipped ricotta and chocolate chips, with a dusting of icing sugar on top to finish it off. It doesn't get much better than that!'
La "dolce" vita – Sicily
Laura T, Destination Manager