Eating snails in Paris?

Show all answers

Laughing Annabella

I live in Paris, and I've never eaten snails here. I had some in Burgundy though (in Dijon), where it is more common. In Paris, you can find snails in really traditional restaurants. I don't really like them: very chewy, but some people like them.

In Paris, there are so many kinds of restaurants, it would be difficult to tell you where to go. But if you want to try a traditional place, I would recommend:

Chartier: beautiful place, very traditional, cheap.
http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/www/

More expensive, but you can eat frogs' legs and snails there:
Escargot Montorgueil.
http://www.escargot-montorgueil.com/

telemeister

Les escargots have a unique taste. They don't have a strong flavour, and are generally served in garlic/parlsey butter (bourgogne style). The best places to eat snails are in the little restaurants that are found in the communes of Paris (like villages within a greater 'arrondisement'. You can also go to the Latin Quarter of Paris (metro/RER stop St Michel Notre Dame) and one street back from the river you will find alleys full of restaurants (French, Greek, Italian etc. etc.) which are pretty cheap. A menu is a good option to save money, three courses for a set price, and they usually have escargots available. From memory, a Menu can set you back anywhere between about 20 euros to 40 euros, plus drinks.

As for the best place to eat French food, I believe it is in the country where a lot of the traditional dishes were invented (such as coq-au-vin, blanquette de veau etc.) The traditional dishes are regional dishes. That being said, you can get most of the stuff in Paris. Try foie-gras, coq-au-vin, steack frites etc.

As you walk around the city, take notes of any small bistros/restaurants that are not in tourist areas, these are some of the best places to eat. You can also find patisseries, boulangeries and boucheries to buy things like baguettes, cheeses, meats, and eclairs (or religieuse au chocolat), then go and sit in one of the jardins and enjoy the food. On select days there are markets where food is sold (such as on the Bir Hakeim bridge, in Passy, or La Motte Picquet. Ask a local (the people in any hotel will know).
Finally, you can go to the fabulous food halls of places like Le Bon Marche (metro 'serves babylone'), or Galleries Lafayette and Printemps (metro Chaussee D'antin), they are incredible - particularly Le Bon Marche, and worth a look, even if you aren't eating!
Enjoy

snewpette

Oh Gosh.... so many clichÃ©s i'm fainting...
LOL
Eat some "macarons" for desert after your snails and frogs... it will help digestion and they're delicious (except if the chef is a modern one and cooks macarons with new tastes that no-one can find out).

pete m

any french restaurant will serve you traditional french cuisine.snails are delicious as to are frogs legs (taste a bit like chicken),the french also love their seafood.
enjoy!!!!

KNUCKLEDRAGGER

I would love to! yummm! The French are the best in my opinion! I love the food, wines, cars, and lovely women.

The restaurants are expensive and worth it.

As far as "what does it taste like?" Escargot (snails) is a delicate blend of butter, garlic and herbs with a slight rubbery/spongy texture. It's really wonderful. Try it and don't be childish and think ... eewww! slimy snails! You'll be surprised at just how good they taste!

However... you don't have to go there to be able to enjoy excellent French cuisine! Look in the phone book for a good French restaurant and go there and ask the same questions and I'm sure you'll have a great meal!

Bon Apetit

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: