French Food Festivals

Sample the joys of French gastronomy at a nationwide celebration

The French love to champion their food and cuisine, especially over a long weekend in September at the annual Fête de la Gastronomie. At thousands of events across the country, chefs will demonstrate their skills, while farmers and artisan producers will showcase regional food and wines. Now in its fifth year, the festival runs from 25-27 September. www.economie.gouv.fr/fete-gastronomie

Here is a taste of the treats on offer to foodies and bons vivants:

Picnics in Burgundy

Celebrations in Burgundy centre on more than 30 picnics held in a variety of picturesque locations, from the medieval Abbaye de Cluny and the region’s famous vineyards to the châteaux of Chassagne-Montrachet, Ancy-le-Franc and Sainte-Sabine. All the picnics focus on local produce such as mushrooms and truffles, with dishes prepared by local chefs, but each has its own theme, in keeping with the locations. Expect to find garden parties, treasure hunts, open-air café bars and opportunities to wear fancy dress. Visit www.burgundy-tourism.com and search for Fantastic Picnics.

Limoges

Festivities in Limoges celebrate both the Limousin region’s beef, pork and lamb and the town’s world-famous porcelain – “the container of gastronomy”, according to Limoges-born chef Jacques Chibois, the event’s sponsor. Attractions in and around the main porcelain works include cookery demonstrations from Michelin-starred chefs Jacques Decoret and Michel Portos, and an exhibition by Limoges manufacturers and designers. Visit www.ville-limoges.fr and search for Fête de la Gastronomie.

Cooking in Paris

Les Rencontres Cuisine & Santé cookery school in Paris is presenting workshops for all ages based on healthy cooking and eating. On Saturday, 26 September, sessions showing how to cook and serve different varieties of potato will be held in the Jardin Potager on the Promenade Pereire in the 17th arrondissement from 2pm to 7pm. On the following day, visitors will learn about working with seasonal products and avoiding food waste, at the Parc Clichy-Batignolles Martin Luther King from 11am to 7pm. All workshops are free and last one hour. www.rencontres-cuisine-sante.com