Gastronomy in Boulogne-Sur-Mer | Travel Guide
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Boulogne-sur-Mer first fishing port of France. That says it all.
But because we're cool, we'll tell you more anyway... We expect to eat ultra-fresh fish and, indeed, fish in all its forms can be found here. But it would be a shame to simplify the gastronomy of Boulogne to seafood. Because the area offers a variety of vegetables, fruits, quality meats and cheeses that chefs make their own.
Here are a few of the specialties of Boulogne Sur Mer:
La Gainée
La Gainée is the name of a typical dish from Boulogne based on fish, vegetables, onions and fresh cream. It is to Boulogne-sur-Mer what bouillabaisse is to Marseille. Depending on the season and the fishing areas, it is never the same species that can be found in the sheath. It is to the fortune of the sea and the garden. And there are as many recipes as there are cooks.
Salting and Curing Smoking
Herring, haddock and salmon are salted and smoked in the pure tradition of Boulogne, in the heart of the famous port.
The Welsh
A Welsh name, with English origins but a speciality totally forgotten across the Channel and which has become the pride of the people of Boulogne.
Cheddar cheese, bread, beer, all baked golden brown... all accompanied by a good portion of French fries, rather light as a dish!
Sweet treats
Finally, don't leave without tasting the few sweet treats that delight young and old alike. Let's mention the craquelin or the libouli tart, two specialties not to be missed.
Libouli tart, what is it?
To make it short, this tart consists of a brioche dough and a device containing eggs, milk, sugar, flour, vanilla and some prunes. Strips of dough arranged in crosses come to dress the top of this rustic tart, traditionally baked on a wood fire!
The cheese
The Boulogne region is also a land of... cheeses! Camembert du Boulonnais, sablé du Boulonnais, fort d'Ambleteuse... Some farms with a reputation in the area make cheeses of character with milk from local producers. Boulogne-sur-Mer also has master cheese makers known far beyond our borders. To discover these cheeses, head to the city centre where many shops play the local card. On the market stalls and in the restaurants, you will also easily notice that the Boulogne region is also a land of market gardening with, in the end, succulent fruits and vegetables!
