Let’s hear it for “Poulet Roti” and other easy ways to self-cater in France!

January 2, 2019

One objection we often hear from those who would rather stay in hotels than travel in a motorhome is they will have to self-cater. Firstly this is not strictly true – you may have a kitchen in your campervan but you can still dine in restaurants for every meal if you choose to. Indeed with your accommodation and transport already solved, you can literally eat in a different restaurant every day if you like. Secondly, even if you do “self-cater”, it will not be like any other “self-catering” you have experienced anywhere else in the world.

It is fair to say, as a nation, the French eat very well and their idea of take away food is not a burger or pizza (although they do have both here). Here you can buy freshly roasted chickens (Poulet Roti) with sautéed potatoes, ready-made regional dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon, fish terrines, patés, cured meats, cheeses, fabulous fresh fruit, seasonal salads, artisan breads and exquisite patisseries to mention just a few of the delicious “take aways” available in most high streets and markets.

Having a kitchen does not force you to cook every day, it just means you can use your fridge/freezer to stock up on tasty, no-cook options for a few days at a time. Being able to make your morning brew without getting dressed is another good use of your campervan kitchen and having a fridge will enable you to enjoy a chilled Chablis Grand Cru at a fraction of the price you would pay for it in a restaurant.

Go on – try it for yourself! Travel through France in a campervan and embrace the joy of circulating through a land where you can buy freshly baked croissants, pastries and bread at 6.30am, pick up a roast chicken at an open air market for lunch and dine out for dinner. It really could not be easier to “self-cater” here in France and each other European country has its own contrasting flavours and meal traditions to discover.