The Cliché Dish Rick Steves Warns Tourists To Avoid When Visiting France

Sampling the local cuisine and regional specialties is one of the great pleasures of any trip to France. So, why is it that European travel expert Rick Steves — whose long list of travel tips we've learned and embraced — advises against ordering French onion soup, a traditional starter that should by most accounts be on any traveler's bucket list?

Well, as it turns out, French onion soup is actually believed to have come from Rome — with the earliest recipe tracing to the 14th century. Minimalist, hearty, and easy to make with a few choice ingredients, the dish has become a staple of bistros and homes across the country, booming in popularity in the 1800s. As such, it makes sense that tourists would be tempted to try it. However, according to Steves, there is reason to be cautious.

According to the travel pro, French onion soup is traditionally served as a winter dish. And although some French eateries will happily serve it to curious tourists all year round — a clear giveaway that you found a tourist trap restaurant — it should be avoided during the warmer months, because the ingredients they use won't be in season. This will ultimately inhibit the flavor, which means that you won't get to an authentic culinary experience.

Culinary experts have increasingly advised people to seek out seasonal ingredients when dining. After all, out-of-season ingredients typically need to be brought in from overseas, which means that they're harvested before they're fully ripened to ensure they don't spoil during transportation. As a result, their nutritional value ends up being much lower compared to ingredients grown, harvested, and transported closer to the vendor. Not only that, but taste is also impacted by this practice.

Described by Steves as an "adventure for your taste buds," French cuisine is brimming with bold flavors, character, and culinary tradition — most of which revolves around seasonality. So even though French onion soup might be worth passing on if you visit France during the warmer months, there are still plenty of other great seasonal dishes that are definitely worth trying. 

In the spring, seek out meals with asparagus, especially when paired with a creamy Hollandaise sauce. Similarly, salads with peas and beans will also be especially delectable this time of year. Spring and summer are both blessed with a bounty of fresh seafood, while the summer months are perfect for sampling fresh tomatoes and tomato-based dishes. One of these classics is Tarte à la Provençale, which also contains generous helpings of fresh zucchini and eggplant. In the fall, opt for warming stews like ​​Boeuf Bourguignon with a red wine sauce, made all the more flavorful with ingredients gathered from the last of the summer harvest. As for a side dish, Gratin Dauphinois are a creamy crowd-pleaser that's cooked using in-season potatoes. In winter, of course, go ahead and treat yourself to that French onion soup you've been craving.