Food is very important, not only to the people of Paris, but to the French as a whole. However, you will find that the cooking style in France has changed quite a bit... Traditional French cuisine with rich creamy sauces is not the only thing you'll come across anymore. Rather, modern French cuisine has become much lighter and healthier.

All the immigration, specifically from the Middle-east, Indochina, the Caribbean and the South Pacific have introduced pronounced ethnic flavours to French cuisine and are a great option for mealtimes.

Here are some recommended Paris districts to visit when going out to eat:

• Montparnasse – surrounded by lovely old buildings that have been recently restored, this is a great place to find a quaint café and enjoy some coffee with croissants.
• Montmartre – tourist restaurants are most common here, but if you look a little harder you will come across some top restaurants and typical, charming bistros.
• Belleview – for the distinct ethnic flavour of North Africa, try this area. The food is inexpensive, spicy and very tasty.
• Latin Quarter – for more ethnic fares, try the Latin Quarter featuring both Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as bistros serving up more traditional menus.

For more information, visit our Paris Restaurant Guide. Bon Appétit! While in Paris taking a French Language Course try out the different eateries around town and decide which you like best.