How do the French stay so thin when their food is so good? Tourists will have a field day exploring the wonders of famous French cooking. (Don’t worry, you can go back on your diet when you go home!)

You’ll enjoy French bread and pastries, from the thin loaf they call baguette (and all its many variants) to the whole grain pain complet and croissant. They’re usually served for breakfast, though you can enjoy a light and inexpensive sandwich. Find breads at patisseries and boulangeries.

You can also sample a wide variety of French dishes from different regions of France, that take advantage of their abundant harvest and fresh sea food. In the south west of France in Cassoulet, you’ll see a lot of duck dishes and a variety of processed meats like hams and sausages. In Alsace, be sure to try the sauerkraut and fermented cabbage. In the Alps, there’s a speciality dish of melted cheese, served hot with alcohol. Burgundy’s known for its fondue bourguignonne which consists of slices of beef that are delicately boiled in oil then served with an array of sauces. You should also try the slow-cooked stew called boeuf bourguignon (Burgundy).

In Marseille and the French Riviera, the best dish you’ll ever taste is the Bouillabaisse fish. This is seasoned with saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, and high quality fish. It’s quite pricey but don’t scrimp and go for the cheapest ones—they’re not authentic. The price is due to the high cost of the ingredients, and will run for about 30€ per serving. Anything that runs for half the price will also deliver half the flavor.

In Landes you’ll find the confit de canard, made with red wine and duck. It looks oily but it’s actually healthy because of the low cholesterol content and red wine—hence the French paradox of being able to eat rich meals and still enjoy a long life.

Of course what would a trip to France be without tasting foie gras. Get it at a good price at supermarkets during the holidays. Serve with champagne.