Foodie Travel Inspiration: Explore France's Wine & Food Festivals with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

France is synonymous with gastronomy and fine wine, and it’s no surprise that there are numerous festivals celebrating this. Travelling by car from Folkestone to Calais on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is by far the easiest way to pop over to France for an overnight stay or a long weekend to immerse yourself in one of these events - whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or group of friends. Enjoy the delights of travelling in your own personal space, without having to worry about baggage allowance and tedious airport queues. Plus you’ll have plenty of room to fit all the goodies you’ve bought at the festival to enjoy at home!

Le Shuttle is the quickest way to get to the continent - the crossing takes just 35 minutes and you’re closer to the motorway when you arrive compared to the ferry terminals, so you can get on your way quicker too. If you splash out on a Flexiplus upgrade, you can just turn up and get straight onto the next train without queuing. Stretch your legs and pick up some refreshments in the Flexiplus lounge (on both sides of the Channel) for the full VIP treatment.

Here’s a selection of 2022 food and wine festivals that you can easily reach by car from the Eurotunnel terminal in Calais:

Taste of Paris - 12-15 May 2022

A four day festival where you can sample some of the most delicious food in Paris in taster sized portions, served by the chefs themselves at their pop-up restaurants. Whether Michelin-starred, trend setters or future young talents, Taste of Paris warmly welcomes today’s most sought-after chefs to bring you a gourmet experience to remember.

The Chablis Wine Festival - 22 & 23 October 2022

Each year, The Chablis Wine Festival is held on the fourth weekend of October, and brings together several thousands of visitors including wine lovers, professionals, connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of wine. A wide range of events are on offer, including the baptism of the new vintage, tastings of all the different levels of appellation through different vintages offered by some 40 producers from Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois region, and the induction of new members of the local brotherhood, along with stands run by local food producers, walks in the vines, and plenty of activities for children.

The Chablis Wine Festival Foodie Travel Explore Frances Wine & Food Festivals Euro Shuttle

Toulouse à Table - September 2022

In the famous city of Toulouse, you can visit the Toulouse à Table festival, and get stuck in to the cuisine of South-West France. Aside from the famous Toulouse dishes that weigh down the tables (cassoulets or Toulouse sausages) there are plenty more new and delicious treats to discover. The festival is two weeks long, so you have plenty of time to pop in and feast on the best that Toulouse has to offer. If you're planning on visiting, check out what special events they have for when you're there. The events include a food truck night, food conferences and banquets, so there's something for every type of foodie.

Fête de la Gastronomie (The French Cuisine Festival) - September 24th-25th 2022

The French Cuisine Festival (Fête de la Gastronomie) is an event that celebrates French flavours and gastronomy, created in 2011 by the Ministry of the Economy, Industry and the Digital Sector following UNESCO's decision to list the gastronomic meal of the French as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. It takes place every year in the last weekend of September and its aim is to promote all the delights of French cuisine.

Many events are scheduled throughout France and abroad, such as meetings, workshops, educational activities, tours of breweries or wine cellars, tastings of local products, markets and food-themed outings. Chefs give demonstrations or offer gourmet meals at reduced prices.

Bordeaux: Bordeaux S.O Good - Mid-November

Bordeaux S. O Good is a three-day festival promoting the art of living, gourmet food and wine from South West France, which takes place yearly in Bordeaux, France. Visitors have the unique opportunity to indulge in exquisite dishes prepared by prominent chefs, browse through stands offering regional foods and wines at farmers’ and fish markets, enjoy luxurious night banquets and attend cooking demonstrations and lectures.

Inaugural Bordeaux Wine Week - 16-19 June 2022

In 2022, the city of Bordeaux will host Bordeaux Wine Week for the first time, combining events dedicated to French and international wines and spirits.

Fête du Ventre Festival - October 2022

The Festival of the Stomach and the Festival of Norman gastronomy of Rouen have become the unmissable food events for the region. The first one takes place in the historic town centre around Place du Vieux Marché and Rue Rollon on the third weekend of October.

Locally farmed products which are the gastronomic heritage and pride and joy of the region are available to taste and put on sale. Apples, cheeses, ciders, meat, dairy products, jams and sweet treats all await you. Top chefs, artisans and local producers man the stalls which promote local Normandy specialities. These two days of celebration are an unmissable event for foodies and gourmets.

Festival of Gastronomy - September 2022

The Festival of Gastronomy also brings the city of Rouen to life. In 2011, following the inscription of the gastronomic meal of the French on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Festival of Gastronomy was created: events, tastings, direct sales from the producer, workshops and demonstrations.

Beaujolais Nouveau - 17 November 2022

All over France, the New Beaujolais Festival takes place on the third Thursday in November every year, the date when wine-making ends and the wine can be sold. This fruity new wine is keenly awaited by wine-lovers, and is also a great reason to meet friends in a welcoming atmosphere.

Les Etoiles de Mougins - June 2022

Every year in the month of June, the village of Mougins in Alpes-Maritimes organises an international festival entirely dedicated to gastronomy. For three days, the streets and squares of the old village welcome a hundred or so French and foreign chefs who come to share their skills and passion with the public.

The Paris Chocolate Fair - October & November 2022

The Chocolate Fair (Salon du Chocolat) takes place every year in late October/early November in Paris. Chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners and professionals from the chocolate industry, as well as producing countries, great chefs, designers and cocoa experts get together to show the public all the riches of the famous bean. A total of over 700 exhibitors are in attendance for the duration of the fair.

Book your getaway with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from as little as:

£50 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Day Trip & Overnight ticket
£79 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Short Stay Saver ticket (valid for 5 calendar days)
£97 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Standard ticket (for any duration). One way
£249 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way