France, Bon Appetit: A chef's guide to French food highlights

Paris at sunset with the Sacre Coeur. Photo / Getty Images

Chef Nick Honeyman offers his top tips for culinary adventure in France.

1. Maison Troisgros, in Roanne, northwest of Lyon, has had three Michelin stars in the family for decades but they opened their new restaurant and hotel in February last year. We had one of (maybe even the) best meal of our lives there. A wonderful culinary journey, well worth the trip.

2. Sit on the steps of Sacre Coeur in Paris at sunset with a bottle of wine (or you can buy beer there).

3. The Clown Bar where the fantastic food is just down our alley. Inventive and refined bistro dining, similar to the style I'm cooking.

4. L'amis Jean is a fantastic small restaurant. The chef is quite old school ... charming with the ladies and screaming in the kitchen all while creating outstanding food.

5. Have a drink at the Little Red Door — show up early, as the line is always busy. They have a booklet with paintings and art which you use to choose your cocktails.

6. Ble Sucre (7 Rue Antoine Vollon) for the best croissant in Paris. We walk there early in the morning. The smell is outstanding. There is an adjacent small park, perfect to eat the croissants and enjoy the sun.

7. Fa'alafel — our pick for best fast meal — order the falafel kebab or assiette. The line can be quite long but moves fast.

8. Jaques Gennin for the best made-to-order millefeuilles and pastries in the world.

9.Early-morning produce markets at Trocadero and Bastille. I draw so much inspiration for my food by simply seeing the produce. Such an outing is perfect for the first few days of jetlag.

Nick Honeyman is doing cooking demonstrations at The Food Show in Wellington this year, from May 11 13, at Westpac Stadium.