Salt & Wind Travel

The Classic French Sandwiches To Eat On Your Next Trip

When you think of French food, what comes to mind? Croissants? Quiche? Souffles?But how about the classic French sandwiches? They may not be at the top of my mind, but the French are experts at sandwich-making. Be it the famous Croque Monsieur, the simple Jambon Beurre, or our personal favorite, the Pan Bagnat, there are a lot of noteworthy French sandwiches to try on your next trip. 

As a travel planner specializing in custom French travel itineraries for food lovers, I love sharing intel on these six classic French sandwiches.

Classic French Sandwiches
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6 Classic French Sandwiches

We adore most classic French sandwiches because they’re just a few ingredients. That may sound boring, but when each element is quality, and the combination works well, the result is divine.

FYI, we’re only talking about proper sandwiches with ingredients stuffed between two pieces of bread. That means we aren’t getting into tartines or open-faced sandwiches, which we love just as much and which often have many of these same ingredient combinations. Here are six sandwiches to try for a taste of classic French food

Chevre Tomates

This sandwich has no hard and fast recipe, as it’s more of an idea. When you go to bakeries or cafes, you’ll see variations of fresh tomatoes and chêvre (fresh goat cheese), sometimes with the rind on and sometimes without. 

From there, things go in many directions. Sometimes it’s served on sliced pain au levain or sourdough bread, while others are served on a skinny baguette known as a ficelle. Some add olive oil and balsamic vinegar and make it more of a Caprese while others add arugula or fresh herbs. We’re fans of variations such as one that includes beefsteak tomatoes, goat cheese, honey, and walnuts or this Goat Cheese Confit Tomato sandwich

Croque Monsieur (and Croque Madame)

The Croque Monsieur is perhaps the most famous French sandwich. It’s often coined a French grilled cheese sandwich, but it’s more akin to French toast and a sandwich coming together.

To make it, ham and gruyère cheese are mixed with béchamel sauce and then placed between bread, which is dipped in egg and then fried until golden brown.  

Add a fried egg to the top, and the sandwich becomes a Croque madame. We love the taste of ham and cheese (aka jambon fromage) so much that we made this Croque Monsieur Bread Pudding

Jambon Beurre Sandwich

Jambon Beurre

One of France’s most essential and beloved sandwiches is the simple jambon beurre. This is a ham sandwich with butter, but it’s so much more than that. To make one, you’ll need half a baguette, salted french butter, and ham; if you can find jambon de Paris, a French seasoned ham, then even better. 

Spread the butter on the baguette, add the ham, and enjoy. It’s so simple, but it’s so good. Of the many sandwich recipes on our site, the jambon beurre is the most popular. 

Saucisson Beurre

A saucisson beurre is similar to the jambon beurre, except instead of ham as the meat component, dried cured salami – aka saucisson sec –is substituted. There are dozens of varieties of cured sausages in France, made from a vast number of game and ranch animals, so there are many different ways to enjoy these classic French sandwiches.

Pan Bagnat

Many consider the pan bagnat a Niçoise salad in bread, but that’s not quite right. Yes, both recipes hail from the Provence region of France. And, yes, a typical pan bagnat contains tuna, olives, capers, bell peppers, red onions, tomato, basil, anchovies, and a hard-boiled egg. 

But what makes this sandwich unique is that it’s smashed on purpose because, once you assemble the sandwich, you weigh it down until it is all smashed together. It’s a classic picnic recipe because it can be made well ahead and only tastes better as it sits (like this French Carrot Salad that’s also a picnic classic).

It’s not uncommon for this sandwich to be personalized by each person who orders one. It’s usually served on a French baguette, but any fresh bread will do. Try your hand at making the pan bagnat with our recipe.

Pate Cornichon

If you’ve ever snacked on pâté, Dijon mustard, and cornichon, then you don’t need any convincing as to how fabulously delicious this combination is.

As the name suggests, this is chockfull of pâté de Campagne sandwich, a collection of different cuts of pork ground and then cooked with herbs and spices at a long, slow simmer. 

It’s a hearty sandwich, and the cornichon or small pickles are key as their sourness balances the richness of the pate. 

5 Modern French Sandwiches 

Doner Kebab

Döner kebab is something that the French love that isn’t exactly French. Kebab stands began to appear in the 1990s following a significant influx of Turkish immigration. The French immediately fell in love with this tasty treat, and since then, they can’t get enough of it. So, while doner kebab isn’t from France, it’s become a French sandwich staple over the past several decades.

The kebab refers to meat— beef, lamb, or chicken — cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s shaved off with a knife, and then it’s combined with vegetables and sauces and is wrapped in a pita or flatbread.

Falafel

The same goes for falafel. This Middle Eastern vegetarian treat has become popular worldwide, and one of the most celebrated shops to get it in Paris is L’As du Fallafel

Falafel is similar to kebab, except instead of meat, balls of ground chickpeas are fried to a crisp. The balls are then added to the salad and are served in a wrap or pita. The French love this easy-to-eat, portable street food, and we’re right there with them. 

We make them into lettuce wraps when we’re healthy or with a meat grinder when we want extra texture.

Merguez Frites 

Another popular street food that showcases how other cultures have influenced french food is the merguez frites. Merguez is a spicy lamb sausage brought to France by North African immigrants.

These grilled sausages are best enjoyed stuffed in a baguette with french fries in the roll along with them. It’s French, North African, and a hot dog, all in one!

Crêpe

Crêpes may not be sandwiches by the classic definition, but many argue that they are sandwiches indeed. After all, exterior layers contain other tasty treats, and although you usually eat them with a fork, you can wrap them up in foil and eat them with just your hands. 

This French staple comes in two varieties – sweet or savory – and while both are excellent, the savory type, which can include ham, eggs, cheese, or other fillings in the interior, is much more sandwich-like to most. We make a decidedly California version in this recipe for Crepes With Meyer Lemon Curd and Berries

Sandwich at Chez Alain Miam Miam

Perhaps the most famous sandwich in the world, “The Sandwich” at Chez Alain Miam Miam, is acclaimed as one of the very best sandwiches in France. You can only get one of these at the oldest covered market in Paris, the Marché des Enfants Rouges. 

Chef Alain Roussel invented this sandwich in 2005, and there have been long lines ever since. Customers choose the fillings between two kinds of cheese – Comté or Cantal – and enjoy the concoction on fresh-baked bread.

Where To Get Sandwiches In France

As you travel around France, you’ll notice that one of the major national chains is PAUL, a 100-plus-year-old bakery and sandwich shop. You’ll find many more classic sandwiches like chevre tomatoes and saucisson beurre served at some of these spots. 

And, while they do in a pinch, we can’t encourage you enough to go out and try the numerous artisan sandwich shops in Paris, like Caractere de CochonChez Alain Miam Miam, or L’As du Fallafel. Read on if you’re curious about these delectable treats from Paris and beyond. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic French Sandwiches

France offers a variety of classic sandwiches, each with unique ingredients and flavors:

  • Chèvre-Tomate: This sandwich consists of a baguette filled with slices of creamy goat cheese and fresh tomatoes, often seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
  • Jambon-Beurre: A staple in French cuisine, this simple yet delicious sandwich is made with a baguette spread with butter and filled with slices of ham.
  • Croque Monsieur: A grilled sandwich made from sliced bread, ham, and Gruyère cheese, typically topped with béchamel sauce and then baked or fried to create a crispy outer crust.

The French sandwich scene has embraced a variety of international influences, reflecting global tastes and trends:

  • Doner Kebab: Popular throughout Europe, the Doner Kebab has found a strong following in France, especially in urban areas. It typically includes spit-roasted meat. Usually, lamb served in a pita or wrapped with salad, yogurt, and spices.
  • Falafel: Particularly beloved in Paris, falafel sandwiches consist of fried chickpea balls stuffed into a pita with vegetables and tahini sauce, reflecting the influence of Middle Eastern cuisine in France.
  • Crêpes: While traditionally considered a type of pancake, crêpes are also served as sandwiches with various fillings, both sweet and savory, showcasing their versatility in French street food.

To fully enjoy the range of French sandwiches on a visit, consider the following tips:

  • Explore Local Boulangeries: For the freshest chèvre-tomate or jambon-beurre, visit local bakeries where breads are baked daily.
  • Visit Street Markets: Many street markets and food trucks offer a wide selection of sandwiches, including modern options like doner kebab and falafel.
  • Try Different Regions: Different regions in France may offer variations on the classic sandwiches or unique local specialties.
  • Pair with Local Ingredients: Enhance your sandwich experience by pairing it with local cheeses, wines, or condiments to explore the full flavor profile typical of French gastronomy.

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Famous Foods In France

Famous Foods In France

Of course, French cuisine is so much more than sandwiches. If you want to dive deeper into the country’s culinary heritage, check out our guide to 40 famous foods in France. We cover everything from coq au vin to crème brûlée, showcasing the best of France’s regional specialties.

{Citron Pressé} Lavender French Lemonade Recipe

French Recipes To Make Now

Not yeat heading to France? Stoke your wanderlust with our readers’ favorite classic French recipes you can make at home:

France Travel Tips

France Travel Guide

Thinking of traveling to France in reaal life? Check out our free France Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on France. And, of course, if you need help planning your trip, we provide France travel planning services!

Have Up Plan Your Trip To France

If you’re interested in planning a trip to France soon, let us lend a hand, and we can help you plan every step of the way. Visit our Travel Services page at travel.saltandwind.com


Photo Credit: Opening photo by Kristin McKee; Woman holding falafel by timsimages.uk; all other photos by Salt & Wind Travel

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