From the lavender fields of Provence to the bustling bistros of Paris, French cuisine is a celebration of elegance, seasonality, and herbs that sing.

In this corner of the Country Recipe Challenge, we explore iconic dishes infused with thyme, tarragon, chervil, and rosemary – each recipe a tribute to France’s culinary artistry and garden traditions.

Whether you’re baking a rustic fougasse or simmering a velvety coq au vin, these recipes invite you to cook with intention, savour with joy, and grow your own flavour.

On this page you will find:

• Example French recipes
• 3 Key French ingredients to grow

Thyme

The French thyme herb has a very strong thyme flavour, and is ideal for stews, soups, meat and fish dishes.

If you want to cook French recipes then it’s a key ingredient and very easy to grow at home.

Days from seed to harvest – about 70 to 90 (2 to 3 months)

The beauty is you can use it fresh but you can also freeze it (as in the picture) to have fresh thyme all year long.

Our step by step guide will show you how to grow thyme at home

Tarragon

This herb has a very delicate aromatic flavour and is one of the most important herbs in French cooking & recipes. Ideal for seasoning salads, sauces, pickles, etc.

It takes about 2 to 3 months to grow – and delicious when used in recipes.

How to grow tarragon at home

Messidrome garlic

Most shops tend to sell only 1 type of garlic – but if you grow this you will notice a real difference.

It is sweet and sharp with a regular garlic taste.

And is the type of garlic that is very often used in French kitchens, and ideal for use in slow cookers.

Very easy to grow at home – how to grow messidrome garlic