The Best French Summer Recipes

One of the great joys of summer in France is the déjeuner qui s’éternise—the long, leisurely lunch that stretches into the afternoon, shaded under plane trees or a parasol, punctuated by chilled wine and the occasional breeze. Whether you’re dining at a rustic table in Provence, seaside in Brittany, or simply making the most of a sunny balcony in Paris, French summer recipes are designed for sharing, savoring, and lingering.

In this post, I’m rounding up my favorite French summer recipes—each one bringing the flavors of the French marché, the Mediterranean, or the Atlantic coast to your own table. Some of these recipes are in French, but I highly recommend using a browser translation plugin—it’s a small effort for a more authentic French experience. If you want more reflections on the culture of les longues déjeuners, don’t miss this week’s Substack post where I share what French summer lunches have taught me about slowing down.

Apéritif

No French summer lunch begins without an apéritif. In France, this often means a refreshing drink and a few light bites to whet the appetite, a ritual that can last an hour before anyone even sits at the table.

Three Bubbly French Spring Apéritifs

Jenn Davis shares three cocktail recipes that easily transition from spring to summer, including a bubbly take on the classic kir royal—perfect for that first toast.
View the recipes here

Burrata with Grilled Apricots & Rosemary

A bright and elegant apéro option from @louloukitchen. Creamy burrata meets caramelized apricots with rosemary for a flavor that captures the South of France.
Watch the video here

Tapenade 

This Provençal olive spread is perfect on crusty bread with a glass of rosé—salty, briny, and impossible to stop eating.
View the recipe here

Anchoïade 

A garlic and anchovy dip served with raw vegetables, often enjoyed at apéro in Provence—like a Mediterranean take on crudités.
View the recipe here

Entrées (Starters)

Once the apéritif winds down, French summer lunches ease into a light entrée—something fresh, seasonal, and colorful. Tomatoes, melons, and simple salads shine this time of year, often served family-style so everyone can pick and choose.

Summer Marché Tomato Salad

Jenn Davis celebrates peak tomato season with this simple yet juicy salad inspired by the colors of the French marché.
Get the recipe here

Salade de la Flemme

@louloukitchen’s “lazy vacation salad” combines tomatoes, arugula, and burrata—a go-to when it’s too hot to cook but you still want something delicious.
Watch @louloukitchen’s version here

Ultimate Greek Salad

While not strictly French, the salade grecque is a Mediterranean staple that often appears on French summer tables, especially near the sea.
View the recipe here

Melon Jambon de Parme

A classic summer starter in France: slices of cantaloupe paired with paper-thin jambon cru—raw cured ham from France, Spain, or Italy. You’ll find this combination at any good charcuterie.

Oeufs Mimosa

French-style deviled eggs, usually made with mustard and herbs, are a nostalgic staple of summer family lunches.
View the recipe here

Plats (Mains)

The main course is typically unfussy but flavorful, often built around grilled meats, fresh fish, or vegetable tarts. It’s less about complexity and more about celebrating great ingredients prepared well—accompanied, of course, by more wine and plenty of conversation.

Summer Lamb Chops with French Potato Salad

A hearty yet bright dish by Jenn Davis, pairing juicy lamb chops with a tangy potato salad that feels both rustic and refined.
Recipe for paid subscribers here

Chicken with Olives & Lemon + Tomato Tartines

A relaxed vacation meal from @louloukitchen: tender chicken stewed with olives and lemon, served alongside tomato tartines for an easy, sun-drenched plate.
Watch the video here

Sardines Grillées

Grilled sardines are the crown jewel of summer eating on the French coast—best enjoyed with sea air, lemon wedges, and sticky fingers.
Recipe here via La Tartine Gourmande

Tarte à la Tomate

This savory tomato tart is a French summer staple, often served with a simple green salad. The perfect main when tomatoes are at their best.
View @louloukitchen’s version here

Tarte au Fenouil et aux Oignons Rouges façon Tatin

An elegant twist on the classic tarte Tatin, this upside-down tart features caramelized fennel and red onions—beautiful on a summer table.
View The Recipe here

Ratatouille

A Provençal vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, delicious served hot or cold with a side of rice or baguette.
View The Recipe here

Niçoise Salad

Tuna, anchovies, eggs, and crisp vegetables—this salad from Nice is a complete meal and a Mediterranean classic.
View The Recipe here

Grilled Sea Bass with Fennel

A light and elegant main course that channels the South of France—simply grilled sea bass paired with anise-flavored fennel.
View The Recipe here

Desserts

No long French lunch ends without dessert, especially in summer when fruit is at its peak. Whether it’s a rustic cake, a show-stopping pavlova, or a simple bowl of cherries, dessert is the final excuse to stay seated just a little longer.

Gâteau Amande Fraise (Rustic French Strawberry Almond Cake)

Jenn Davis’s almond cake lets the season’s gariguette strawberries shine, perfect with coffee or an afternoon digestif.
Available to paid subscribers here

Pavlova aux Fruits Rouges by Cyril Lignac

A show-stopping dessert of crisp meringue topped with lush summer berries—elegant enough for a special lunch with friends.
Watch the recipe here

La Tropézienne

This soft brioche filled with orange blossom cream originates from Saint-Tropez. It’s beloved across France and tastes like a Riviera holiday in dessert form.
Watch how it’s made here

Clafoutis aux Cerises 

This baked custard studded with cherries is a French countryside classic, especially when served slightly warm.
View The Recipe here

Pêche Melba 

Poached peaches with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream—a Belle Époque dessert that feels indulgent yet summery.
View The Recipe here

Tarte aux Mirabelles

An end-of-summer treat made with tiny golden mirabelle plums, typical of Lorraine but beloved throughout France.
View The Recipe here

Conclusion

Whether you’re after a simple apéro, a rustic seafood feast, or a lavish dessert to impress, these French summer recipes bring a touch of joie de vivre to your table. A note: some of the best recipes I’ve shared are in French, but with a quick translation plugin, they’re easy to follow—I promise it’s worth the extra click.

Try a few for your next gathering—or better yet, clear your afternoon and linger like the French do. And for more on the art of the French summer lunch, don’t forget to read my latest Substack essay, where I explore the unhurried pace, the rituals, and the life lessons of les longues déjeuners.