Why Do French People Eat Snails? 🇫🇷🐌🍽
(And… do they actually like them?)
When people think of French cuisine, they often imagine croissants, cheese, wine… and then — snails?
Yes. Snails.
Known as escargots in French, these little mollusks are often seen as the most stereotypically “weird” French food. But do French people really eat them? Why? And what do they taste like?
Let’s dig into the truth behind the tradition.
🔹 First Things First: What Are Escargots?
“Escargot” simply means “snail” in French.
But don’t worry — the ones you find on French dinner plates are not the garden snails crawling on sidewalks. They are a specific edible species, usually:
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Helix pomatia (also known as the “Burgundy snail”)
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Or Helix aspersa
They’re cleaned, cooked, and often served in a delicious garlic-parsley-butter sauce. Yum!
🔸 Why Do the French Eat Snails?
🕰️ 1. It’s an Ancient Tradition
Believe it or not, the French have been eating snails for thousands of years — dating back to Roman times! Archaeological evidence shows that people in what is now France were farming and eating snails as early as 8,000 years ago.
🍽️ 2. It’s a Symbol of French Gastronomy
Snails are associated with classic French cuisine — especially in Burgundy (la Bourgogne), where escargots de Bourgogne are a traditional dish.
They’re not everyday food, though. Snails are usually served:
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At festive meals (like Christmas or New Year’s)
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In fancy restaurants
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As a starter (entrée), not a main course
🌿 3. It’s All About the Sauce
Let’s be honest: most people don’t eat escargots for the snail itself — they eat them for the garlic butter!
The famous beurre à l’ail et au persil (garlic and parsley butter) is rich, flavorful, and addictive. The snails are mostly just the vehicle.
You dip your bread in the sauce… and it’s heavenly. 🥖
🔸 Do All French People Eat Snails?
No! Not everyone likes them. In fact, some French people find them gross too — especially kids.
But many people are willing to try them at least once. It’s considered:
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A “must-try” dish if you’re visiting France
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A bit of a rite of passage
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A conversation piece at festive dinners
Some love them. Others tolerate them. A few… avoid them.
🔹 How Are Snails Prepared?
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The snails are purged (so they don’t taste earthy)
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Then boiled or steamed
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And finally stuffed into their shells with garlic-parsley butter
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Baked in the oven and served hot — often with special tongs and tiny forks to pull them out
It’s more elegant than you think!
🔹 What Do They Taste Like?
Escargots have a slightly chewy, tender texture, a bit like mushrooms or clams. The flavor is mild, and most of what you taste is the delicious buttery sauce.
If you like garlic, butter, and herbs… you’ll probably enjoy them.
🐌 Fun Facts
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France consumes over 16,000 tons of snails every year
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Most escargots served in restaurants are farmed (not wild)
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In some parts of France, people even collect snails after rain to cook at home!
🗨️ Final Thoughts
So, why do French people eat snails?
Because it’s traditional, tasty, and just a little bit fancy.
They’re not an everyday food, and not everyone loves them — but they’re part of what makes French cuisine so unique and daring.
So if you’re feeling adventurous next time you’re in France, give it a try! You might just fall in love… with butter and garlic. 🧄💚
Want more food-related posts?
Check out our next article: Why do French people eat cheese after the main course? 🧀