French-Style Asheville
- Mallory Middleton
- Jan 24, 2023
- 5 min read
Hey, hi, hello! Welcome to my very first post on this blog. If you'd like to get to know me a little more, check out my about page. I've had a couple of other sites in the past (about cocktails, cooking, and even one about smart home projects with my husband) - but this is my new little corner of the web to document all the adventures in Asheville, North Carolina, that me and my family experience as new locals. What can I say? I enjoy the creative release of writing and documenting a great experience or project. So let's get to it, then!
I've often heard it said that Asheville is "the Paris of the South." Having been to Paris, I do think they share some qualities. They both have an infamous food scene, glamorous speakeasies and bars, old architecture with twinkling lights abound, and most of all, a certain bohemian je ne sais quoi that feels like easy, life-is-good romance in the air everywhere you go. I've also been to several places in the French countryside and other cities like Lyon and Nice, which is why I've titled this blog post "French-style" versus Parisian. There are places in the Asheville area that remind me so much of the French countryside or smaller cities.
So, if you'd like to don your best black outfit and a beret for a "tres bien" evening out with an even more romantic feeling, look no further than these starting suggestions. Below I cover what to see, what to eat, what to drink, and even a sample itinerary if you just want to be told where to go to make a French-style outing happen in Asheville. You'll be saying "oui oui" before the night's end…
WHAT TO SEE:
Stroll through downtown Asheville, specifically, The Grove Arcade. This isn't your loud flashing games-that-take-tokens type of arcade. No, this is an old building with endless character; a multi-level treasure trove of shops, restaurants, businesses, bars, and even a day spa. The curved spiral staircases throughout, glass ceiling, and ornate detail on the balconies above will mesmerize you in a way that I was in both Paris & Lyon in France. You'll see in the photo here that there are tables and cafe chairs throughout to encourage passerbys to sit, relax, and enjoy whatever treasures you've picked up along your stroll in the Arcade. If you go during the holidays, it will be especially glitzy with lights adorned everywhere.
I know, you're SHOCKED that this top attraction in Asheville is highlighted, right? Okay, but hear me out. I would be extremely remiss not to recommend a trip to The Biltmore house if we're talking French vibes. Since it is Châteauesque-style in its very nature, it certainly fits the bill. If you decide to make this a highlight of your French-style outing in Asheville, it may very likely be the only attraction of your day. With good reason, too; a ticket to Biltmore includes the house, the grounds, the village, AND the winery that will have you swept away. You'll find yourself in a petite Versailles-type experience (I can confirm this since I've been to both). Extra glam, timeless, and tres chic.
A most-beloved hotel and attraction in Asheville that isn't surprising in the least to make this list, I'm sure. If you Google "top places to stay or see" in Asheville, undoubtedly, The Omni Grove Park Inn has been on your screen at some point. The grandeur, the rock and red clay tile exterior, the elegance and state of mind you're immediately put into upon walking through the massive entry doors is sure to make you feel a little French. You'll instantly feel the urge to slow down, take in the views from every large window with a breathtaking mountain view, order something that will make you stay a while, and indulge yourself in the moment. That's how we felt on our visit to France and that's how I feel when I visit this beautiful property.
WHAT TO EAT:
The owner of this restaurant was born and raised in France, and boy, can you tell. The food is unbelievably delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service defines effortless hospitality. Every time I dine here, I fall in love all over again. It's an absolute must for a French-style evening in Asheville!
Lucky, lucky us... there's a sister venue to Bouchon that is every bit as wonderful. Same owner and take on French comfort food, slightly different atmosphere, yet every bit as enjoyable. The menu overlaps items with Bouchon, so you can still grab favorites like frites and escargot. There's more seating in this venue than in Bouchon, so your chances of grabbing a table might be a little better here than downtown if you don't have reservations.
Taking us to the eclectic West Asheville neighborhood is Jargon. It's not French food, in fact, they market themselves as modern American, but the restaurant's atmosphere has a French-style coziness, attention to detail, casual-yet-carefully-attentive service, and very intentionally curated menu items. I get all kinds of France flashbacks in this restaurant, so thus, it makes my list!
WHAT TO DRINK:
This place is a living French aesthetic in Asheville. Vintage books, champagne, books, leather couches, tasseled lampshades, and live jazz - you'd think that would be enough to make the list, but oh no, it gets even better. You can order devilishly delicious desserts and the charcuterie board to top all charcuterie boards. I mean, come ON... Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar is a French-style heaven in Asheville.
This craft cocktail bar is French style for so many reasons for me. It's effortlessly authentic and sophisticated. The low glimmer of the antique lighting and velvet couches, the massive selection of vintage spirits, and live piano music in the background make this the place the pièce de résistance of any evening out in downtown Asheville, but especially if you want a French-style affair.
What I noticed in France was the thoughtful integrity of almost every detail in bars and eateries, and Antidote at Chemist Spirits certainly has that. They have a unique style of an early 1900s Apothecary that shines through in every aspect of your experience there. Similar to the others on this list, you'll find antique furniture and glassware, but what's different here is the mixologists and servers dress to match. It's three stories of various seating arrangements and views of the building, which is beautiful itself. The dark wood and large staircases with little intimate nooks of 2-seaters are very French to me. Also, what's more French than any gin cocktail? None in my opinion. This bar is attached to Chemist Spirits gin distillery, so you're right next to the holy source of a fabulous French cocktail.
A SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Start the afternoon with drinks and a walk about the Omni Grove Park Inn in the lobby bar. Soak in the warmth of their massive fireplaces, and stroll the wings of the hotel to admire the turn-of-the-century style that is still intact. If you go during the holidays (late November-early January), you can take in the sights and smells of the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. From there, descend to downtown Asheville at meander through the marvelous of The Grove Arcade). You may even be drawn to the soothing sound of jazz music in Battery Park Book Store and Champagne Bar within the Grove Arcade. After working up a good appetite with all that walking, you'll be ready to bop to Bouchon. Be sure to try their esteemed escargot. Finish off the evening by sashaying to The Crow & Quill for a nightcap right down the street (if you can find it on the first try, you win the silent honor of your spying abilities).
I put a list of all these suggestions in a Google Maps list here if you want to save it.
A'voire and enjoy!
Until next time,
See you in the mountains.
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