A to Z of French Herbs - Bay Leaves - Feuilles de Laurier

In this week’s Revisit Sunday episode of Fabulously Delicious: The French Food Podcast, we’re returning to one of the most essential herbs in French cooking — the beautifully aromatic Bay Leaf, or feuille de laurier. Often overlooked yet always present, this humble leaf has been quietly flavouring French soups, stews, and sauces for centuries.

Host Andrew Prior takes us back through the history and culinary magic of the Bay Leaf, exploring its place in the traditional bouquet garni, its symbolic meaning in French culture, and why chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens to rustic French farmhouses swear by its subtle but powerful aroma.

From Provence to Paris, the Bay Leaf connects generations of French cooks through its versatility and depth of flavour. Whether it’s simmering in a comforting pot-au-feu, adding warmth to a daube provençale, or bringing complexity to a creamy béchamel, this herb proves that sometimes the quietest ingredients make the loudest impact.