This is served before you sit down for the meal. Along with your flute de champagne or kir (a popular before dinner drink made form crème de cassis and white wine), have a nibble on:
Gougères - These are bite sized cheese puffs made from choux pastry.
Rillettes - Variously made from chopped fish, pork, or other meats that have been slowly cooked and seasoned, these are served spread on pieces of toast.
Tapenade - A puree of black or green olives, capers, and olive oil that is used as a spread.