Paris Self-Guided Foodie Tour

Paris Self-Guided Foodie Tour - The First of Many

Fresh produce and Parisian daily life come hand in hand. I can't imagine a resident of Paris who's never been to one of the many open air produce markets around the city. This too, is one of the major reasons why Paris and France in general got its reputation as a culinary capital.

To a newbie, Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements) in a circular manner with the 1st arrondissement being the center. Typically, the higher the district's number, the farther it is from the city center. Each one of these districts functions like a small village with its own unique character and each one has scheduled open air markets during the week.

Paris City Plan

My free day this trip being Friday, I'm off to the western side of central Paris, Raspail Market (Marche Raspail) on Boulevard Raspail between Rue de Rennes and Rue de Cherche-Midi. This outdoor food market is on the 7th arrondissement and is widely considered 'the most chic in Paris.' And also one of the most expensive. Go figure.

There's a wide variety of choices from cheeses, olives, fruits to fresh meats, rotisseries and charcuteries. Flowers, wines, herbs, antiques and knick knacks.

On Sundays, the market turns into an organic produce market only.

I can spend hours browsing and ogling the variety of products as well as bantering with the stall keepers in my broken French. I figure it's a basic instinct - both parties sense the common desire and find ways to get the message across.  Win-win.

 A few feet away, after I've had my fill of the market, it's time for some coffee at Cafes Richard on rue Cherche-Midi. This shop has a wide selection of coffee and tea and almost anything to do with both! It is the uber-chic version of Starbucks.

 A break here certainly set my mood for my next stop - the La Grand Epicerie de Paris by Bon Marche. If Cafés Richard puts Starbucks to shame, this supermarket owned by Bon Marche puts Whole Foods and Dean and Deluca combined on their knees. This is the Mecca for food lovers! The store has a wide selection of high-end food products whatever your heart desires. I was in heaven! They even have bottled water from all over the world. 

Well, it shouldn't be any surprise - the LVMH Group now owns La Bon Marche. I highly recommend you check the place out on the corner of rue du Bac and rue de Sevres. 

After which then you can saunter over to 81 Rue de l'Universite. It was the Paris home of American gourmet diva, Julia Child. 

 Parfait!