Paris Gastronomy - the best places to buy your gourmet French foods!Paris gastronomy There are so many different types of gourmet foods that you can try, at least just once, in Paris. For starters, there are all the bakeries - those are ubiquitous in Paris. But that doesn't mean they are all good! All though finding a good one is not that difficult to find. At about 11:00 the ones that have line-ups that go outside onto the street tend to be good, since all the Parisians have tried and tested the rest, and don't usually settle for less than great for their baguettes and pain-au-chocolats or other pastries. Paris gastronomy My personal favorite bakery is: Eric Kayser Artisan Boulanger The breads, croissants, pain-au-chocolat, really everything is exceptional. The flakey, subtle buttery flavor is to die for - all their pastries just melt in your mouth. These bakeries are probably some of the best in Paris. And don't be scared of the long lines - they move very quickly. You may get passed up if you don't know what you want though. The staff are extremely efficient and courteous. It may be difficult to decided what you want, with all the great things available - a great place to start is with the "traditional" stuff. You will find that it is sooo good, and will think "how can a simple croissant be so delicious?!", that venturing to their other cakes, tarts and other fancy creations will be more than natural, it will be downright addictive. Locations: 8 rue Monge (5th arrondissement) View Larger Map 14 rue Monge (5th arrondissement) 87 rue d'Assas (6th arrondissement) 10 rue de l'Anc. Comédie (6th arrondissement) 85 Bd de Malesherbes (8th arrondissement) 40 bd Haussman (9th arrondissement) 309 Faubourg Saint Antoine (11th arrondissement) 95 rue de la Glacière (13th arrondissement) 87 rue Didot (14th arrondissement) 79 rue du Commerce (15th arrondissement) 49 rue Linois (15th arrondissement) Paris gastronomy Cheese stores I was never a big fan of cheese until I went to France. All the wonderful, delicious, strong and intoxicating cheese converted me quite easily. Now, my tastes have changed and I really like the strong cheese, and any blue cheese. My favorite cheese shops (or fromageries): Fromagerie Montorgueil 
View Larger Map 32 rue Montorgueil A small, but well stocked cheese shop in the great Montorgueil area. Nearly any type of cheese you could want, try, or experiment in your own gourmet French cooking! The patrons are absolutely wonderful and provide great service. I love this place! Fromagerie Montorgueil (pops) Barthélemy View Larger Map 51 rue de Grenelle Another small, but well stocked cheese shop. This little place has been open since 1971, directed by Nicole Barthélemy, and providing cheese matured to utter perfection in the store's cellars. Paris gastronomy Chocolate Making chocolate is a fine art. Finding chocolate in Paris is easy, but finding great chocolate isn't. But when you do find it, the chocolate is pure ecstasy! Some of the best chocolate in Paris is by: Christian Constant View Larger Map 37 rue d'Assas These chocolates are absolutely sinful. The chocolates are made from the essences of flowers like jasmine or ylang-ylang. The less exotic chocolates have dried fruits, honey and pine kernels or hazelnut, honey and cinnamon. Catering available. Check out Christian Constant here (pops) I have been told that the best macaroons (ever) can be found at: Ladurée View Larger Map 21 rue Bonaparte So I thought, sure best "ever" - that is until I tried a box of eight (assorted). These small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle are truly divine - and I have yet to have better. I am not a big fan of pistachio - but the Ladurée pistachio macaroon was simply amazing. The flavors that are permanently available are: Chocolate, Dark chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, Rose petal, Pistachio, Salted butter Caramel, Cherry amaretto, Raspberry, Orange blossom, Liquorice. I also had the tangy pleasure of having one of their seasonal lemon macaroons - these creations are a work of art - perfect for the sweet tooth out there, without being overwhelming and balanced with the right amount of tartness. They are a tad pricey - but for an occasional treat, they are well worth it. A box of eight will run at about 14€. They also make chocolates, cakes and pastries and cater for special occasions. The bride-to-be who can order a wedding cake from Ladurée will not be disappointing her guests - but don't expect any to be left once the guests leave! There are many Ladurée locations besides the one above - so make sure you check out their site to find one nearest you on your next trip! Check out Ladurée here (pops) Paris gastronomy Delicatessens Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie View Larger Map 34 rue Montmartre This is a great delicatessen. It specializes in French southwest products like foie gras and confit of duck. Of course it has other tasty things like specialty jams, champagne, and of course wine. You can buy the stuff to take home with you or taste them on the spot at the restaurant. The staff generally have something out on the counter to taste, or some wine on the go. They are very helpful and super cheery. The store is lively and full of great food. Definitely recommended - try out all of their sumptuous food. Some of it is expensive (it is gourmet after all) but most is reasonable, and you can buy smaller tins, jars, etc of the expensive stuff so you can try everything just once! It's all yummy if you ask me. Paris gastronomy - some great, unique stores that sell some of the best food in Paris. Check them out - you won't be disappointed! Bon apétit! buy unique gifts at Zazzle Leave Paris Gastronomy and go back to Food of Paris Go back to Discover-Paris-France homepage. |
