Brocantes in Paris

Spring’s triumphant arrival in Paris is evident not just by tulips blooming in the Tuileries but also by the brocantes popping up all over the city. Brocantes are similar to flea markets except that they are temporary. The secondhand dealers are like a band of gypsies. They rove the brocante circuit from one Paris arrondissement [...]

La Grande Épicerie at Bon Marché (Paris)

La Grande Épicerie au Bon Marché Rue de Sèvres at rue du Bac, 7th arr. Metro stop: Sèvres-Babylone   Monday-Saturday 8:30 am to 9 pm (see pp. 88-91 in Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.)   View Larger Map Calling all foodies! Two gourmet food halls in Paris cater to well-heeled residents and tourists. Both are [...]

Let’s Get Fresh

Recent news about customers losing interest in “fresh” produce at Walmart doesn’t come as a big surprise. Any food that’s been in transit for days, then left languishing on warehouse shelves, is going to suffer. Not only freshness and flavor are at stake, but nutritional value plummets too. There are sometimes compelling reasons to buy produce [...]

Edgar Quinet Open-Air Food Market (Paris)

Le marché Edgar Quinet Boulevard Edgar Quinet from rue du Départ to Square Delambre, 14th arr. Edgar Quinet, Vavin Wednesday 8am to 1:30pm; Saturday 8am to 1pm (See pp. 178-180 in Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.) View Larger Map The boulevard Montparnasse is justly famous for cafés that were (and still are) favorite haunts of [...]

Best Flea Markets in Paris (and Tip #5)

I was recently interviewed by travel guru Rick Steves (and–yes!–he’s every bit as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he seems on t.v.). One of the call-in questions came from a woman who is planning a trip with her 15-year-old daughter and looking for something fun to do in Paris when traveling with a teenager. I suggested [...]

Rue Montorgueil Market Street

Rue de Turbigo to rue Réaumur, 2nd arr closest Métro stops: Les Halles, Étienne Marcel, Sentier Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday morning (See pp. 35-36 in Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.)   View Larger Map The shiny snail perched atop the entrance to restaurant L’Escargot Montorgueil is an iconic image. But it’s not the [...]

Place Monge Open-Air Food Market

Place Monge, 5th arr.  closest Métro: Monge Wednesday and Friday 8 am to 1:30pm; Sunday 8 am to 2 pm (See pp. 61-63 in Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.)   If you’re in the Latin Quarter you have several market options. Place Monge is one of my favorites for its friendly vibe and broad selection. [...]

Seasonal Delights at the French Winter Markets

There are a handful of winter market options in New England, but nothing (yet) that compares to what’s available in Parisian markets all year round. Even during the shortest and coldest days of the year, food markets in Paris overflow with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, and all manner of temptation. Winter markets are especially [...]

Market Updates

I’m recently back from several weeks in France. I gave presentations at the American Library in Paris, the Bloom Where You’re Planted Program (held annually at the American Church), and the American Embassy in Paris. Shakespeare and Company hosted a book signing. At each event, it was exciting to meet so many people who appreciate [...]

Bastille Arts and Crafts market (Paris)

Le Marché de la Création Bastille Boulevard Richard Lenior, 11th Arr. Closest Métro stops: Bastille, Breguet-Sabin Saturday 9am to 6pm (See p. 152 of Markets of Paris, 2nd ed.) View Larger Map The median plaza that runs down boulevard Richard Lenoir near the Bastille gets good use. On Thursdays and Sundays it’s the location of [...]