Shopping for Gourmet Food in Paris

One of the many joys of Paris is the plethora of wonderful delicatessens and food markets where you can indulge your passion for gourmet dishes – whether it be just looking – or better buying for a picnic or supper in your hotel room.

Our favourites tend to be around the Place de la Madeleine where Fauchon and Hediard lurk in one corner of the square. Their window and counter displays are mouthwatering – and some of their prices make the eyes water too! This is Haute-Couture food – the Harrods and Fortnum & Mason foodhalls of Paris.

The other irresistible magnet must be the market in rue Cler in the 7th Arondissement not far from the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. Here you will find market stalls and shops with a wondrous array of cheeses. charcuterie, fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, wine and prepared dishes – all a wonderful panorama of sights and smells. Perhaps we should stay longer next time and rent an apartment so we can try some of these wonderful dishes in comfort.

Pierre Rival’s book Gourmet Shops of Paris: An Epicurean Tour offers a comprehensive guide to food shops across Paris, including some hidden gems that most of us would not find without a recommendation!

The nearby Hôtel des Invalides including the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée) has been voted as one of the top places to visit in France by the French! (France2 TV).

Esplanade des Invalides in 7^e arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower.Invalides, La Tour Maubourg or Varenne

for more info on the Hôtel des Invalides see www.musee-armee.fr

Nearby stay at the modern and comfortable Hotel Le Cinq Codet, so well positioned that the Hotel des Invalides, Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler and Musée d’Orsay are within easy walking distance.