Paris – the capital of gastronomy and luxury combined gives us the ultimate gourmet shopping experience. It’s a true delight for any foodie that appreciates the art in food, a delicate presentation in a sublime ambiance. Who else but the French that can give us a dedicated gourmet specialty with such exotic variations? To show you exactly what I mean, my list of amazing gourmet boutiques that you can not miss when you’re next in Paris.
Laurent Dubois – fromagerie (cheese)
What better way to kick off my list with what the French love best: cheese. And lots of it. Laurent Dubois is the most famous fromagerie in Paris, he has hundreds of cheese variations from Epoisse to Reblochon to Chevrotin to Vacherin to Pont-l’Eveque, the list and aroma is breathtaking. Located in Boulevard Saint Germain.
Maison de la Truffe – truffles
La Maison de la Truffe has been the world’s reference for truffles since 1932. Truffle, a little black fungi that is as expensive as it’s delicious. Here you will find an assortiment of truffles, truffle oil, truffle sauce, truffle pasta… Located at the Place de la Madeleine.
Petrossian – caviar
It was in the 1920’s that two Armenian brothers–Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian–first introduced Paris to the magic of caviar and, in doing so, founded the company that today is the premier buyer and importer of Russian caviar worldwide. Add to the caviar, you’ll find the finest salmon and foie gras. Located Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg.
Pierre Hermé – macarons (macaroons)
The best macarons in Paris is found here, in this tiny patisserie created by the famous Pierre Hermé. Where else can you get white truffle hazelnut macarons or saffron-scented peach macarons? Be prepared to queue for a long time as queues wind outside! Located on Rue Bonaparte.
Maille – moutarde (mustard)
You’d think mustard was just mustard. What’s the fuss? You’d say that if you’re used to English mustard like Colman’s slapped onto your hot dog. But in France, moutarde is an essential condiment that enhances perfectly the flavour, with many variations of moutarde fit for a particular dish. So what better than Maille, founded in 1747 as the quintessential boutique for Dijon mustard, the variations of mustards will set your mind spinning. Located at Place de la Madeleine.
Poilâne – boulangerie (bakery)
The French love their bread. And they are also excellent at baking it. So it’s a must to visit Paris’ most famous bakery, Poilâne. In 1932, Pierre Poilâne, a young boulanger opened his first shop in Paris. A few years later, he invented a round loaf that revolutionised the industry. The bread stayed fresh longer and could be cut into large slices to make the famous ‘tartines’. Decades later, the poilane is still the best-seller. There are of course so many different kinds of bread from the classic baguette, to pain de campagne (countrybread), to pain d’epices (gingerbread). Located on rue du Cherche-midi.
Maison du Chocolat (chocolate)
The French also have the highest quality chocolate makers in the world. So look no further than the iconic La Maison du Chocolate for all things yummy, from hot chocolate drinks to chocolate truffles, pralines, ganaches, marrons glaces. Chocolat in France is a true art. Located rue du Faubourg Saint Honore.
Mariage Frères – maison de thé (tea house)
Variations of tea in a sublime setting in the heart of Paris, Mariage Frères was founded in 1854. Located Place de la Madeleine.
Fauchon
Fauchon, founded in 1886, is the referential luxury gourmet store where you can find delicate biscuits, madeleine cakes, jams, tea… Just the packaging and the shocking pink and black design of the store front is enough to send you in there dreaming… Located Place de la Madeleine.
Happy fooding and shopping!
PZ.
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