Paris Market Secrets
7 Essential Tips From Someone Who Shopped There For 8 Years
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My number one thing to do in Paris whenever I visit, or if someone asks for recommendations, is to go to the market. It's a walk down memory lane for me. My weekly or even twice-weekly shop would be punctuated by this social highlight. I had my regular veg guy, the butcher who doled out more advice on how to cook a dish than your chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the fishmonger with a display that rivalled sea candy - all those scales glistening irresistibly. You would watch the seasons come and go, with something new to look forward to every week.
I was in Paris last month for a work gig and extended my stay by a couple of days, staying in an Airbnb in my old neighbourhood. It turned out to be a proper bachelor pad with only the most basic kitchen equipment and the worst kitchen knives imaginable. Walking past my old apartment, I strolled down the same crummy lane where people leave their sad old discarded furniture for someone to reclaim, all while dodging dog poo (the Parisian way to cross the road: look right, then left, and then down).
Anyway, I digress. When I headed to my Saturday market - as I'd done countless times during my eight years living in Paris - I spotted my old veg guy carefully handling avocados, selecting the perfect one for his customer based on when they'd eat it. My eyes proved greedier than my stomach, and I ended up with far more than I could actually eat.
Over the years, I've learned many valuable lessons, and I've now put together a handy guide on navigating French markets, as well as a nifty list/map to all the Paris food markets.
Three Reasons You'll Thank Me Later:
The Insider's Navigation System: Look, we've all been there - wandering aimlessly between market stalls, overwhelmed by choices. But there's actually a foolproof way to spot the vendors selling the good stuff. The locals have been doing this for generations, and once you know what to look for, you'll never waste your euros on mediocre produce again.
Cultural Etiquette Mastery: Nothing screams "tourist" more than awkwardly hovering around a cheese stall, afraid to interact. I'll share the exact phrases and little customs that'll have vendors treating you like a regular. Trust me, it makes all the difference between getting the bland tomato and the one they've been saving for their favorite customers.
Sensory Shopping Strategies: A Parisian market isn't just a shopping trip - it's an experience. I've learned how to fully immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and smells that make these markets magical. There's a way to shop that transforms a simple errand into one of your favorite Paris memories.
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