A Culinary Tour of Paris

The word Paris evokes images of glittering lights, the Eiffel Tower, the haute couture, the wine and cheese. The city is legendary not only for its fashion and perfume, but also for its cafes, boulangeries, chocolates and restaurants. Literally thousands of cafes line the streets of Paris. How do you choose one from the other? Where can you get the best pain au chocolat? Here is a guide that will help you experience a culinary adventure in the city of lights.

Cafes

Sipping coffee at a café is the best way to admire the scenery and people watch. If you find yourself in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres area, sit at the famous Café Les Deux Magots to discover why famous patrons like Albert Camus, Paul Sartre and Hemingway like to hang out here in the 50s.

Café Les Deux Magots
170 blvd, St Germain, 6^th Arr
Hrs: 8AM - 2AM daily; closed second week of January

Crepes

This ubiquitous confection is available on just about very street corner. But if you prefer to eat it in a sit-down restaurant, head over to Montparnasse, where there's a plethora of creperies. Crepes are served with all kinds of toppings, from savory (ham, cheese, bacon) to sweet (banana, strawberries with nutella, jam and/or Grand Marnier.) Enjoy a cup of hot cider along with your meal.

Creperie de Josselin
67, rue du Montparnasse
Tel: 01 43 55 62 29

Bakery

Everybody raves about the baguettes at Poilane Bakery. Their baked goods are so popular they opened another location in London. Their website is chock full of information like recipes and what to do with leftover breads.

Poilane at Cherche-Midi
8 rue du Cherche-Midi
Paris 75006
Tel: 01 45 48 42 59
Hrs: Mon-Sat 7:15 AM to 8:15 PM

Poilane - Grenelle Bakery
49 bld de Grenelle
Paris 75015
Tel: 01 45 79 11 49
Hrs: Tue-Sun 7:15 AM to 8:15 PM

Pastries, Chocolates, Wine and Cheeses

Whether or not you are a serious foodie, a trip to Fauchon or Le Bon Marché's La Grande Épicerie is a must. The array of goodies offered by these hyper-upscale specialty store will boggle your mind. If you are visiting around the Christmas holidays, sample some marron glaces (glazed chestnuts.) These yummy goodies are laced with honey or liquor and are individually wrapped. Perfect places to shop for that unique gift.

Fauchon
26 place de la Madeleine
Tel: 01 70 39 38 00

Le Bon Marché's La Grande Épicerie
38 rue de Sevres
Tel: 01 44 39 81 00

This guide is just the tip of the iceberg. There are salon de thés, wine bars, bistros, and many interesting markets awaiting for you to explore. Enjoy Paris, and bon appetit!